That old 27.5 in 26 debate

DKFan · Saturday at 13:57

I'm going around in circles deciding on the next build. Frame: 26er singlespeed hardtail, seems to be long travel judging by the 71 degree ish headtube angle which I guess equates to 120/140 suspension corrected.
I prefer to keep it 26 for 'purity' but 27.5 opens options particularly regarding rim and tyre choice.
So option one is wait around for the right 26er parts - rims being a bit difficult I think. 120 suspension less so but straight and long steerers aren't ten a penny (130mm headtube) and I'm fussy. Or, could I use a 29er carbon fork, say 470 atoc, with a 26" wheel.
Alternatively, convert to 27.5. Stay clearance looks okay but 292mm 27.5 wheel radius plus tyre depth looks mighty close to the stay bridges.

brocklanders023 · Saturday at 15:00

I'd make it work as intended if I were you. I like 27.5 and for day to day riding would choose it over 26 but I reckon you'll run in to problems. Last thing an older bike wants is a higher bottom bracket too! Oh, and since the mainstream seems to have ditched 27.5 decent tyres are getting pricy anyway.

If it has a tapered head tube you cold go 27.5 on the forks and use 26 wheels?

DKFan · Saturday at 15:37

brocklanders023 said:
I'd make it work as intended if I were you. I like 27.5 and for day to day riding would choose it over 26 but I reckon you'll run in to problems. Last thing an older bike wants is a higher bottom bracket too! Oh, and since the mainstream seems to have ditched 27.5 decent tyres are getting pricy anyway.

If it has a tapered head tube you cold go 27.5 on the forks and use 26 wheels?

Is 27.5 dead already - I thought it was the new standard! Maybe I shoiuld stick to what I know haha

wynne · Saturday at 16:07

27.5 is not as dead as 26 when it comes to choice of new rims and tyres. I really like 27.5 - it has nippier acceleration than 29 with a bit more roll-ability. I also quite like a 26 on the back with a 27.5 up front and something like a 420mm axle to crown fork.

ishaw · Saturday at 18:46

What sort of fork are you after? I've got a reba with a very long, straight 1 1/8 steerer which is 120mm travel iirc.

DKFan · Saturday at 21:00

ishaw said:
What sort of fork are you after? I've got a reba with a very long, straight 1 1/8 steerer which is 120mm travel iirc.

Tbh - I don’t know yet. If I go suspenders route as light as I can get, but I’m still considering options. Thanks for the reply

brocklanders023 · 2025-04-20T20:57:20+0100

DKFan said:
Is 27.5 dead already - I thought it was the new standard! Maybe I shoiuld stick to what I know haha

Yep, pretty much dropped by all the big boys except for mullet back wheels.

dan28 · 2025-04-20T21:04:01+0100

i have a load of 26 inch wheels i ned to sort through can see me keeping them all

That old 27.5 in 26 debate

DKFan

Retro Guru

brocklanders023

DKFan

Retro Guru

wynne

ishaw

DKFan

Retro Guru

brocklanders023

dan28

Senior Retro Guru

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