U.S. Built Custom Bicycles in Titanium and Titanium-Carbon Mix
It took a number of years for standards to settle. 29" wheels have become the overwhelming standard. However, there are some benefits to 27.5" wheels so if you're torn about which wheel system to choose, here is a tool to help you decide on the best wheel size for your Seven.
Determining your ideal mountain bike wheel size is fairly straightforward. This may sound surprising, given all the endless chatter about the critical subtleties of that 0.75" radius difference.
Fortunately, Seven builds every model in either wheel size which is unheard of for most bike companies. The industry standard is for a bike brand to push a wheel size because that's what they offer, or that's what they have too much inventory of. Seven builds each bike to order so we can deliver what's truly best for you with no other agenda.
There is rarely a perfect wheel system for every condition on every ride. And, both current popular wheels — the stalwart 29er and the feisty 27.5-inch — are excellent in most situations. Fortunately, deciding which wheel system is ideal for your Seven is usually simple. Our chart may be helpful in simplifying what might seem complicated. And we're happy to help you choose the optimal wheel during your Seven design interview, if you'd like.
| Attribute | 29" Wheels | 27.5" Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity & range of options | BETTER: By far the most popular by about 20:1. Many more tire options. Many more rim design options. | Becoming more and more of a specialty wheel. |
| Rider height | Tends to favor taller riders | Better for shorter riders. Lower front end & handlebar, more standover clearance, slightly lighter bike |
| Rider weight | Fine for anyone | Slightly better for heavier riders because the smaller diameter makes a stronger wheel |
| Handling characteristics | More stable because of larger tire contact patch, wheel inertia, & overall wheel & fork weight | More agile because of smaller tire contact patch, stiffer fork, & lighter front end |
| Climbing speed | Heavier rolling weight climbs slower | BETTER: Lighter wheel has less inertia which helps climbing |
| Climbing ease | Larger tire contact patch provides better traction for easier sustained climbing | Typically shorter chainstays because of the smaller wheel, provides better traction for short steep climbs |
| Descending | Rides over obstacles more easily because of its larger diameter | Easier to pick up the front end because the wheel & fork are slightly lighter |
| Big hits | BETTER: Will ride over larger obstacles more easily because of its larger diameter | Easier to pick up the front end because the wheel is slightly lighter |
| Traction in various conditions | BETTER: Larger contact patch means better traction in all conditions | Smaller wheel can provide shorter chainstay which can improve traction in loose conditions |
| A light weight bike is most important | Heavier wheelset makes for a slightly heavier bike | BETTER: Lighter wheel & fork, but not substantially |
| Riding remote areas & self-sufficiency | BETTER: More common to find standard wheel parts & tires | Less common |
| Supports multiple wheel sizes | BETTER: A bike optimized for 29" mountain wheels can be optimized for 27.5" plus wheels, too. We have to design the bike for this; you can't just throw plus tires on a standard 29er. | A bike optimized for 27.5" mountain wheels will not work with any other wheel size. |