@@Jacob99174 😅 a 'farthing' was a coin worth half a penny in Victorian times in the UK, and back then they had bicycles with a massive front wheel, which had pedals directly attached to it, and a tiny rear wheel, and they were called Penny Farthings, because the penny is a much larger coin than a farthing.
Having all those wheels you should also do a mullet battle like 29/27.5 vs 27.5/26 vs 26/24 etc :D That said it's always fun to watch blake experiment xD
That’s awesome to hear. I’ve found it hard to find people who actually done “weird” shit like this. 🤙🏽😎🤙🏽 How much lower was your bottom bracket? Did you have any strikes while riding trails?
@@jimhofoss9982 dude I already have moved to 152 mm 😂 I’m planning ahead to my future endeavor 😎 I actually love the shorter cranks, I think 155 is the sweet spot for me but need other upgrades before dropping any coins on 3mm 🤦🏻♂️ Damm but that’s awesome it worked for you, I like seeing unconventional alterations 🤙🏽
Mate it was awesome being there when you were filming this. There's us having some nice quiet midweek laps and all we could hear was you laughing your head off all day. 🤣🤣🤣
Genuinely a great bit of fun. I enjoyed the adaptive bikes at Whistler with Sam Pilgram riding with the GMBN team. This extreme mullet experiment would have been another great video to have the extra excitement of Sam Pilgram involved. Yes, I am a big fan of Sam. He has that great enthusiasm about him, just as the GMBN team does. Always a pleasure to come here and see the GMBN team smiles and giggles on the trails. Cheers.
No offense to everyone else at GMBN because you guys do have some really knowledgeable and cool staff. But without Blake, I don't think I would have kept coming back to this channel. The guy is extremely charismatic and not only a great rider, but very very stylish as well. If you look at most of the popular MTB channels (or at least my favorites) of Seth's Bike Hacks, Matt Jones, Sam Pilgrim, Singletrack Sampler, Mahalo My Dude. They all come across as extremely charismatic and personable in front of the camera. It's about more than just being good at riding and getting good clips. Watching people having a genuinely good time is always going to be important.
I'm toying around with the idea of a 22/20 BMX frame. In addition to the 4 MB mullets I have. 29/27FS, 29/26 HT, 27/26FS, and a 26/24FS. It's all fun to ride being 1x's
Yes, it's impressive to think that a 'regular' consumer focussed MTB channel has a rider who can back-flip a bike [any bike!] at will, especially in nasty British winter conditions - that was some epic videography in this episode!
That's how I set up my old Specialized SX and it's quite nice. 29" is just a no-go for shorter and lighter people when it gets rougher imo and 27.5 all around still lacks a bit of agility and nimbleness for people under 180, especially if your bodyweight is rather low too. 26" wheels are still abundant and cheap to get used. I'd recommend just giving it a try, especially if you're under 175cm, 140lbs/70kg or just like agility quite a lot. It's really fun.
I think calling it the ''Hyena'' (short back legs) makes a lot of sense, verses the "Mullet" (long at the back), ''the Hyena" is just hilarious to say as well :)
People use to do that with 26 to 24. Back in the day but no one talks about it. I had a friend who raced he used a 24 in front then 26 in the rear. My other friend did it but used 26in front and 24 in the rear. So they used to challenge each other so much I wish I had a camera back then.
Could not click on this video fast enough. My first attempt at bike work was taking the 26" fork and wheel off my old bike and putting it on a 20" BMX that my sister found in a river. Had a lot of fun with that our 'big wheel'!
The tail waging and stuff - might that all be caused by the radically altered geometry more so then the wheel size? I mean just look at the change to the rake of the fork for example (but even to the bike it's self for that matter). Def enjoyed the video - long live the mullet (and to anything with 26's)!
27.5 front for quicker steering, stiffer wheel for precision, nimble where you want it. 29 rear for rollover where you have more body weight, momentum etc. Just add 20mm to the fork to keep the geo the same and you're golden
Didn't Doddy try that a while ago? Personally I'd just go 27.5" front and rear - that way the rear wheel is less likely to catch your shorts when you're hanging over the back.
