I am old. MTB I rode started with 24 inch. Then 26 inch. And mullet 24.....26. Then 26 inch for life . Then 27 .5 inch. So we muleted that too. 26.....27.5 inch. 27.5 for life. Now I have a 29er . Giant mullet 27.5 ....... 29er. Now I just bought my 46 bike . A new 2020 FOCUS. JAM. 29ER. OF ITS GOT WHEELS WE WILL MAKE IT GO FAST. WITH NO FLEX. . Love your content. high there Chris .
Solid Nature With Chris! Really rounds out the videos nicely. 27.5 for me all the way. I’m not a big dude. But I like to throw the bike around as much as possible.
27.5 is the golden middle between 26" and 29" and for me the best ones! 29" are sluggish, heavy and nowhere near as light and stable as 27.5! In addition, at 29" the body's center of gravity is much too high!
That force you were feeling on the 29" whip wasn't centrifugal or centrifugal, it was actually the gyroscopic effect keeping the wheel travelling straight.
Thanks a lot for the effort to make this video, I think when it´s all said and done, 29 is a tiny bit faster and might have slightly more grip here and there. But 27.5 is a lot more fun overall, and that´s what counts in the end.....I am still on 26" though..:-)
Fun fact: you can still find awesome bikes on 26" for nothing, bikes that used to cost thousands and buy a bargain and enjoy life. 26 is still awesome people, if you actually care about having fun and healthy life, mentally and physically. 27.5, 29 are part of the normal evolution of trying to make things better, but this doesn't make 26 junk.
@@HollowPointBlank giant trance jr. 26, new mtb full suspension bike with 26" wheels. I was referring to secondary market in my comments. Someone that knows MTBs can help you find something awesome in good form. Some santa cruz bike with fox front and rear with 26" wheels.
27.5 in the front with 26 in the back ...rode 26, 27.5 and 29 and I think that this is the best ballance for the average Joe, who wants to have fun and not worry about either rigidity or roll. We're not racers, we're freeriders, at best.
This is literally subjective based on every individual. Height, strength, agility, athleticism. How can you claim one thing will work for every average Joe?
i started with a 26" ... got swayed into a 29" purely by trends, really didnt like it , its heavy and cumbersome , now im on 27.5 and i really love how lively it is
@@hb7030 i dunno the physics of it man , but i tried all 3 and it is heavier , its harder for me to pop the front up , and then there is the cornering which feels longer slower . im sure you tried all 3 right ?
I’ve got a 29er, a 27.5 and a mullet bike. I only rode 27.5 if I’m going to a jump heavy location like BMCC or bull track. There it excels. Otherwise a 29 inch front wheel is a must! You get used to putting more energy in to the bike for turning and whipping. And it’s faster, no doubt in my mind. When I get on my 27.5 on normal trails, it feels like it doesn’t want to roll. I do like my mullet, but it’s an eeb, so hard to compare to my 29er side by side
I've compared 29 and 26, and the 26 are much more nimble and fun. The 29 feel heavy and lumbering in comparison. Probably better for downhill, but that's not my type of riding.
For those 1% which actually do racing, those 2 seconds will mean a lot. For all others, 29er is heavier and weaker bike. Smother ride? Sure. But MTB is to go down the stairs. What smoothness we are talking about? Who wants smooth ride should take road bike and go on asphalt.
I dont know why everyone when comparing 27.5 to 29 forgets to mention the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT and that is the WEIGHT of the wheelset. Every 100 grams saved on moving parts is very noticeable.
How good are you!...wish I was able to do 50% of what you can at that speed. Very good evaluation Sam a couple of things I hadn't thought about, 29'er on the technical even. Your judgements were a proven great video.
I think it's all about frame size. I have seen a 27.5 bike that looks big enough to be like 29 because of the frame.. mine is 27.5 but the frame is 15 and it looks small like 26.. total control!
Every comparison video I've ever watched, the modern 29" is always faster. Older 29ers would probably struggle, but frame geometry has come a long way in the past 10 years. I don't know where the 26" guys come from, that's like saying a 94' Corvette is better than a 2021 C8. I still have a 26" 2008 Gary Fisher and I only ride it occasionally to have a good laugh. It's not just the tire size, the geometry of 26" tired mountain bikes is so ancient. Everything from head angles to seat post angles to reach, modern 29" and 27.5" frames are just so much better in nearly every way. A 26" is more tossable, but you will be slower on almost any trail.
