Discussion: 27.5 vs 29er

I have an opportunity to buy a deeply discounted 2014 bike in the 27.5 version or a (less deeply) discounted 2015 29er version. I am 6'3" and only really raced on a 29er. Does anyone have experience with using a 27.5 bike for AR? Input?

Buy the bike that's the most fun for you, plus the most bike for the money. There's an equation in there somewhere. Because it probably doesn't matter for most of us racers which of those sized wheels we use.

I'm 6'2 and 29er for life. The 26's just feel too quirky to me and I always considered 27.5 a watered down 29er...or just another way for bike companies to make money.

Or I'm completely wrong.

The 27.5 is for when you don't want to roll as well as a 29er, but don't want the agility of a 26.

Plus your teammates will be on 29.

I presume "deep discount" still means a large sum, so get what you want. Or see if they'll dig up the 2014 29er version, maybe there are still leftovers they can claim (how I purchased my last bike).

I have bought a 27.5 from NOR bicycles recently. Have raced it in shorter multisport races (3-6h and one 24h race). The compromise (26+29=27.5) works perfectly for me. The bike accelerates extremely good and the light weight that you gain (compared to a 29er) is paying back in every uphill (and will pay back in an AR). I was also suspicious about the 27.5 at first, but I'm a racer that enjoys technical biking and this bike kicks when it comes to technical. Why? The wheel size is big enough not to be bumpy and big enough not to get stuck behind an obstacle, given the rider an unexpected flight. At the same time the "small" wheel size gives the acceleration and response as from a 26". Yes, for me it works! My bike is set with shimano XT and are one level below the high end bikes. Weight = 9.4kg (with proper fork and pedals).

Last season I was riding a Merida 29er and in XPD Africa in June this year I was riding a 29er FS from Trek. Next AR I will go for the 27.5 no doubt about it. Will it work for you? Try it, before you buy it!

thanks for all the input. ended up with a 29er. still just over 10kg in the XL. The rest of the team is also on 29er.

Smart move :)