Ibis mount trials,cannondale beast of the east.Endless bike co lifetime,Brooklyn machine works park bike,specialized bighit and more.Mullets where there in the nineties aswell as today.Trials type riding where a smaller wheel can help to hop the bike about it to make it easier to lift the front up.
AWESOME VIDEO!Blake cracks me up with his chicken sounds 😂 This vid was super helpful for me as I’m looking to go 27.5 up front and 26” on back on an EMTB. All bike shop mechanic are looking at me like if I had 3 heads! I guess they don’t want my money 🤷🏻♂️ So first going to drop the front from the current 29 er to 27.5 then taking it from there. But I really do want that rear 26 er. Also EMTBs are so heavy it might help me plant my feet a bit better specially being on the shorter side.
26 to 29... Double mullet!! There used to be a old guy down the road from us, he used small wheel on the front of his old bike and swears it was the best as he always felt like he was going downhill all the time.
In my county it is free to take any bike on the train if the wheels are 16"-es can you please test if it's possible to shred a double 16 inch wheel mtb?
I recently went from 26" straight to 29", and it's taking me some time to adapt. It rides fast and smooth, but what bothers me is how much harder it is to wheelie and manual. Especially since I'm rather on the short side (171cm), I feel like I can't get my weight back far enough. A 27.5 in the rear may just be the perfect solution for shorter riders like me. Best of both worlds!
Lol you to I just took the plunge my self with 29+ from 26 and I agree with your statement but I'm quickly adapting and questioning my self for not doing this sooner
Same I'm 170, and going from 26 to 29 sucked. I saw all the pros and cons like everyone says, it does feel smoother and acts like having more suspension for small bumps, but the worst con for me was one I havent seen anyone else talk about. I can sprint anytime on my 26 and not hurt my knees and maintain a fast pace. However I cannot sprint or maintain pace on 29", it triggers my back and knee pain immediately and I can't keep the power down! I'm so much slower, and it's an XC hardtail. Even though I'm just average size, it feels like the wheels are just proportionally to big for my bio mechanics to power. I think I'll buy at least mullet if not 27 next for sure
Could also do a mullet range where you change the front too, so there is only ever one size difference. Standard mullet (29/27.5), old school mullet (27.5/26), kids mullet (26/24), and just keep getting smaller.
My first MTB had 24 inch wheels. With both wheels @ 24 inches it was not twitchy. Handling was superb. Now I miss 26 inch wheels and may put them on my 27.5 bike, starting with a rear wheel only.
Blake does mad whips and backflips and says, "with 29 / 26 you can do this." That's like me saying to the doctor, "Will I be able to play the violin after this surgery?" "Yes, definitely" he says. "That's good" I say "because I can't at the moment."
I wonder if a 26 plus or a 26 fat in the rear will be an interesting combination, cause the tire is wider and thicker, should have more speed in the straight line.
"Nukeproof warranty approves this! 🤙" Dude, if you get rid of the derailleur, you can go further! And I was thinking all over the place about making my current 2 x 27.5" 2020 Canyon Torque into mullet (going 29" in the front with a suspension upgrade in the process and reducing the current 180mm range to 170mm). Have you guys tried this approach? You think could push the frame way too much into a new geometry?
personaly I loved full 29" after trying full 27,5" and mullet on my enduro hardtail. on a fullsuspensiun the 29" backwheel often interferes with my ass so the mullet setup is better suited for my short legs. Nevertheless I was impressed how the same Brakes feel much stronger on 27,5" wheels and the same gearing just gets a little bit easier to climb. Also 27,5" rear is lighter so less unsprung mass and less pedalcickback as it turns faster than 29" when riding the same speed.
24 to 26 for strength if your heavy and do massive jumps and don't believe in wheel compliance! 27.5 for trail riding and climbing, 29 for dainty, speed riding.
How did you get all those wheels to fit the boost spacing on the frame? I’ve been looking for a 26” real wheel with a boost hub and they’re impossible to find.
