650b+ on rear only

while it would be a very expensive experiment, (to build up a rear wheel) i can't help but think how good this might be on the back of the smuggler. DHR 2.8 fits according to some random dude on another forum. climbing traction is supposed to be incredible. it looks like there is a slight difference in diameter which shouldn't be much of an issue. crazy?

Why not build a pair? Apparently 2.8 fits in a standard Pike.

Hmm, plus the front as well for sure…..but, if you couldn't do both front and rear with plus, wouldn't just the front make more sense?

aaahh go with the Moto , 29+ up front and 26+ in the rear . rolls over everything and amazing traction , hot topic at the end of 2017 watch for it !!!

Hmm, plus the front as well for sure…..but, if you couldn't do both front and rear with plus, wouldn't just the front make more sense?

i'm not convinced it would make more sense. it certainly doesn't make financial sense!

650b+ rear with a proper 29" tire up front would be a good combo.

Wouldn't front wash before rear?

Wouldn't front wash before rear?

seems to work for dirt bikes , granted they are not racked out like enduro and dh bikes are today

aaahh go with the Moto , 29+ up front and 26+ in the rear . rolls over everything and amazing traction , hot topic at the end of 2017 watch for it !!!

So 2004 Big Hit

The diameter difference on my plus wheel set (275 2.8 DHF) and my 29er wheelset (29 2.5 DHF) is about an inch (remember, diameter, not radius). And having ridden the same bike with 2 different sets of wheels, I can tell you there's a big difference in bb height. I'm not sure what the Smuggler's bb height is though.

I can tell you there is a huge comfort difference between the 2 wheelsets though. Just my 2 cents.

that's a big difference. i read it was about a cm. the rear tire on the smuggler is 2.3 and the bb is super low, like as low as they come i think around 330. this would be a concern for sure. there are a couple of demo plus bikes around but they all have boost spacing. is this the only way plus comes?

megrim, what bike do you have, and what is more comfortable?

So 2004 Big Hit

26"/24" was a popular combo long before 04 , we ran it years before to lower the bb and slacken the head angle on the early 68deg DH bikes in the late 90,s

that's a big difference. i read it was about a cm. the rear tire on the smuggler is 2.3 and the bb is super low, like as low as they come i think around 330. this would be a concern for sure. there are a couple of demo plus bikes around but they all have boost spacing. is this the only way plus comes?

megrim, what bike do you have, and what is more comfortable?

JBV, I've run both sets of wheels on a Chromag Primer, 160 mm fork both times. I think the bigger tires add some much needed comfort (in my opinion). I didn't think the traction was wildly different; better on dirt, about the same on roots and rocks. But I haven't gone silly low with the pressures (lowest has been 16.7 in the rear).

And to answer your questions. More comfortable with the plus wheels. But I think they are slower if the trails are smooth-ish (Old Buck, Upper Dales). You can get a plus wheel laced to any hub, but I think the idea with the boost is that you can get wider stays and increase the clearance. I'll go measure my wheels again. I've also got a regular 275 wheel with a 2.5 Minion that I'll measure. My memory is a little foggy, but I think the difference between the 2.5 and 2.8 was only like a 1/4" in diameter. But there is a big difference in the volume.

OK, give me a bit and I'll post back with the measurements.

Mike

Alright. Here's a few rough measurements and specs on the wheels.
29er. Easton ARC 30 rims, Minion DHF 2.5, diameter to top of tread ~746 mm
27plus. Easton ARC 35 rims, Minion DHF 2.8, diameter to top of tread ~713 mm
275. Nobl TR38 rims (31 mm ID), Minion DHF 2.5, diameter to top of tread ~708 mm

Give or take a bit in the measurements, I didn't do it with digital calipers… But I think you get the idea. Pretty huge difference between 275/27plus and 29. When I first measured, it kinda surprised me that companies are offering bikes that are 29/27 plus compatible, when really I think they should be 275/27plus. But I bet things would change quite a bit if you change rim widths, go to bigger 3.0 tires, etc. Lots of variables!

I hope this helps.

Mike