Moved to a full 29" set up this season (from a 27.5") - love how it just blasts through, over and down stuff...but damn it is harder in tight corners...unfortunately no mullet option on my current bike, but would definitely like to compare one in the future. At the moment i'll learn to corner better and just enjoy it.
I know it's not faster in the long run but i tried 26 fs and it corners and accelerates beautifully. We have to remember MTB is about fun. Not always about racing.
We need more of this style of video! I loved the dynamic and dialogue between you two. Also, Doddy did a great job of explaining the feel of the bike on-course. This was a very well-put-together video that immersed the viewer I. The experience.
29" feels clumsy to me, it rides the rocks better but the agility is just not good for me, 27.5" seems the best compromise but i have never tried a mullet!
This is such a good test because like Doddy said Anna and Doddy are completely different riders and they’re different heights as well! Great test 👍 Btw I’m 5’6” and I still like 27.5 front and back and I’m really hoping the industry doesn’t move away from 27.5 wheels 🤞
I put a 27.5" front in my 26" and although it was very noticeable, I liked it. Maybe that's a bit to do with the small size I started with, but the bike suited me better. It canceled out a bit of the 26" downsides and I could get used to the extra bulk at the front, so yes I was into the mullets. Now I went to a different bike that has 29" front and rear, but also a lot more (basically a big step upwards in every aspect) but now I don't dare to mullet this. For one, because the bike wasn't meant to be ridden like that, but also because the difference between bikes is so big, I'm still getting my head round that. And in the process, I will probably get used to it by the time I'd decide to have space for experiments. First off though, I still need to dial in a lot. Get some stuff serviced and so on. Then try some tracks that I don't have nearby, then see what I think.
I ride a 29er all the time. However recently had an hour’s ride on a mullet , it felt better on the tight twisty’s really responsive. It was a lot of fun to ride. I still like my 29er and the way it just rolls over terrain. They both have a place. Shame I can’t have both😉🤣
Love my 27.5 because it so much more fun. Rode a 29er on my home tracks and I was a lot faster with a lower heart rate, but my 27.5 is so much more fun. That's what it's all about for me.
Great video 👏 I've just made the transition from a 27.5 full sus trail bike to a Specialized Status 160 mullet with the larger 29 front wheel and loving it 😎 The larger front wheel plus increased suspension has really helped my confidence while the back end with it's crazy short chain stay length keeps things fun at the back 👍
I think that a couple seconds difference could just be up to your personal riding style, and how tired and/or warmed up you were from the first run. You could also have been subconsciously trying harder on the one you thought would be faster, too. If your effort varied by as little as 1%, this would account for the time differences by itself. You'd have to be androids to keep your effort that consistent. It's too close to say it's specifically from the wheels, IMO. I do like the idea of the mullet though, and your thoughts on how it feels and how fun it is, are the most important to me. I'm intrigued by running a 27.5 with a big 2.8" tire, getting some of that diameter back, running low pressures for my bad back, and just having grip for days going up the hills. The only people concerned about being fast, are the people I ride with, lol.
I've just gone from a 27.5 to a 29er. Immediately I noticed the 27.5 was easier to pick up at the rear, more agile but rougher and slower. The 29er was harder to dance about on the trail but much smoother and it was so fast into things, I actually upgraded the front brake to a 203 four pot to slow down quicker! The only disadvantage is on very tight twisty trails and over jumps, I sometimes buzz my bum on the rear tyre, but I'll take that! Would be interested to ride a mullet though.
I went from a 26 full sus to 27.5 plus. Going back to 26 a few months later, I scarred myself, it was like having continual "Oh sh·t" heart attacks!!! I sold the 26 full sus and bought a 29er plus 😀
I come from the 80's era of 26 inch rigid MTB's then hardtails so when I went to a 29er for my height of 6ft 5inch I loved them because they fit as Doddy says. However I have never felt I could throw them around the same as I could the 26 inch wheel bike so I am going to give a mullet setup a try on the enduro bike. Still think 29er XC is better for speed though.
@@Sidowse think the 2kg weight penalty depends on lots of factors such as group set weight, frame, course etc and not to mention if you're a 110kg rider putting out a high power output does 2kg really make a difference on some courses compared to momentum? Also if you're a 6ft 5inch rider frame fit of a 29er is also a factor to take account of.
