I've converted my large evil insurgent as well as an XL carbon warden. Both worked well. The evil better. Given that the evil is a smaller size with a smaller wheelbase, the bigger front wheel makes the bike a bit more confident (due to the increased roll over). It's a super playful bike and although the bigger front wheel detracts a bit from that, the increased confidence is a worthwhile tradeoff. As for the Warden, it's still not nearly as long as what you ride but it is long in my bike collection and I enjoy it better with small wheels as it keeps the whole thing snappy. I've ditched all but one of my 29ers. For me, it's not about how fast you go but how fast you feel you are going and the fun you have along the way. Hardtails are great for this reason as you are so active riding them and feel like everything is coming at you fast while in reality you are going slower than on the big squish. I feel similarly about the small wheels. It may not be as effortless or fast but there are so many different options that open up with a smaller wheelbase and smaller wheel.
I'm really stoked on the mullet specific bikes being released but given that I really enjoy all my current bikes, I don't really feel like investing in an expensive new platform without demoing it first, which is not possible during covid. Maybe in a couple of years when my bikes are getting clapped out, the supply chain will be better and demos will once again be a reality....
I'd definitely be interested to know how a bike as long as yours behaves with dual 27.5 wheels. When a bike gets that long, can it feel playful? It's great to get articles like this from people who are engaged with experimenting with what they have rather than an endless quest for the "newest and greatest" all the time.
June 26, 2021, 11:41 a.m. - Reed Holden
I've converted my large evil insurgent as well as an XL carbon warden. Both worked well. The evil better. Given that the evil is a smaller size with a smaller wheelbase, the bigger front wheel makes the bike a bit more confident (due to the increased roll over). It's a super playful bike and although the bigger front wheel detracts a bit from that, the increased confidence is a worthwhile tradeoff. As for the Warden, it's still not nearly as long as what you ride but it is long in my bike collection and I enjoy it better with small wheels as it keeps the whole thing snappy. I've ditched all but one of my 29ers. For me, it's not about how fast you go but how fast you feel you are going and the fun you have along the way. Hardtails are great for this reason as you are so active riding them and feel like everything is coming at you fast while in reality you are going slower than on the big squish. I feel similarly about the small wheels. It may not be as effortless or fast but there are so many different options that open up with a smaller wheelbase and smaller wheel. I'm really stoked on the mullet specific bikes being released but given that I really enjoy all my current bikes, I don't really feel like investing in an expensive new platform without demoing it first, which is not possible during covid. Maybe in a couple of years when my bikes are getting clapped out, the supply chain will be better and demos will once again be a reality.... I'd definitely be interested to know how a bike as long as yours behaves with dual 27.5 wheels. When a bike gets that long, can it feel playful? It's great to get articles like this from people who are engaged with experimenting with what they have rather than an endless quest for the "newest and greatest" all the time.