Did the whole Kokopelli solo/unsupported recently. On a 97' Fischer Big Sur with a Niner fork and 27.5+ front end on it, Mini Mullet. It kicked ass on it;s second burly bike packing trip. It's a riot on day rides as well. Cheers
Why you think 26" are still the best? Could you explain that? In my opinion 27.5 is the best as it combines the advantages of both sizes 26" and 29" without the disadvantages that only come with extremes. 27.5 is the golden middle and for me the optimal wheel.
Glovo rider here, with e-bike. On my Riese Mueller with 29 wheel on the rear, the bike accelerates harder but overall travels with 3km more with the same battery ( 59 versus 56 ). Also it shakes me a little less on bumps and this is better for food transportation. I use 27.5 in the front for better control but because Schwalbe doesn't makes Winter Marathon for 27.5, I will switch to 29 also in front, sacrificing control...otherwise I would stick with smaller wheel on the front.
For offroad, for fun and all that, I would use 27.5, maybe 29 if only doing XC marathon, but for having fun, doing jumps, 27.5. You can mix 29 in front and 27.5 in the back.
I think for racing 29 is quicker but then these bikes are very specific in use ie quick up a hill or quick down a hill with no compromises. I think for trail use if you want something that can bomb down and climb 27.5 might be better. I think they're just a jack of all trades as the wheels are just lighter and tougher/stiffer (for the weight), so you can't run heavier casings with out a massive weight penalty. I just can't see that bigger heavier wheels are quicker up hill if you're gonna prioritize descending. I own a 29 hardtail Nukeproof scout and a 27.5 Stanton FS. Pedaling across town to the trails and on mellow climbs/trails my mates 27.5 is no doubt quicker in places. I think I long travel 29 would just kill a trail and be a bit boring.
I just got my first 29 and have a 27 and a 26. I like the 26 but the travel on the front forks is much less than the 27 or 29. I like the 26 for general trail work but for downhill, I like the stretched out offset of the forks and front wheel and more fork travel found on 27's & the 29ers. IMO
Been riding 26 for years just braught 29 bike probaly end up getting some 27.5 aswell best both worlds and keeping my good old 26 beast wheelie machine
Unfortunately, it depends! If the uphill is SMOOTH and WINDY (like sharp switchbacks), the 27.5 will be faster uphill, as it's more maneuverable at low speeds, weighs less, and doesn't need to roll over rocks or roots (if smooth). If the uphill is straight and rough, the 29 will be faster. In this case, the 29 will not get hung up on roots and rocks, and doesn't have to make sharp turns (if straight). I'm tall, but my preference is 27.5 as it's more maneuverable and enjoyable. I ride my enduro bike mostly for fun, and I'm not a serious racer.
Done this test when the first 29 wheel was out then and you could get 27.5 wheel on the same bike spec on the Giant Trance. I tried both bikes same spec where I ride and yes the 29 was faster but in tight forest where I ride it was a wagon wheel and not as flickable unless a berm was there to use so I have used 27.5 since and will not use a 29. I still use 27.5 so spare wheels and tyres are all the same.
I have a 27.5 and sometimes ride my son’s 29er. I noticed that I can climb steep long hills way better on my 27.5 and the 29er feels like it carries momentum better through the trails but, at the end of my ride, I feel way more exhausted after riding the 29er? Kinda the opposite of what I was expecting between the two bikes? Maybe I’ll mullet my 27.5 and see how it feels lol! Good video btw
Should have added in a mixed wheel run too, just to see, currently running 26+ & 27+ which works real good, but not so good on really wet trials trails?
how did you not get bucked off your bike on the case. Dang you turn so well. I don't have 29s yet, i ride my 27.5 alot, still new to me. When i get on my 26" it is alot of fun, very turny, older geo, and it feels good to have a different feel on a bike, the change is good, even when i'm tired riding the 27 all day, then go to the store on my 26, it's still fun. I don't ride the 26 on the trail much, I don't have the control that i have on my more modern bike.
If the uphill is SMOOTH and WINDY (like sharp switchbacks), the 27.5 will be faster uphill, as it's more maneuverable at low speeds, weighs less, and doesn't need to roll over rocks or roots (if smooth). If the uphill is straight and rough, the 29 will be faster. In this case, the 29 will not get hung up on roots and rocks, and doesn't have to make sharp turns (if straight). I'm tall, but my preference is 27.5 as it's more maneuverable and enjoyable. I ride my enduro bike mostly for fun, and I'm not a serious racer.
26", Benji knows whats up
Oh hi jordan
Hello there
ua-cam.com/video/OK_yRcl1_2k/v-deo.html
I am old. MTB I rode started with 24 inch. Then 26 inch. And mullet 24.....26.
Then 26 inch for life .
Then 27 .5 inch.
So we muleted that too. 26.....27.5 inch.
27.5 for life. Now I have a 29er . Giant mullet 27.5 ....... 29er.
Now I just bought my 46 bike . A new 2020 FOCUS. JAM. 29ER.
OF ITS GOT WHEELS WE WILL MAKE IT GO FAST. WITH NO FLEX.
. Love your content. high there Chris .
Mullet 24 / 26 was so much fun (Specialized FSR) 👍
@@pags198124/26 mullet is still awesome for street freeride/skatepark
Absolute best tire size comparison video. And oh man, I’ve seen them all.
Solid Nature With Chris! Really rounds out the videos nicely.
27.5 for me all the way. I’m not a big dude. But I like to throw the bike around as much as possible.
I am a big dude and I like to throw the bike around too. That's why I ride 29s.
27.5 is the golden middle between 26" and 29" and for me the best ones! 29" are sluggish, heavy and nowhere near as light and stable as 27.5! In addition, at 29" the body's center of gravity is much too high!
That force you were feeling on the 29" whip wasn't centrifugal or centrifugal, it was actually the gyroscopic effect keeping the wheel travelling straight.
You’re right! Thanks
@@SamReynolds26 happy to help.
this video helped me choose 27.5 ” because i like moving around and feeling the terrein its more fun to me
That slide off the roots drop looks sick🤘
I feel like you have to be this level of rider to really notice the differences. Excellent video
Thanks a lot for the effort to make this video, I think when it´s all said and done, 29 is a tiny bit faster and might have slightly more grip here and there. But 27.5 is a lot more fun overall, and that´s what counts in the end.....I am still on 26" though..:-)
Fun fact: you can still find awesome bikes on 26" for nothing, bikes that used to cost thousands and buy a bargain and enjoy life. 26 is still awesome people, if you actually care about having fun and healthy life, mentally and physically. 27.5, 29 are part of the normal evolution of trying to make things better, but this doesn't make 26 junk.
@@vasipro I'm gonna buy my first MTB, Giant Talon 1, but 27.5 is the smallest version, can you please suggest 26 bikes?
@@HollowPointBlank giant trance jr. 26, new mtb full suspension bike with 26" wheels.
I was referring to secondary market in my comments. Someone that knows MTBs can help you find something awesome in good form. Some santa cruz bike with fox front and rear with 26" wheels.
I have a 29 and a 27.5 I agree it's hard to choose. I do find it easier to throw the 27.5 around.
27.5 in the front with 26 in the back ...rode 26, 27.5 and 29 and I think that this is the best ballance for the average Joe, who wants to have fun and not worry about either rigidity or roll. We're not racers, we're freeriders, at best.
you said it "we are not racers...." true dat.
This is literally subjective based on every individual. Height, strength, agility, athleticism. How can you claim one thing will work for every average Joe?
I've 4 Mini Mullets, love them.
i started with a 26" ... got swayed into a 29" purely by trends, really didnt like it , its heavy and cumbersome , now im on 27.5 and i really love how lively it is
I went from 26 to 29r in 2015 , and really liked it . Rode it for 3 years and saw a deal on a 27.5 trail bike and i like it too ! .
What year is the 29er that you tried? They have dialed in the geo in the last few years.
@@hb7030 2018 pipedream moxie ... 29er is just heavier no way around it
@@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo What, how would a bit of extra rim make it all that much heavier? You are talking like 1/4 of a pound.
@@hb7030 i dunno the physics of it man , but i tried all 3 and it is heavier , its harder for me to pop the front up , and then there is the cornering which feels longer slower .
im sure you tried all 3 right ?
you have answered my question..thank you bro..for more simpler and practical explanations...i prefer 27.5 stilll
THAT WAS A HELL OF A CASE! SEND IT!
Sick! I was here when you were recording this.
