26" Wheel on a 27.5 Bike?

Prostreet513
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Cincinnati, OH US
Edited Date/Time 10/21/2015 4:14pm
I just recently purchased a 27.5 bike and I am contemplating running a 26" wheel with a 2.5" Maxxis Ardent tire. I know that it will lower the bottom bracket about 1/4-1/2" but who has done this and how is it working out? I am curious how it impacts the handling and agility of the bike overall. I have read a lot of people talking about it but I have yet to find someone who has actually done it.
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kidwoo
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Grass Hut, FM US
10/20/2015 7:15am Edited Date/Time 10/20/2015 7:16am
I've done it with two different bikes, including the trail bike I'm currently riding. With the same 27.5 fork or a 26" fork with a 10mm higher axle to crown, you'll drop about half an inch. With a 26" fork, you'll drop about 0.7"

Depends on the frame but I wouldn't do it with many of them under a 13.5" BB stock.

But it adds a lot more stability running into things and in crappy traction corners. A little tougher to manual and gives it a little more of a planted feel but the smaller wheels are a little quicker in quick direction changes so that bit is kind of a wash.
Prostreet513
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Joined
5/15/2015
Location
Cincinnati, OH US
10/20/2015 7:22am
kidwoo wrote:
I've done it with two different bikes, including the trail bike I'm currently riding. With the same 27.5 fork or a 26" fork with a 10mm...
I've done it with two different bikes, including the trail bike I'm currently riding. With the same 27.5 fork or a 26" fork with a 10mm higher axle to crown, you'll drop about half an inch. With a 26" fork, you'll drop about 0.7"

Depends on the frame but I wouldn't do it with many of them under a 13.5" BB stock.

But it adds a lot more stability running into things and in crappy traction corners. A little tougher to manual and gives it a little more of a planted feel but the smaller wheels are a little quicker in quick direction changes so that bit is kind of a wash.
The BB is 352mm which I believe is 13.8"
kidwoo
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Grass Hut, FM US
10/20/2015 7:28am
Is this on a 6" or less travel trail bike?

If so you should be fine. I wouldn't do it on a dh bike at 13.8.

People talk about individual bikes and whether those bikes give them "pedal strikes™" as if it's the bike doing everything.

Just use your eyes and you'll have a good time.
Prostreet513
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Location
Cincinnati, OH US
10/20/2015 7:43am
kidwoo wrote:
Is this on a 6" or less travel trail bike? If so you should be fine. I wouldn't do it on a dh bike at 13.8...
Is this on a 6" or less travel trail bike?

If so you should be fine. I wouldn't do it on a dh bike at 13.8.

People talk about individual bikes and whether those bikes give them "pedal strikes™" as if it's the bike doing everything.

Just use your eyes and you'll have a good time.
Its 150mm rear and 160mm front
Prostreet513
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Location
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10/21/2015 4:14pm
I did it I ordered the wheels so I guess we will see what happens

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