26" back and 29" front should be called a 69er ;) and the 24" a BMTB (BMX MTB). I notice, on the extreme mullet, while the BB is low, seems the back is so light you can lift it to compensate. As long as you don't lift it too far into an eject :)
I think that last one can be classed as a Penny-Farthing , rather than a mullet 😀
Farthing
You guys use much cooler words than we do in US 😅
@@Jacob99174 😅 a 'farthing' was a coin worth half a penny in Victorian times in the UK, and back then they had bicycles with a massive front wheel, which had pedals directly attached to it, and a tiny rear wheel, and they were called Penny Farthings, because the penny is a much larger coin than a farthing.
How about a penny mullet lol
I agree - Blake missed a trick not wearing a Smith branded top-hat and a polarised double-lens monocle!
😂😂😂 yes
That's awesome! Blake always looks like he's having fun. Even when he's making terrible decisions. His skill is also unbelievable.
Haha! That's so true! There isn't much he wouldn't enjoy! 😂
I don't know if Blake had one too many concussions or if he's a genius. His vids are a joy to watch!
Both 😂
This 👆
Hahaha 🤪
Watching the derailleur almost being ripped off by the ground with the 20 inch wheel is the best part 🤣 Love it!
Bike mechanics do not recommend!
Hahaha it was close 😂.
Specialized big hit done a 26F 24R years and years ago.
When Blake comes upp with an idea you know its gonna be a fun video😂
Having all those wheels you should also do a mullet battle like 29/27.5 vs 27.5/26 vs 26/24 etc :D
That said it's always fun to watch blake experiment xD
agree 🙋🏻♂️
That’s an idea. Like that. 😊
20/20 on that frame would be hilarious.
26” front and 20” on the rear…I did this on a cheap fullsuspension bike, and it was a blast to ride around town.
That’s awesome to hear. I’ve found it hard to find people who actually done “weird” shit like this. 🤙🏽😎🤙🏽
How much lower was your bottom bracket?
Did you have any strikes while riding trails?
@@zjedinite I put on some 165 mm crank arms to minimize strikes…didn’t need the long stroke anyways with the smaller back wheel.
@@jimhofoss9982 dude I already have moved to 152 mm 😂
I’m planning ahead to my future endeavor 😎
I actually love the shorter cranks, I think 155 is the sweet spot for me but need other upgrades before dropping any coins on 3mm 🤦🏻♂️
Damm but that’s awesome it worked for you, I like seeing unconventional alterations 🤙🏽
Mate it was awesome being there when you were filming this. There's us having some nice quiet midweek laps and all we could hear was you laughing your head off all day.
🤣🤣🤣
Maniacal laughter echoing around the woods!
Cheers Sekta MTB. It was a good fun day. Nice 👌
29 on the back 26 on the front 💀
in fact go 20. mtb chopper
20" with a super monster T fork 😁
Its horrible.. we've done a few 26" rears on our DJ bikes, paired with BMX 20" forks and front wheel.. it just feels dead
I had a mate who put a 26er on a 29er Kmart bike, felt horrible.
Headcrusher
If you make it smaller you get to use the cassette! No wheel rim needed at all!
The weight saving would be immense!
🤯🤯🤯
That would be crazy 😅
Genuinely a great bit of fun. I enjoyed the adaptive bikes at Whistler with Sam Pilgram riding with the GMBN team. This extreme mullet experiment would have been another great video to have the extra excitement of Sam Pilgram involved. Yes, I am a big fan of Sam. He has that great enthusiasm about him, just as the GMBN team does. Always a pleasure to come here and see the GMBN team smiles and giggles on the trails. Cheers.
Just watching Blake getting air and being excited about trying out bizarre things makes the video great.
No offense to everyone else at GMBN because you guys do have some really knowledgeable and cool staff. But without Blake, I don't think I would have kept coming back to this channel. The guy is extremely charismatic and not only a great rider, but very very stylish as well.
If you look at most of the popular MTB channels (or at least my favorites) of Seth's Bike Hacks, Matt Jones, Sam Pilgrim, Singletrack Sampler, Mahalo My Dude. They all come across as extremely charismatic and personable in front of the camera. It's about more than just being good at riding and getting good clips. Watching people having a genuinely good time is always going to be important.
Thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated ❤
The 20" wheel mullet basically looks like a trolley wheel on a shopping cart.🤣
So true! 😂👊
I'm toying around with the idea of a 22/20 BMX frame.
In addition to the 4 MB mullets I have. 29/27FS, 29/26 HT, 27/26FS, and a 26/24FS. It's all fun to ride being 1x's
my fave vid of GMBN so far .... great explanation!
Blake on a bike is the definition of Steez 👌
Yes, it's impressive to think that a 'regular' consumer focussed MTB channel has a rider who can back-flip a bike [any bike!] at will, especially in nasty British winter conditions - that was some epic videography in this episode!
Nice Blake,.... I'v been dream about to do a crazy think like that.... 🤣🤟
Any episode with Blake backflipping is a winner!
💯%
Wow, I built a 24” 27.5” mullet a couple years back. I love it! The 24” 29” is insane!
Would really like to see a 27.5 front wheel 26 rear set up!
The mullet has been around since 1870's! It was called the Penny-farthing.
You're not wrong! 😅
I was waiting for Blake to come out one last time and announce that he was gonna do it on the jockey wheel! 😂
Disc rotor challenge!? 🤣
...looks like a bunch of fun doing some R&D... great video and some awesome riding Blake,
...peace, richard
That is the video I didn’t realize I always wanted to see! Such an interesting comparison.
Everything in this video is AWESOME!
I really like the videography!
Thanks a lot Joseph!
I think that a 26" rear with a 27.5" up front would be a good fit for smaller riders.
That's how my girlfriend's bike is set up and she loves it
That's how I set up my old Specialized SX and it's quite nice.
29" is just a no-go for shorter and lighter people when it gets rougher imo and 27.5 all around still lacks a bit of agility and nimbleness for people under 180, especially if your bodyweight is rather low too.
26" wheels are still abundant and cheap to get used. I'd recommend just giving it a try, especially if you're under 175cm, 140lbs/70kg or just like agility quite a lot.
It's really fun.
I think a 27 front & a 26 in the rear would be awesome.
Blake, you are AWESOME
Thank you Blake for making the video i knew i wanted the moment i realized mullets came back.
I think calling it the ''Hyena'' (short back legs) makes a lot of sense, verses the "Mullet" (long at the back), ''the Hyena" is just hilarious to say as well :)
People use to do that with 26 to 24. Back in the day but no one talks about it. I had a friend who raced he used a 24 in front then 26 in the rear. My other friend did it but used 26in front and 24 in the rear. So they used to challenge each other so much I wish I had a camera back then.
Could not click on this video fast enough. My first attempt at bike work was taking the 26" fork and wheel off my old bike and putting it on a 20" BMX that my sister found in a river. Had a lot of fun with that our 'big wheel'!
The tail waging and stuff - might that all be caused by the radically altered geometry more so then the wheel size? I mean just look at the change to the rake of the fork for example (but even to the bike it's self for that matter). Def enjoyed the video - long live the mullet (and to anything with 26's)!
Blake you are a valuable asset to humanity. Such a hilarious video
27.5 front for quicker steering, stiffer wheel for precision, nimble where you want it.
29 rear for rollover where you have more body weight, momentum etc.
Just add 20mm to the fork to keep the geo the same and you're golden
Didn't Doddy try that a while ago? Personally I'd just go 27.5" front and rear - that way the rear wheel is less likely to catch your shorts when you're hanging over the back.
Ok… so no one is gonna acknowledge Best Of Both Wheels??… fine! Thank you Blake, so rad!!
29 in the front, only Disc Rotor in the back!
Mega cool Video! Thank you for this!
Love the 69er 😉
Awsome vid. I've a 29/27.5 mullet, love it and feel easier on climbing than 29er does.
You’re awesome Blake
Ibis mount trials,cannondale beast of the east.Endless bike co lifetime,Brooklyn machine works park bike,specialized bighit and more.Mullets where there in the nineties aswell as today.Trials type riding where a smaller wheel can help to hop the bike about it to make it easier to lift the front up.
I've been doing b6er for years 27.5 front and 26 rear wheel. It's the 💩
I have one of the original mullet bikes, a 2008 Trek Top Fuel 69er. I love the thing.
