Jump to content

27.5 plus - another fad or a sweet spot for trail riding?


DanielJhb

Recommended Posts

So after riding a fatboy for a few months (albeit as a "2nd bike") I can say that the increased traction, roll-over and comfort are serious pros, but they come at a high price in terms of rolling resistance and weight. With 27.5+ (2.8in) it seems like there is a better balance between traction/control and weight/rolling resistance and it may be a "sweet spot" for trail riding? I highly doubt it will ever be faster for experienced riders but I reckon it will definitely make tough trails more enjoyable and less technically demanding for newer/intermediate riders. Personally I don't think I will consider getting one (I landed up selling the fatty after 6months when the novelty wore off and I started to get annoyed with every second person stopping me to see the bike) but it certainly is more practical than a fatbike and with most major brands coming out with dual suspension models it won't be as 'bouncy' as a fatbike. I do really like the look of the Scott Genius Plus (pic attached), just looks like an absolute monster in terms of capability. I wonder if these bikes will find their way to our shores next year, I hope so - even if it is just to get a test ride in (...he said, just before he bought his last 3 bikes).      

post-69937-0-98480900-1434992370_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 50
  • Created
  • Last Reply

The best bike question....

 

Let me answer it once and for all....

 

The best bike in the world...is the one you have that makes you smile.

 

End of story.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The best bike question....

 

Let me answer it once and for all....

 

The best bike in the world...is the one you have that makes you smile.

 

End of story.

All bikes make me smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

don't worry they'll be here ...

the bike industry came out with 29 everyone bit then 27.5 everyone bit then fat bikes ( a lot of bites)

so the 27.5 plus including 29 + will arrive like clockwork and im sure everyone will bite

 

fish in a barrel  :whistling: .. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

don't worry they'll be here ...

the bike industry came out with 29 everyone bit then 27.5 everyone bit then fat bikes ( a lot of bites)

so the 27.5 plus including 29 + will arrive like clockwork and im sure everyone will bite

 

fish in a barrel :whistling: ..

Plus size tyres have been around for ages. Boutique brands have been running them on specific builds etc. much the same as fat tyres and even 29" wheels. Mass production brands get hold of the idea, put their marketing budgets behind them and spin them into the general market.

 

I'm more excited to see the niche guys next moves...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Spoke to a guy from scott today, the plus bikes will land in the next month or 2. So fingers crossed, they look awesome. Love the look of the scale 710 plus..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For me, it's an intriguing proposition. My next bike will be a trail hardtail and I'm really considering going the plus route. Something like the Specialized Fuse is really getting my attention. 

 

I'm never going to be on the podium at a race, so I want a bike that puts a smile on my face and I think a trail-ripping hardtail with plus tyres might just do that. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For me, it's an intriguing proposition. My next bike will be a trail hardtail and I'm really considering going the plus route. Something like the Specialized Fuse is really getting my attention. 

 

I'm never going to be on the podium at a race, so I want a bike that puts a smile on my face and I think a trail-ripping hardtail with plus tyres might just do that.

 

 

Something like this??

post-49460-0-42935600-1435008566_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow I think these are very cool! Googled images of a few and the Santa Cruz looked insane

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Something like this??

 

Exactly! Was reading up on the Scale Plus just the other night. It's very similar to the Spez Fuse. The only thing that puts me off is the FOX fork, as I'm not a fan. Otherwise, it looks like huge fun. 

 

For me, a crucial difference between the Scale Plus and the Fuse is that the Fuse has much shorter chainstays, so the rear end on the Spez will be a lot more snappy. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So after riding a fatboy for a few months (albeit as a "2nd bike") I can say that the increased traction, roll-over and comfort are serious pros, but they come at a high price in terms of rolling resistance and weight. With 27.5+ (2.8in) it seems like there is a better balance between traction/control and weight/rolling resistance and it may be a "sweet spot" for trail riding? I highly doubt it will ever be faster for experienced riders but I reckon it will definitely make tough trails more enjoyable and less technically demanding for newer/intermediate riders. Personally I don't think I will consider getting one (I landed up selling the fatty after 6months when the novelty wore off and I started to get annoyed with every second person stopping me to see the bike) but it certainly is more practical than a fatbike and with most major brands coming out with dual suspension models it won't be as 'bouncy' as a fatbike. I do really like the look of the Scott Genius Plus (pic attached), just looks like an absolute monster in terms of capability. I wonder if these bikes will find their way to our shores next year, I hope so - even if it is just to get a test ride in (...he said, just before he bought his last 3 bikes).      

 

I have a set of 26+ wheels/tyres that I can switch between my Trance 27.5 and my Azonic Steelhead. 

 

For me this is a great setup

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WTF is a plus bike...pse don't tell me there is another different wheel size coming out

 

No, it's just fat takkies on the normal wheel sizes, 26", 27.5", 29". Just not as big as FATBIKE tyres

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WTF is a plus bike...pse don't tell me there is another different wheel size coming out

 

Not wheel size, tyre size. Simply put, it is a tyre size (2.8" - 3.0") that sits between regular tyres (2.0" - 2.4") and fat bike tyres (3.8" - 4.8"). 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout