Your Guide to 26", 27.5", and 29" Mountain Bike Wheels

Choosing the right wheels makes all the difference in your mountain biking experience. The norm used to be 26″. But now the options are 27.5″ and 29″, with pros and cons for the trails. Knowing what’s best for you can be challenging, so we’re here to help!

26″ Wheels: Original Trailblazers

You can find 26″ wheels on older or entry-level bikes, specialty models, and kids’ bikes. They’re quick to accelerate and easy to maneuver, helping you zip through tight, twisty trails. Perfect for those who love feeling nimble and agile. However, they have some trouble getting over large hurdles, so they’re not technically efficient.

27.5″ Wheels: Versatile Middle Ground

Next up are 27.5″ wheels, also known as 650b, and the all-rounders of the bunch. They are as playful as 26″ but with better traction and obstacle clearance and as stable as 29″ but much easier to maneuver. They can handle a little bit of everything, making them great for all skill levels. However, they lack the quick handling of the smaller wheels and the rollover ability of the bigger ones.

29″ Wheels: Rolling Giants

Then there are 29″ wheels, also known as 29ers or 750c. They offer fantastic stability and traction to smooth out rough trails and keep their speed over obstacles. If you love tackling wild and rocky courses or going on long rides, or if you’re on the taller side, these wheels are your best bet. They have a harder time getting through tight spaces and are slower to accelerate than the smaller sizes.

Find Your Dream Bike Online or In-Store at Airpark Bike Co

Airpark Bike Co is the #1 MTB shop in Arizona. Visit one of our shops and you’ll see why! We’ll save thousands on your dream ride. We carry a huge selection of brands: Juliana, Santa Cruz, Yeti, Norco, Orbea, Rocky Mountain, and many more. We also carry a large selection of riding gear. We have the best pieces from Fox Racing, Smith Optics, and POC Sports. Come see for yourself!