AWESOME VIDEO!Blake cracks me up with his chicken sounds 😂
This vid was super helpful for me as I’m looking to go 27.5 up front and 26” on back on an EMTB.
All bike shop mechanic are looking at me like if I had 3 heads! I guess they don’t want my money 🤷🏻♂️
So first going to drop the front from the current 29 er to 27.5 then taking it from there. But I really do want that rear 26 er.
Also EMTBs are so heavy it might help me plant my feet a bit better specially being on the shorter side.
i can see it now, " mega mixed wheel mayhem", with categories. the 20" x 29" would surely be a crowd favorite.
I think we need a reverse mullet - 20" in the front and 29er in the rear
26 to 29... Double mullet!! There used to be a old guy down the road from us, he used small wheel on the front of his old bike and swears it was the best as he always felt like he was going downhill all the time.
When Blake kicks the stick out from the Mullet Bike.😂!!
In my county it is free to take any bike on the train if the wheels are 16"-es can you please test if it's possible to shred a double 16 inch wheel mtb?
If I did 27.5 in rear and 29 in front on my hardtail, would it still be beneficial?
What about the 29” front and jockey wheel on the back? 😂😂😅
So Blake concluded that the good old 69er is the best.
Nice set of bikes you have there😁
Thanks 🙏
"Like a jack Russell on crack" 😂😂😂😂
No matter the size, Blake's skills can handle it!
Fantastic! What do I need to do?
Add ground clearance with a 36 on the front!
Great video 😃
Thanks! 😀
Now put a longer eye to eye shock on the bike that brings the bb to the standard height with the 26 wheel and see how a 69 mulllet would really be 😀
Yup. Unless you get the geometry right this test is just wrong. Put a 26 on the back, raise the bb back up and you prob have solid gold
Yes!!!!! Imagine the fun my inner 13 year old would have going into the bike shop and telling the salespeople I'm in the market for a 69er
I don't think the reactor's linkage will work with that
Trek made it in 2008, I'm the proud owner of one, it even says 69er on the side.
@@jacktherupert 😀 should make my old 2009 Remedy into one 😄
Fantastic video as always. How about trying reverse mullet next? They might actually be good for climing ...😄
Blake and Dodie done that already... with interesting conclusions.
And Cinelli Bootleg ZZ RATS was interesting commuter/roadie in serial production... 26"front/28 rear.
I also ride similar reversed mullet for years.
I recently went from 26" straight to 29", and it's taking me some time to adapt. It rides fast and smooth, but what bothers me is how much harder it is to wheelie and manual. Especially since I'm rather on the short side (171cm), I feel like I can't get my weight back far enough. A 27.5 in the rear may just be the perfect solution for shorter riders like me. Best of both worlds!
Lol you to I just took the plunge my self with 29+ from 26 and I agree with your statement but I'm quickly adapting and questioning my self for not doing this sooner
Same I'm 170, and going from 26 to 29 sucked. I saw all the pros and cons like everyone says, it does feel smoother and acts like having more suspension for small bumps, but the worst con for me was one I havent seen anyone else talk about. I can sprint anytime on my 26 and not hurt my knees and maintain a fast pace. However I cannot sprint or maintain pace on 29", it triggers my back and knee pain immediately and I can't keep the power down! I'm so much slower, and it's an XC hardtail. Even though I'm just average size, it feels like the wheels are just proportionally to big for my bio mechanics to power. I think I'll buy at least mullet if not 27 next for sure
If I were your height, i’d never gone 29er. 27’5 seems just enough
I might replace my titanium 29er rigid with a mullet... Are there XC'ish / trail mullets?
Haha so funny😂 insane how you handle the bike with this tiny wheels on it🤟🏻🎉
Could also do a mullet range where you change the front too, so there is only ever one size difference.
Standard mullet (29/27.5), old school mullet (27.5/26), kids mullet (26/24), and just keep getting smaller.
What about 16, 14, and 12? LoL 🤣🤣🤣
My first MTB had 24 inch wheels. With both wheels @ 24 inches it was not twitchy. Handling was superb. Now I miss 26 inch wheels and may put them on my 27.5 bike, starting with a rear wheel only.
