I would agree with the comments that it's the bike not the wheel size. Geometry will make more of a difference. I think the only time a smaller wheel is outright a better option is if you're very short or solely doing tricks.
I think the Canyon is a more gravity focused bike so is less likely to be playful. Even the suspension will make a big difference, coil Vs air and how progressive the suspension is.
2 1/2 years on a 29”
eBike
Now on 27.5 and loving it,More playful and poppy,Defo enjoying it
I sort of am. Used to have a 29er fs and 27.5 ht. Both were ace but I decided to sell one due to lack of use and that ended up being the ht as imo 29ers are better 95% of the time.
Problem is, the 5% is really fun so am in the process of building another 27.5 ht and sacrificed a 29er xc ht for it. Still have a 29" fs though and still think that would be the bike I'd keep if I had to slim the fleet.
Have both as 160/150mm travel bikes, although 27.5 is ebike. Harder to compare directly given the small wheels are on a bike that's 10kg heavier, but I prefer 29er. I had a Santa Cruz 5010 V2 before, which handled like a big bmx. My 29er Sentinel has longer reach, wheelbase, 20mm more travel and is 3deg slacker, yet is just as nimble but far more stable at speed and way better on steep stuff. As with everything to do with bikes, it comes down to far more than one thing in isolation.