I've gone back to full 27.5 bikes this season. Toyed with the idea of a mullet, and might still try it, but I'm out for smiles and laughs and happy to work the bike rather than just plow and REALLY enjoying the smaller wheels even at 6'2" (188cm). Racing or xc I'd for sure be full 29er, but that's not my riding.
Hi guys great video. When I ride I’m basically out to have fun over speed every time. So when I bought my new bike I went for a mullet for that reason. It’s a 160 mm as the stuff round my way needs it but at the same time I like cutting corners and riding the trails as if I’m on my bmx. I’m a lanky sod but won’t consider a 29er. A mate runs a smaller 27.5 because he wants an agile fun bike and tried at 29 in the same bike as he has and it’s too stable for him even my mullet is too tank like.
As an absolute beginner.. 27.5 wheels are fine for me, having bigger wheels that make me go faster would be a bad idea for me (I am more likely to crash). 27.5 wheels alow me to work on line choice and technique more, I have more time and I am not that fast anyway. Maybe in the future I will step up to mullet, but I am not bothered about 29ers. 🙏🏿
Mullets (haircuts) were longer in the back... would make more sense if the back tire was bigger (which would be pointless)... I think someone just really wanted to use the name (even though it doesn't really fit)
I'm planning on the other-direction-mullet. I have a 27.5" XC bike (2017 KTM Lycan 273) that I want to get more travel up front (110mm to 130/140mm?) as well as adjust my riding position. I plan on replacing the Rocklshox Recon 27.5 fork with a 2023 Rockshox Pike 29" fork and 29" front wheel. This should give me a slightly better riding position (more upright) which is something I've been struggling with a bit on downhill sections. The additional travel should also let me get a bit more aggressive in the sketchier bits, as should the slacker head angle. Assuming it just doesn't completely destroy the bike's handling then I think it will greatly improve my biking experience and let me hang onto the bike for a few more years without spending $1000s of dollars on an entirely new bike. And thanks Anna & Doddy, this video was helpful in making the decision. It would be cool to see you do a video on extending the life of older bikes by doing something like I'm doing (or any number of other things). Shock upgrades, drivetrain upgrades, dropper post, tires/wheels, ratchet, etc., would be a cool video to see. Perhaps you could buy some older bikes and "modernize" them in an effort to make them more capable. Just a thought.
Adding one thing… I think choosing a bike and wheelsize that matches your skills and trails is key. It’s about the experience more than descent times for 97% of most riders. I’d rather feel like a pro… pumping and hopping features, railing berms and scandi on command than send it as fast as possible
It's really interesting to see doddys reaction here. I'm 6ft6, come from a bmx background and ride a 27.5" 180/170mm enduro bike. Watching the channel in the past I've seen doddy talk on a few occasions about the benefits a 29er could have for tall riders. It made me wonder if I'm missing out by riding 27.5". I'm not someone who cares about going any faster, I just want to have fun on the trail and because of my bmx background I love to jib, pump and manual. I've always thought 27.5" was right for me because of this.
This is what I'm thinking and might just go full 27.5 again as it's just about the fun and having more space to move about on thre bike feels better! 😎
6'6" as well and come from a more bmx/dirt jump background. trying to decide whether I want to buy a mullet or 29er. Terrified of spending that much to feel like im on a boat.
I've been riding a mullet along side my full 27.5 and can confirm that it feels noticibly more lethargic and less fun. I would say it's easier to ride though.
I have a mixed wheel switchblade and a 29er xc bike. they both feel right in their own way. Every experiment ive seen with these confirms that 29 is faster at a base level but being comfortable on the platform can overcome that advantage. Id be really curious in different disciplines who is running a mx setup and possibly winning. might be a good revisit in a tech episode.
I have recently changed the rear to XC race worthy 29“ setup with very light tires and wheels whilst I stayed in front with good grip and more robust wheel- the bike got way better in handling and acceleration at the cost of some grip sometimes in climbs - but a good alternative to mullet setup - BTW I loved that feature - well done!
something to keep in mind most mullet bikes can be turned into full 29" easily (not sure into dual 27.5 but I guess too) but 27.5 bikes can't be upgraded, watching this video made me think long term I have more choices buying a mullet than a 27.5 (I currently run a dual 27.5 xc 120mm muscular bike but I want a motocross/emtb next lol)
GMBN Tech Is a person's height also important when choosing the wheel size? Will a short person, 172 cm tall, feel equally good on the same bike but with different wheel sizes: 27.5 and 29?
With a 29" wheel you have slightly more mass, which would make a differeence to the force pulling you down the hill. For a light rider, something like 650g additional mass makes a 1% difference to the acceleration down the hill. For a heavier rider, its going to be closer to 1kg makes a 1% difference. How much advantage that gives you depends on how much time you were using gravity to accelerate you. The effect is cumulative so can make a big difference if you can carry the additional speed through the corners. You should weigh the wheels, then carry a weight in your pocket to compensate if you want to see the exact difference. I know what you did was just meant to be a bit of fun, but if people want to draw conclusions, you have to be objective.
Fun vid 💙 Yes, being comfortable plays a massive role. I've just started riding a 29er and it definitely feels smoother but Strava says I'm sitting on the same average speeds as my 27.5
okay i siggested this a couple of years . an overforked reverse mullet. i think it should be a dh beast with a 27 front and a 29 rear and the biggest fork you can get for clearance.
I think whatever gives you the best riding experience. If you want a sled that flys… enduro 29 and use the brakes. If you want something that’s more about enjoying the features in sacrifice of speed 27.5. If you want something of both, mullet it. There is a reason why 5010 and other short/mid travel 27.5 exists and why 29 DH bikes exist Personally, I still like railing corners on 27.5 plus bikes with small travel or hardtails. Especially hardtails as their rear centres are super short and basically feel like you’re dirt jumping a blue/black. If it’s chudery or you’re bike parking alot, I really think 29 x2.6 long legged bikes are safer if you like to cruise
Totally agree with Anna. Mullet looks badass. 👍 Currently running 27.5 front and back, but getting ready to try mullet because I ride a lot of chunky terrain, and I think it's going to help me have more fun.
From various ride videos on RU-vid, I sensed the impression that the difference is more noticeable and more positive when mounting a front 29er on a 27.5 bike, vs. mounting a rear 27.5 on a 29er. As I ride a former, I'm looking forward to converting mine.
My HT 27.5 makes me smile more in trail than my 29er FS for the trail that i have here.😁😁Will try mullet set up soon to see how it feels!Love you both!
Mullet is clearly FUN but my cranks is not happy hitting the rocks every ride. My BB is too low so now I'm going back full 29er. My Current setup is 170travel 29er up front paired with 27.5 rear.
Do you think it’s the/a placebo effect when you do these tests. You’re looking to reinforce your opinions rather than have an open mind. Knowing what you’re looking for and the conditions of the test can’t give a non biased answer?
At the back end of 2014 I changed my bike and went from 26" wheels to 27.5" full sus. I didn't like the 29er and said I would never have one. Some of my previous comments can confirm that. Last year I got a 29er hardtail. Which is the mountain bike I ride all of the time. I still have my 27.5 full sus but I haven't ridden it recently. I did find the hardtail rolled much better and faster than the teeny wheels. I haven't ridden a mullet bike yet. Not sure if I would. Before the reason would have been. It's got a 29er on the front. Now it's because it's got a 27.5 " rear Wheel.
I would love to try it but I have to buy a new wheel, carry different spares when traveling, buying different tires and since my brand hasn't developed a "mullet link" I would have to adjust with a headset cup etc etc. Maybe on my next bike if that's an option but I'm happy with 29 at the moment. cheers
My hardtail was originally a 27.5+ which I just put a set of 29ers on, can tell the difference, rolls great but it is a little harder to get around the sharp switchbacks, my full suspension bike is a 27.5 which I love as well. I haven't tried a mullet set-up yet but I think I will. I do have a question for you, you didn't talk about the climbing differences what were your thoughts?