I want some Blake and pilgrim collabs
29/26 combo is epic
i am sorry,
but whats the soundtrack at 2:32 called?
thank you
LoL the 29-20 looks like a mountain penny farthing.
looks like all these tests are just to see blake fall but his enjoying it😂
My dream retro bike is a 26/29” mullet, the trek 69er single speed.
The rootbeer colored one was a looker
I got a 24" rooi disc DH rim if you wanna get crazy and want something that can actually last in rough riding ;)
My god the 20" looked absolutely desperate 😳 Way braver than me!
🤔
I’ve got some 20” box parts and frames…..
And the squishy 27.5” sun tour fork leftover from a rockshox swap.
Could be interesting 🤷♂️
I like these kind of videos between experiments and idiots😉, super Blake! Go go go!
And compliments for another back flip with another crazy bike!
I ride a SC Nomad V2 with 26R 27.5F and a 170mm fork.
Cane creek angleset helps a bit with geometry but its a ridiculous bike, it's pretty fun
Blake does mad whips and backflips and says, "with 29 / 26 you can do this."
That's like me saying to the doctor, "Will I be able to play the violin after this surgery?"
"Yes, definitely" he says.
"That's good" I say "because I can't at the moment."
So you got the 29er, the 27.5, Mullet, and then the 69er or the Super Mullet.
The fog in the back makes the video cinematically beautiful. Love fog!
Nice try
What about testing a 27.5 - 26 combo?
I wonder if a 26 plus or a 26 fat in the rear will be an interesting combination, cause the tire is wider and thicker, should have more speed in the straight line.
Fuuuuck... blakes on 🔥 here! Some sick riding for sure
I love his style.
You just back flipped a penny farthing! 😅😂😅
The 24 doesn't look as stupid as I thought. The angles sort of work visually
Maaan! Blake can ride! That looks super scetchy!!
Great Scott! A Penny-farthing from the future Marty
"Nukeproof warranty approves this! 🤙" Dude, if you get rid of the derailleur, you can go further! And I was thinking all over the place about making my current 2 x 27.5" 2020 Canyon Torque into mullet (going 29" in the front with a suspension upgrade in the process and reducing the current 180mm range to 170mm). Have you guys tried this approach? You think could push the frame way too much into a new geometry?
personaly I loved full 29" after trying full 27,5" and mullet on my enduro hardtail. on a fullsuspensiun the 29" backwheel often interferes with my ass so the mullet setup is better suited for my short legs. Nevertheless I was impressed how the same Brakes feel much stronger on 27,5" wheels and the same gearing just gets a little bit easier to climb.
Also 27,5" rear is lighter so less unsprung mass and less pedalcickback as it turns faster than 29" when riding the same speed.
The Blake Hyena. Make that the go to bike!
Blakes the man !!
24 to 26 for strength if your heavy and do massive jumps and don't believe in wheel compliance! 27.5 for trail riding and climbing, 29 for dainty, speed riding.
How did you get all those wheels to fit the boost spacing on the frame? I’ve been looking for a 26” real wheel with a boost hub and they’re impossible to find.
you just have to build you own wheels!
@@alanblurr1265 I know :/ but it’s such a hassle figuring out the spoke lengths..
GMBN: this is terrible
Sam Pilgrim: this is the dream !
The first bike is a full suspension recreation of the Trek 69er for those “seasoned” riders watching the channel.
awesome skills mate!
next time 29 rear and 20 front ;)
That would screw up steering geometry so badly! Ton of fun, OTBs and nurses!
That would be insane but also very interesting! 😂😉
26" back and 29" front should be called a 69er ;) and the 24" a BMTB (BMX MTB). I notice, on the extreme mullet, while the BB is low, seems the back is so light you can lift it to compensate. As long as you don't lift it too far into an eject :)
Gary Fisher did that back in the early 2000's, and that's also what they called it
Trek made one. Named just that a Trek 69er
what do you think is the best mix for enduro
I’d like a 29” rear and a 32” front. Would be cool to see and ride a 32” rear with 36” front and still have room for good suspension.