That old 27.5 in 26 debate
- Thread starter DKFan
- Start date
hawkhill97
Retro Guru
I've personally going that if you're riding off road in the mud, and cornering vigorously, or landing drops/jumps with a bit of side load from time to time, you need a decent amount of clearance between the tyre and chain stays.
I've tried a couple of 27.5 rear wheels on 26" frames that looked fine in the work stand, but would contact the frame occasionally when ridden in anger.
Something to bear in mind, as side knobs and mud can cause a lot of wear very quickly.
My rule of thumb is if I can fit a regular pencil between the tyre and stays without forcing it, it'll be fine.
I also use this to establish max width of 26" tyres on older frames - my 2010 GT avalanche will "fit" a 2.35" tyre, but 2.1" (measured, not what the tyre says on the side, as they're often way off) is the biggest I'd be happy to run.
IMO for off road riding, 26" with a bigger tyre trumps 27.5 with a smaller one every time for a given total diameter.
I've tried a couple of 27.5 rear wheels on 26" frames that looked fine in the work stand, but would contact the frame occasionally when ridden in anger.
Something to bear in mind, as side knobs and mud can cause a lot of wear very quickly.
My rule of thumb is if I can fit a regular pencil between the tyre and stays without forcing it, it'll be fine.
I also use this to establish max width of 26" tyres on older frames - my 2010 GT avalanche will "fit" a 2.35" tyre, but 2.1" (measured, not what the tyre says on the side, as they're often way off) is the biggest I'd be happy to run.
IMO for off road riding, 26" with a bigger tyre trumps 27.5 with a smaller one every time for a given total diameter.
Yes - I’m in agreement
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My biggest issue would be raising the bottom bracket height but that's because I don't like feeling perched on top of the bike.
