Can I Ride A 29 Inch Bike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The larger 29 in. wheels affect the overall geometry of a bike frame more drastically than 27.5 in. wheels. This can make it difficult for shorter riders (especially those shorter than 5 ft.

Is a 29er harder to ride?

Ride Experience

Largely because of their lower attack angle,

29ers roll over trail obstacles easier than 27.5-inch wheels

. This translates to a slightly smoother ride and a bit less effort to keep the bike going.

What is a 29er bike good for?

29-inch mountain bikes are one of the most popular classes of mountain bikes, and are steadily becoming the go-to choice for many professional MTB riders. Whilst 29ers are ideal for

intense competitive cycling

, amateur riders and newcomers to mountain biking can benefit from their increased traction and stability.

Is there a big difference between 27.5 and 29?

Because of the larger diameter of the wheel,

the 29er creates a larger contact patch with the ground and also rolls quite faster when up to speed

. Even though it accelerates slower than a 27.5 wheel, 29ers can maintain their speed because of their advanced rollover capabilities compared to a smaller wheel size.

Are 29 wheels too big?

29ers are often better suited to taller riders.


The larger 29 in. wheels affect the overall geometry of a bike frame more drastically than 27.5 in. wheels

. This can make it difficult for shorter riders (especially those shorter than 5 ft.

Can a woman ride a 29-inch bike?

Fortunately, the bike industry always finds a way to expand our horizons, and has been able to adjust bike geometries to accommodate 29-inch wheels on full-suspension bikes for all sizes of riders.

More and more women have been ditching their 27.5-inch wheels for a new 29-inch wheel mountain bike!

Can I put 27.5 wheels on a 29 bike?

Condensed Answer:

If the bike and the wheelset are designed for disc brakes, a 27.5” wheel will fit on a 29” frame and fork

. Since 27.5” wheels are smaller, their diameter will change the geometry of the bicycle in a manner that the rider may not appreciate.

Can you put 29-inch wheels on a 27.5-inch bike?


Yes, you can do it

. The diameter of a 29′′ wheel & tire is slightly larger than a 27.5+ wheel & tire. The 29′′ setup will raise your bottom bracket height.

What size is a 29-inch bike frame?

Your Height Your Inseam Length Bike Frame Size 4’11” – 5’3′′ 25′′ – 27′′ 13 – 15 inches 5’3′′ – 5’7′′ 27′′ – 29′′

15 to 17 inches
5’7′′ – 5-11′′ 29′′ – 31′′ 17 to 19 inches 5’11” – 6’2′′ 31′′ – 33′′ 19 to 21 inches

Do 29ers climb better?


29ers are better up hills

. Bigger wheels are heavier which works against you when climbing, so in this respect it’s a myth. However, if the climb is littered with rocks and steps, the bigger wheel will roll over these momentum sapping obstacles with less effort.

Why is 27.5 better than 29?


Because 27.5” wheels have a smaller diameter than 29”, they have less angular momentum so it is easier for riders to change direction

. This made 27.5” the preferred choice for downhill and enduro riding.

Is 29er slow?


It is slower in terms of climbing and bombarding downhill trails

. Should it be the 29er roll faster since it has bigger wheel diameter? No. For the same linear speed (what would show up on your GPS, for example) the larger wheel is rolling slower.

Is a 27.5 or 29er better?

Simply put,

a 29er offers more speed, efficiency and stability, while a 27.5-inch bike offers a snappier trail feel

. So unless you are particularly tall or small then the choice of wheel size very much depends on the trail you ride and your personal preference for the ride feel.

Can you jump a 29er?


You can usually still jump with 29ers

, do some pretty huge stuff, I have, but it’s a little worse. You don’t quite get as mucl altitude and you have to pedal harder in between or up to the bumps. At the end of the day or when you are getting tired, it’s a little harder to get enough speed to make some of the features.

What size bike should I get for my height?

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size Feet and Inches Centimeters Inches
5′ 1′′ – 5′ 5′′


155 – 165


15 – 16
5′ 5′′ – 5′ 9′′ 165 – 175 17 – 18 5′ 9′′ – 6′ 0′′ 175 – 183 19 – 20

Can I put 29 wheels on a 26 bike?


You can put the 29 inch wheels on a modified full suspension 26 inch bike frame

. For that, you will just need to be specialized and comfortable in basic bike modifications.

Can a short person ride a large bike?

If your bike frame is too big, your handling, comfort and posture will likely suffer. So

riding on a bike frame that’s too big does matter, and so does riding on a bike frame that’s too small

. The size of the frame should accommodate your height, proportions and riding preferences. Bike fit is the key to comfort.

Can you use smaller frame bike?


A smaller frame can provide more traction and responsive handling

. Yet if the frame is too small, it may become too difficult to handle. Instead of making a dramatic change, consider going one size smaller. If you ride a bike with a 17-inch frame, try a 16-inch frame for mountain biking.

How do you ride a 29er mountain bike?

What size bike frame do I need in inches?

HEIGHT FRAME SIZE
5’5′′ to 5’7′′


20 to 21 inch
5’7′′ to 5’9′′ 21 to 22 inch 5’9′′ to 5’11” 22 to 23 inch 5’11” to 6’1′′ 23 to 24 inch
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.