So interesting! Great video! I've actually gone from 27.5 to a full 29er but sized down to get a reach that actually feels more playful than my 27.5! (Commencal Meta AM size S). I think with a 29er the chain stay length plays a bigger role in playfulness vs a mullet where a longer chain stay could be better? Thoughts?🤘
Wow Doddy maybe you have just convinced yourself in the past about 29ers being better for you. I never understood your choice because you say you like to feel the trail but a 29er does the opposite. Nice to see you open your eyes. It still looks like you are 29er biased. The results are obvious Anna been riding a mullet and you normally a 29er of coarse you are are faster on the those bikes you normally ride. Great video . Thinking of going 29er front on my 2015 Nukeproof Mega AM 27.5. The frame spec says it can take up to 180 fork so will try a 160 29er and offset rear shock bushings to make it mullet. Can't wait to try it
I did a mullet conversion on my San Quentin hardtail and the riding definitely improved for my. The big wheel deals with obstacles better and the cornering improved while the climbing and acceleration stayed the same. I definitely prefer a mullet and I just bought the Bronson 2022 which is a dream to ride. I think Anna was faster on the mullet because she was used to it. I think if she has a few runs with the 29er she would have been faster. Regarding the mullet vs 29er, I think it depends on the track and the rider whether the mullet is faster. It has not slowed down Loic Bruni who has won a few overalls with that set up nor prevented Jesse Melamid from being successful in EWS.
4:30 - why would your chain stay feel longer? The axle is in the same place (fore and aft) and the rear wheel should touch the ground inthe same place (directly below the axle. Can you explain? Cheers.
I am watching those 27.5 vs mix vs 29 tests and general take out is that 29 are faster... and i am sure that for racers those 1-2 secosnd is huge difference. But for ordinary folk who just want to have fun this is non existing difference. I would like to see more emphasis being put on things like cornering, grip and jumping performance because those are more important for everday use. Yet most tests seems to be fixated on speed like we are all racer and that 1s can place us on the podium...
With the right tools (I used a simple bike tool kit ru-vid.comUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L that you can strap to the bike) it's simple to assemble. As a 270lb guy looking for a way to get more exercise that's easy on my feet I have been impressed by this bike. The tires ship with air in the tires, but before you ride you need to pump them up som more, but once you do you can ride with confidence. You'll definitely want to replace the seat if you're going to ride for any real distance, but that's the case with most bikes. I'm loving it and it has given me a hobby from my youth back.
@@powskierwhy not? To myself and lots of other people the 29er front wheel feels like a tractor slower. More sloth feeling over chatter. Some people, myself included do not like that feeling and just want a more lively ride. It’s just a preference bro, it’s not dumb. Dumb is thinking that someone else is because they don’t share the same opinion as you.
Isn't the point of running the smaller rear wheel (like a motocross bike) is to fit a wider rear tyre (27.5+) = Better rear grip. But nothing to do with stand over hight?
I personally prefer the way the mullet feels compared to a full 29'er. Even if I'm not actually faster, I feel faster and I feel like the trail isn't muted like it is on a 29'er. I'm not going for lap times or racing, just having fun.
I got a question. Will an amateur be able to tell the difference between the two setups from the get-go or does it require alot of riding experience to be able to differentiate?
@@omera967 I've only been riding for a few years now, so I'd say I'm definitely an amateur. To be able to tell the difference you do need to put some trail time in on both setups so you can really feel the difference.
I did an up-mullet i.e. put a bigger wheel in the front. Turns weird and needs a split second early lean/steer but rolls over better and improved BB clearance as I went up and not down. I am a small person so I am with Anna. 29er needs more effort to move around.
All these people complaining about how they can't throw around big wheels think they're laying tables left right and center in their heads when in reality they ride stiff as a board and can' even do a basic bunny hop regardless of wheel size.
the bb to axle height is not what is making that feeling of being in the bike. bb heights have dropped, reach has increased, cs has increased, ht angle has gotten slacker. all of these have been changing and improving bike characteristics as wheel sizes have changed.
Tried it on my hightower, even with the flip chip on high position the BB was 11mm lower. So im not sure if it was the wheel size or BB height that made the biggest difference. Loads more pedal strikes though.
might need 165 cranks, less strikes and easier on knees too but you lose some leverage which is only noticable when muscling an up hill, however flip side of that is short cranks spin up faster for higher revs.
😮 Call me crazy but I have a gravity FSX 1.0 full suspension bike that has 26" wheels I put my 27.5 wheel up front drove it one time and it rolls over the rough stuff so much better that same day when I got home I ordered a 27.5 wheel and tire no more 26" up front for me!
