Bike Wheel Size Evolution : From 26” to 27.5” & 29”

Where does 29” bike wheel come from?

Speaking of bike wheel size, we have 26” 27.5” and 29” wheels. Mountain bikes initially used 26-inch as its bike wheel size, derived from road bikes and beach cruisers. For a long time, 26-inch rims dominated due to their durability, agility, and light weight. However, as mountain biking evolved, the limitations of 26-inch rims in cross-country (XC) racing became apparent, particularly in terms of clearance. To address this issue, 29-inch rims were introduced. In 2009, Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski won the US XC Championship using a 29-inch mountain bike, demonstrating the advantages of larger rims in terms of clearance, stability, rolling distance, and cruising speed.

Where does 27.5” bike wheel come from?

Despite the many advantages of 29-inch rims, they also have drawbacks such as increased rotational inertia, heavier wheels, harder starts, and more challenging handling, which sparked debate among professional riders. Consequently, the 27.5-inch rim emerged as a compromise. This size combines the benefits of both 26-inch and 29-inch rims, offering good clearance and manageable handling, making it easier for riders accustomed to 26-inch bikes to adapt. Theoretically, 27.5-inch rims have 3% better clearance than 26-inch rims and offer faster cruising speeds. Today, 27.5-inch rims have become the mainstream size for mountain bikes, validated by the market.

Different Bike Wheel Sizes, Different Road Conditions

This variety leaves many uncertain whether to choose 26-inch, 27.5-inch, or 29-inch Bike wheel size. Generally, larger rims provide better clearance, while smaller rims offer better agility. Typically, 26-inch rims are more suited for city paved roads, 27.5-inch rims cater to more diverse riding needs, and 29-inch rims are best for mountain cross-country riding.

Different rim diameters greatly affect riding experience

Switching from 26-inch to 27.5-inch rims initially feels significant, but you quickly adjust because the difference isn’t too drastic. However, switching from 26-inch directly to 29-inch rims can be overwhelming due to the substantial difference. One inch equals 2.54 centimeters, so a 26-inch rim has an actual diameter of 66 cm, and a 27.5-inch rim has a diameter of about 70 cm. We know that a larger diameter means a larger circumference, which means a 27.5-inch tire covers about 12 cm more ground per rotation than a 26-inch tire, and a 29-inch tire covers about 12 cm more than a 27.5-inch tire.

27.5-inch Bike Wheels is Dominating The Market

Currently, 27.5-inch bike rims dominate the market, with many major manufacturers ceasing production of 26-inch rims, likely signaling a future trend towards phasing out 26-inch rims. If your primary need is mountain cross-country riding, opt for 29-inch rims without hesitation. For daily commuting or city riding, 27.5-inch rims are your best choice. In such cases, 26-inch rims are still an option but not the optimal one.

Choose Bike Wheel Size According To Your Height

If you are taller than 180 cm, we strongly recommend 27.5-inch or larger rims for a more proportionate appearance. For those under 180 cm, both 26-inch and 27.5-inch rims are acceptable.

By the way, SUMLON has been manufacturing bicycle parts for over 15 years. Contact us if you are looking for a bike parts factory or a one-stop wholesaler. Peace