27.5er wheels, also known same size as 650B wheels, are bicycle wheels with a 27.5-inch diameter, commonly used in modern mountain bikes for their balance between agility and speed. These wheels offer better rolling efficiency than 26ers while providing more agile handling than 29ers, making them ideal for trail, enduro, and all-mountain riding. Often made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, 27.5er wheels come in various types such as tubeless or clincher, and require regular maintenance like checking tire pressure, spoke tension, and hub bearings for optimal performance.
In this article, we explain what 27.5-inch bike wheels are, their materials, the different types based on tube and bike, the exact wheel size, and how big the 27.5-inch wheels are compared to other sizes of wheels like 26er and 29er. Then, we dive into the lifespan of the wheels, how to maintain them, and how to buy them for your bike.
Table of Contents
What are 27.5er wheels?
27.5er wheels, also known as 650B wheels, are bicycle wheels with a 27.5-inch diameter (~584mm BSD), designed to offer a middle ground between the smaller 26-inch wheels and larger 29-inch wheels. Introduced in the early 2000s by brands like Trek and Specialized for modern mountain biking, 27.5er wheels provide a balance between agility and rolling efficiency, making them popular for trail, enduro, and all-mountain bikes. These wheels allow for better maneuverability compared to 29ers while still maintaining good speed and stability on rough terrain.
What does 27.5er mean for a bike?
27.5er for a bike means it uses 27.5-inch diameter wheels, offering a balance of agility and rolling efficiency, making it ideal for mountain bikes, trail, and enduro riding, where riders need better maneuverability than 29ers but improved speed and stability compared to 26ers.
What is 27.5er wheel size in inches?
27.5er wheel size refers to a wheel with an approximate 27.5-inch diameter, or 584mm bead seat diameter (BSD), designed to offer a balance between the maneuverability of 26-inch wheels and the rolling efficiency of 29ers, making it versatile for both technical and smooth terrains.
27.5er wheel rims
27.5er wheel rims come in various types such as clincher, tubeless, and tubular, each designed to optimize performance based on the riding style and terrain. Commonly made from materials like aluminum for durability and cost-effectiveness or carbon fiber for lightweight and strength, 27.5er rims provide a balance between agility and speed, with wider rim profiles often used to accommodate larger tires for improved traction and control on rough trails. These rims offer a great blend of performance features for trail, enduro, and all-mountain biking.
What are 27.5-inch wheels good for?
27.5er wheels are good for trail, enduro, and all-mountain biking due to their balance between agility and rolling efficiency. Their medium size offers lower rolling resistance than 26-inch wheels, while still providing better maneuverability than 29-inch wheels, making them ideal for technical terrain where both control and speed are needed, especially with wider tires for improved traction.
Why do so many mountain bikes have 27.5 wheels?
So many mountain bikes have 27.5 wheels because they offer an ideal balance between the agility of 26-inch wheels and the speed and rollover ability of 29-inch wheels, making them perfect for technical mountain bike trails. