I've got an itch that may need "crushing" so to speak. I've been tempted to buy an Orange Crush hardtail for a couple of years now and might actually get round to buying one this winter. I've demoed the 27.5 version which I absolutely loved and which fitted me like a glove, however now I've seen that they do a 29er version as well.
Unfortunately I no longer live within any commutable distance of an Orange dealer so can't book a test ride on a 29er so would essentially be buying blind. Has anyone on here ridden both wheel sizes and would care to comment? I'm bang on 6ft tall so definitely in the ball park for a 29er but I have only ever owned 26 and then 27.5 wheeled bikes.
29 always 🙂
They are just better IMHO
I demo'd a Soul (27.5) and a SolarisMAX (29), and much preferred the maneuverability of the smaller wheeled bike, it felt like I could pick my lines rather than steamroller over stuff. Might depend on where you ride.
If I had another 650b, I'd go with that, for swapping wheels etc, and vice versa if I had a 29er.
Otherwise, 99% of people won't notice the difference whilst riding, apart from the obsessed '29ers are better' brigade, who know everything, obviously. 🙂
What size tyres can the 27.5 fit? If it'll fit a proper 2.6" then I'd probably go for that, semi plus tyres make sense on a hardtail, more grip and a bit more cushion.
Then again if the 29er will take a 2.6 then 100% go for that! 😁
If you want to roost corners than go 650b if you want to munch miles go 29er
99% of people won’t notice the difference whilst riding
You really think that? 99% of riders can't tell the difference between 29 and 650b? Wow!
Regardless of which you prefer i'm amazed you can't tell the difference.
You're very easily amazed, wow! 🤣😂
29er so you can run proper 2.8 27.5 tyres. Cos they're yet another manufacturer that thinks we don't want to run proper wide tyres.
I have ridden my friends Crush 29 and was really blown away by it. A fantastic bike, I was surprised it wasn’t very harsh at all I was expecting it to be! Also if you want anything other than the standard colour they come in at nearly £600! Which is a load of wedge for what it is, in my opinion.
Can't speak for the Crush but I tested a Bird Zero AM and Zero 29 back to back and opted for the 29. I must be one of the lucky 1% because the difference was pretty noticeable. The 29 was faster and more stable feeling as well as being more comfortable. And it was great fun, easy to man handle through a series of berms. Now I've had it for a while it just gets better and better, gives me so much confidence on drops and jumps and steep stuff. The 650 for fun and 29 for miles statement is absolute guff as a general statement.
Go 29, 27.5 is the new 26".😉
Nothing wrong with those rocking 26ers still
Yeah I’d agree £600 for a ht orange frame is a LOAD !
In mustard colour and at half the price might tempt me ... :/
I got 29er (Clockwork) as my other bike was a 27 FS and I wanted a bit of diversity. Quality though for thrashing and miles and zero regrets but as a short arse (5’7) I would’ve gone 27 if it was my only bike.
I am also in the 1% as I can certainly feel the difference. I had a 29er and it did roll a bit better and was faster on most terrain. However, I prefer a smaller wheel as it is more fun to ride, the 29 wheels just always feel too cumbersome to me.
I do however think most of my bike hangups are related to me riding BMX between the age of 6 and 18 so I never like gears, like small wheels, like direct handling etc,.
What kind of height do you think 29ers make more sense than 27.5. I'm 5'9" so think I'm prob better off with 27.5 but there are def more 29er trail bikes than 27.5
I like the look of the 29er. Sunset Cycles have a further 10% off sale prices so you can get the frame bit cheaper if they have your size.
Low spec but was looking at the comp at £1169.
What about a Chameleon? You've then got the option of swapping between 29 and 27.5
Think bike active in Herts had a crush on discount in 29er flavour.