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Can I Run Both 29/27.5+ Wheels In The Same 29er Fork?

72K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  Kevin Van Deventer  
#1 ·
This might be a stupid question, but I did a search and couldn't really find an answer, with the new crop of 29/27.5+ bikes can you run both wheel sizes with one 29er fork? Because essentially 27.5+ is almost the same diameter as 29 it seems like you could get away with having just one fork and simply swap out wheels instead of having to install a 27.5+ fork.

Obviously the fork would be optimized for a true 29 inch diameter, but if a 27.5+ wheel and tire is almost the same diameter I can't imagine it being a terrible compromise. Or am I missing something?

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Maybe... my SS use have to 27.5x2.8 and used a non-boost 29er fork. Fit just fine. I am running it 29x2.35 now because I liked the 29er better. Not sure a 27.5 x3.0 would fit, but 2.8 did.
 
#8 ·
My Fox 32 29er boost fork (non stepcast) fits a true 27.5x3 tire on i39mm rims with ample room to spare.
A Reba boost 27.5+/29 fork will take anything from 27.5 x 3 to 29 x 3.0. the 29+ is a little tight but it will work. 29 x 2.6/2.8 would be easy.

http://forums.mtbr.com/26-27-5-29-plus-bikes/rockshock-reba-boost-27-5-29-fits-29-a-997538.html

I'm considering swapping out my 27.5+ wheelset for a 29+ set but I need to measure my frame. Specs say it'll fit a 29 x 2.3. I'm curious to see if a 29 x 2.6 would fit. I might even run 29+F/27.5+R as an experiment.
So it sounds like the fork options are already available to make it feasible to own just one fork that will accommodate both 27.5+ and 29.

I didn't realize 29er Boost forks were being made. Thought that was just a 27.5 thing.

Anyways... now it sounds like I just have to determine which approach entails less compromise. Do I get a Boost 29 fork and run 27.5+ wheels in it? Or do I get a 27.5+ fork and run regular width 29" in that?

This is all so new that by time I actually get around to buying a new bike it will prob be fully hashed out.

Thanks for the input!
 
#7 ·