Same haha
@@haydenamiss1439 it the bender himself
@the crankaddicts on insta
I voted by mail
What's this sick business. What are people unwell or something.
yessss nature with Chris, what an absolute leg 🤣
I’ve got a 29er, a 27.5 and a mullet bike. I only rode 27.5 if I’m going to a jump heavy location like BMCC or bull track. There it excels. Otherwise a 29 inch front wheel is a must! You get used to putting more energy in to the bike for turning and whipping. And it’s faster, no doubt in my mind. When I get on my 27.5 on normal trails, it feels like it doesn’t want to roll. I do like my mullet, but it’s an eeb, so hard to compare to my 29er side by side
27.5 all day long in the park! and everywhere I go!
I tried out 29”, and 27.5” will always reign supreme for me!
Super edit. Finally the practical application of 27.5 & 29. Keep up the good work!
I spilled my coffee at "Nature with Chris" part...
I've compared 29 and 26, and the 26 are much more nimble and fun. The 29 feel heavy and lumbering in comparison.
Probably better for downhill, but that's not my type of riding.
That's why 27.5" - best of both worlds.
29" seems sluggish and inflexible and not nearly as nimble, light and solid as a 27.5".
Which do you guys prefer and why?
29 because you can roll over stuff easier and it’s more grippy
27.5 because I love how you are able too turn quick and pull manuals
I prefer 29 er just like my siskiu D7 2021
26 because I'm old school
29 (front) and 27.5 (rear) because you get the best of both worlds.
For those 1% which actually do racing, those 2 seconds will mean a lot. For all others, 29er is heavier and weaker bike. Smother ride? Sure. But MTB is to go down the stairs. What smoothness we are talking about? Who wants smooth ride should take road bike and go on asphalt.
U should just do mullet of 29 front 27 rear. This would mean whips would be easier but it also smooths out the trail a lot more. 🤘🔥
That’s emo, not mullet.
@@keirfarnum6811 what is emo? Mullet is 29front 27rear
I dont know why everyone when comparing 27.5 to 29 forgets to mention the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT and that is the WEIGHT of the wheelset. Every 100 grams saved on moving parts is very noticeable.
29 in front, 27 5 in rear ! IS THE BEST of these 2 worlds 💥💥💥💥
That's cheating! 😉
Gotta be a mullet set up, best of both worlds.
“29ers are easier(pauses) if you’re into that “ rofl 🤣
How good are you!...wish I was able to do 50% of what you can at that speed. Very good evaluation Sam a couple of things I hadn't thought about, 29'er on the technical even. Your judgements were a proven great video.
Arrhhh I have too many bikes already, now I need another one!! Thanks for your great video and regards to Nature Chris for his sound shroom advice 🤘🏽
27,5 for sure. I!m here for the fun. 🤘🏻
That's clever 🙂👍
Nice bike and nice bike trails Thanks for the info... I'll go for 27.5🙂 Luv it
Best video about that topic In my opinion 😊👍🙂
I think it's all about frame size. I have seen a 27.5 bike that looks big enough to be like 29 because of the frame.. mine is 27.5 but the frame is 15 and it looks small like 26.. total control!
true enough, varied options, .....
The epitome of 'it's the rider not the ride' 🤟🏽
Every comparison video I've ever watched, the modern 29" is always faster. Older 29ers would probably struggle, but frame geometry has come a long way in the past 10 years. I don't know where the 26" guys come from, that's like saying a 94' Corvette is better than a 2021 C8. I still have a 26" 2008 Gary Fisher and I only ride it occasionally to have a good laugh. It's not just the tire size, the geometry of 26" tired mountain bikes is so ancient. Everything from head angles to seat post angles to reach, modern 29" and 27.5" frames are just so much better in nearly every way. A 26" is more tossable, but you will be slower on almost any trail.
Did the whole Kokopelli solo/unsupported recently. On a 97' Fischer Big Sur with a Niner fork and 27.5+ front end on it, Mini Mullet. It kicked ass on it;s second burly bike packing trip. It's a riot on day rides as well. Cheers
26" baby
Get this man a lawyer 🤘🔥
please do
He is going straight to jail after that one
A Jewish one?
@@manoz6194 Preferably.
@@dangerous8333 well they are very good at convincing, the made the world think there is a pendemic
26" is still the best 💪💪
Why you think 26" are still the best? Could you explain that? In my opinion 27.5 is the best as it combines the advantages of both sizes 26" and 29" without the disadvantages that only come with extremes. 27.5 is the golden middle and for me the optimal wheel.
