Genesis:
27.5+ makes a hard case for going 29+… With 27.5+ you can have a frame that is truly 27.5+/29″ cross-compatible without big changes in wheel OD that ultimately have a big effect on trail and handling. 27.5+ wheels and tyres are lighter but still offer the same air volume, give better standover and allow you to offer smaller sized frames without needing a stepladder to get on the bike…
The 2015 model was a std 29″ bike with wide rims and 2.4″ tyres that had 29+ compatibility but didn’t ride all that well with 3.0″ 29+ tyres. The reason being the big diff. in wheel OD between the x2 sizes (approx +30mm) meant it was difficult to design a frame and fork around a middle ground that handles well with either (i.e. compromised on both – trail, BB height, etc,). 27.5+ is close enough in OD to design a frame that’ll handle nigh on the same with with std 29″ or 27.5+ tyres fitted. Factor-in all of the added pro’s of 27.5+ vs. 29+ as listed above and it was a no-brainer and easy decision to make.
I understand their comments in theory, but it seems odd that they’ve ostensibly dropped a model that they sold out of completely with more people still wanting one. I disagree completely that it doesn’t “ride all that well with 3.0″ 29+ tyres”. Love mine like that…
