[Vandals]

I just ordered a newer Fuse to replace my Cannondale 27.5+ hard tail. I’m pretty used to the 27.5 in 2.8 and 3.0. The Fuse comes with 29 x2.6 tires which are decent size. But they aren’t 2.8 or 3.0.

I run low pressure (17-20psi) in my 27.5 wheels and it works great for softening up the bumps in the back. Would it be worth it to swap the rear 29 wheel out for a 27.5 to run the 3.0? Or should the 2.6 in 29 have enough squish?

Most of my technical riding is single track, trail or XC. Roots are frequent, rocks occasionally, sand is almost always.

To swap the rear, I’m considering 1) an upgrade to XD freehub for the lighter cassette, or 2) just getting a new rim laced onto the stock hub. It’s about $300 more for the new wheel option. I already have a couple spare 27.5 tires on hand.

Edited to add a picture of it setup.

 

[grubetown]

I don’t have experience on a mullet set up. However I have 29x2.6 on a Rigid Timberjack and off road I have run as low as 10 in the front and 12 in the back. No issues and lots of “squish”

 

[Vandals]

I've got Maxis 2.6" tires and found that on the 29, that I had to run 21.5 in the back and 23 upfront. Otherwise the bike was too much squish in the rear tire and the front started playing too much with the fork. Still thinking of doing the mullet just for the larger rear tire. Get a little more traction.

 

[Vandals]

I found some redit posts on it. I’m waiting for a 27.5x40mm wheel. Going to run a WTB Bridger 3.0 on it. Should be fast enough rolling and good traction. I’m keeping the 1x11 XT drivetrain. Only change there is I’m switching to an oval chainring.

Based on the online geometry calculator, the head tube will be a 65 and seat tube will be 72.4. All within reason for a trail bike. Original geometry is in red. Blue is mullet with a 150mm/51 offset Fox 34.

 

[krol1]

The easy way would be to just put 2.8 tires on the existing rims (they are 30-35 mm, right) That is, assuming they would fit the existing frame
At least you could try with the front, the bigger tire does more good there.
17-20 psi is NOT low pressure. I weigh 180 lbs, and run my 2.8 tires with 11-12 psi front, 13-14 psi rear, in similar conditions you've described.

 

[Vandals]

The easy way would be to just put 2.8 tires on the existing rims (they are 30-35 mm, right) That is, assuming they would fit the existing frame
At least you could try with the front, the bigger tire does more good there.
17-20 psi is NOT low pressure. I weigh 180 lbs, and run my 2.8 tires with 11-12 psi front, 13-14 psi rear, in similar conditions you've described.

The whole point was more squish in the back wheel. I didn’t want to raise the rear end or go bigger diameter. Two new 29” tires is almost the same price as a comparable quality 27.5 wheel. I already had the 27.5x3.0 tire on hand. The 29” rims are 29mm id so fitting 2.8 would not be good. The wheel I bought has a 108 point hub. New hub goes brrrr.

I weigh considerably more than 180lbs so my low pressure will be higher than your low pressure, otherwise my rims go bonk on the roots.

Overall I’m liking the change. Much smoother over roots and small bumps. Traction seemed better for climbs. Overall the 27.5x3.0 OD seems about the same as the 29x2.6. And I have a spare front rim now or I can mullet my other hard tail.

 

[sheatrock]

Now that is a mullet LOL.

My V1 switchblade with 29X2.6 on 30mm internal on front and 27.5X3.25 on 40mm rear. The bike has the much hated 157mm super boost rear hub that allows clearance needed for such a large tire. I had purchased tires for my Salsa Bucksaw and after a few beers one night i decided to try one on the Pivot. It's now been on it for a year and and have come to really enjoy the setup. I purchased the bike in plus configuration but was frustrated with pedal strikes in the rocks and roots in the north east trails. The 29 inch FR setup helped with strikes but lacked the rear compliance i love. The 27.5 x 3.25 is the same height as the 29X 2.6.

The setup gets attention and comments from other riders.

 

[Vandals]

Now that is a mullet LOL.

My V1 switchblade with 29X2.6 on 30mm internal on front and 27.5X3.25 on 40mm rear. The bike has the much hated 157mm super boost rear hub that allows clearance needed for such a large tire. I had purchased tires for my Salsa Bucksaw and after a few beers one night i decided to try one on the Pivot. It's now been on it for a year and and have come to really enjoy the setup. I purchased the bike in plus configuration but was frustrated with pedal strikes in the rocks and roots in the north east trails. The 29 inch FR setup helped with strikes but lacked the rear compliance i love. The 27.5 x 3.25 is the same height as the 29X 2.6.

The setup gets attention and comments from other riders. View attachment 1961096

That’s a beautiful setup. The plush rear tire and the 29 just looks right. I wouldn’t mind a wider rear hub for the width. The 3.0 is pretty close on mine. I can see more manufacturers going this way on trail and enduro bikes.

 

[Vandals]

After a several 6 & 8 mile XC type rides, I have to say I'm really liking the mullet. The 3.0 rear tire is almost the same OD as the 29x2.6. It's pretty close to rubbing on the chainstays, but no issues so far. I may go down to a 27.5 x 2.8 on the next tire just to make sure it doesn't rub, but I'll have to see how it does over the life of the tire.