Polygon crew checking in 🤘
27 rear, 29 front baby, best of both worlds
Could be the one!
26 for life. same reasons as 27.5, but a notch more.
Sick, what about running mullet, 27.5 on the back and 29 on the front
And what about running emo, 29 front and 27.5 rear?
Same thing lol
@@keirfarnum6811 then technically you're going permanently down hill.
why not 27.5 front, 26” rear?
26 is where it’s at
26 for fun!
Bahahah
Keen to hear your opinion on the mullet setup, especially jumping
Yeah I’ll try it next time!
You got me sold, 26" it is!
Glovo rider here, with e-bike. On my Riese Mueller with 29 wheel on the rear, the bike accelerates harder but overall travels with 3km more with the same battery ( 59 versus 56 ). Also it shakes me a little less on bumps and this is better for food transportation. I use 27.5 in the front for better control but because Schwalbe doesn't makes Winter Marathon for 27.5, I will switch to 29 also in front, sacrificing control...otherwise I would stick with smaller wheel on the front.
For offroad, for fun and all that, I would use 27.5, maybe 29 if only doing XC marathon, but for having fun, doing jumps, 27.5. You can mix 29 in front and 27.5 in the back.
27.5 this, 29 that, we all know 26 is best
26 are for poor people with old bikes.
I have one, haha.
@@oalbornoz cuz mountain biking is mainly about how new you bike is ay ?
@@oalbornoz u can still get nice 26 inches
Kudos to that!
I'm 3 inches shorter than most and I still have a lot of fun! 😂
Your question about centrifugal or centripetal: neither it's to do with gyroscopic motion 🤓
Will99x neeeerd!
@@orchlongavaa2494 hah, googled it first
True, and centrifugal force actually doesn't exist. It's a "fictitious" or "pseudo" force caused by inertia. ☝️
@Aiwill Nukeus Right, that depends mostly on tire pressure, not on wheel size.
Simple geometry, 1 revolution on a Bigger wheel... Will cover More ground ... A bit demanding phisically but worth the results
Thank you, you helped clear that up well for me.
cool video. Awesome riding bro! Im actually going from 29 to 27.5 - I do feel like 29ers are 'barges' haha 27.5 feels more fun to me anyway.
I Ride 26 inch wheels
I chose 27.5 as I'm a short arse and every little bit helps lol.
How tall are you? What frame and which size r u using?
simple: n+n. I have a road endurance, a road CF race; 27.5" hardtail; 29 hardtail, a flat bar road bike and a foldable 20"
26. Then 27.5 mullet bikes of various setup. 👌👍
27.5 is the sweet spot
29ers are still for XC Jay boys. Been riding 26" from 1990 for life
...There's a 27.5" in your future *_!_*
We All waiting for 31,5" wheel. 😁😄
Fuck it im going 40" wheels just go all the way man
I ride a set of custom 33s on the downhill bike and they're much better than 29s, faster, better rollover - then back to the 27.5" for Trail.
29 inch all the way love ur vids bro
I think for racing 29 is quicker but then these bikes are very specific in use ie quick up a hill or quick down a hill with no compromises.
I think for trail use if you want something that can bomb down and climb 27.5 might be better. I think they're just a jack of all trades as the wheels are just lighter and tougher/stiffer (for the weight), so you can't run heavier casings with out a massive weight penalty.
I just can't see that bigger heavier wheels are quicker up hill if you're gonna prioritize descending.
I own a 29 hardtail Nukeproof scout and a 27.5 Stanton FS. Pedaling across town to the trails and on mellow climbs/trails my mates 27.5 is no doubt quicker in places. I think I long travel 29 would just kill a trail and be a bit boring.
Lets try mullet 27.5 in rear and 29 er in front brother, keep health and strong💪
27.5 cornering is fire
Also keen to know thoughts 29 front 27.5 rear.
26 so far so good
I went to Rogate last Tuesday and it was the best!!!
I prefer 27.5, because I feel like 29 is too bulky for me. And sometimes I ride my 26 as well.
I just got my first 29 and have a 27 and a 26. I like the 26 but the travel on the front forks is much less than the 27 or 29. I like the 26 for general trail work but for downhill, I like the stretched out offset of the forks and front wheel and more fork travel found on 27's & the 29ers. IMO
Sick video dude 👌
cheers!
Been riding 26 for years just braught 29 bike probaly end up getting some 27.5 aswell best both worlds and keeping my good old 26 beast wheelie machine
Are 27.5 better for riding uphill? I haven't rode for years and my 29s seem hard for going uphill, but smoother and more stable.
Unfortunately, it depends! If the uphill is SMOOTH and WINDY (like sharp switchbacks), the 27.5 will be faster uphill, as it's more maneuverable at low speeds, weighs less, and doesn't need to roll over rocks or roots (if smooth). If the uphill is straight and rough, the 29 will be faster. In this case, the 29 will not get hung up on roots and rocks, and doesn't have to make sharp turns (if straight). I'm tall, but my preference is 27.5 as it's more maneuverable and enjoyable. I ride my enduro bike mostly for fun, and I'm not a serious racer.
very satisfied with this product
Done this test when the first 29 wheel was out then and you could get 27.5 wheel on the same bike spec on the Giant Trance. I tried both bikes same spec where I ride and yes the 29 was faster but in tight forest where I ride it was a wagon wheel and not as flickable unless a berm was there to use so I have used 27.5 since and will not use a 29. I still use 27.5 so spare wheels and tyres are all the same.
26 forever 🤙
Sam, try mullet because it whips well and it’s agile except you get the smoothness of the big wheels
Thank you, great video and nice bike.
26 is the best
26" inch gang
I prefer 27.5 (I am 5'10"). With 27.5 only frame you get a shorter chainstay, that makes some difference as well.
I think 29" very better to rolling, but 27" verybetter in cornering. I want you go to indonesia🙏🙏
YAAASSS nature with chris is the best
I have a 27.5 and sometimes ride my son’s 29er. I noticed that I can climb steep long hills way better on my 27.5 and the 29er feels like it carries momentum better through the trails but, at the end of my ride, I feel way more exhausted after riding the 29er? Kinda the opposite of what I was expecting between the two bikes? Maybe I’ll mullet my 27.5 and see how it feels lol! Good video btw
26 is best I think
Nice video Sam 🤘🤘
Spoiler, the answer is 26" 🤘
Oh yea! 🤙
No
26 rear 27.5 front medium frame
Definitely 26“
Sam you should try it in a mullet configuration for your jumping and even tried on race runs
I should have but ran out of time in the day! I will next time
Easy...26" (The next generation standard)
Both are nice, its defend how will manage, ride safe bro
But how they are on pure even asphalt?
Is the 29 there also faster and is it easier to ride longer distances with it? 🤔
Depends how often you have to stop, 27.5 you’ll accelerate faster. 29 will roll faster once you’re up to speed.
I'm still trying to figure out where to go 27.5 or 29
Should have added in a mixed wheel run too, just to see, currently running 26+ & 27+ which works real good, but not so good on really wet trials trails?
What year & model bike?
29ER!!
how did you not get bucked off your bike on the case. Dang you turn so well. I don't have 29s yet, i ride my 27.5 alot, still new to me. When i get on my 26" it is alot of fun, very turny, older geo, and it feels good to have a different feel on a bike, the change is good, even when i'm tired riding the 27 all day, then go to the store on my 26, it's still fun. I don't ride the 26 on the trail much, I don't have the control that i have on my more modern bike.
Should try a 29er up front and 27.5, mullet setup, best of both. Mullet setup is actually faster than a full 29 or 27.5 setup on average
proove it
Sick video mate I had a 29er and just sold it I think I will get a 27.5 next . When will we see you ride the polygon trid zz I have one and I love it.
Which do you like better now?
@@michivanhalen7086 He sold his 29er. That says it all. 27.5er rocks! ;)
I prefer 27.5". The golden middle between 26" and 29".
If the uphill is SMOOTH and WINDY (like sharp switchbacks), the 27.5 will be faster uphill, as it's more maneuverable at low speeds, weighs less, and doesn't need to roll over rocks or roots (if smooth). If the uphill is straight and rough, the 29 will be faster. In this case, the 29 will not get hung up on roots and rocks, and doesn't have to make sharp turns (if straight). I'm tall, but my preference is 27.5 as it's more maneuverable and enjoyable. I ride my enduro bike mostly for fun, and I'm not a serious racer.
26 is the best..
Oh man, he is so fast, blink and you'll miss it. Amazing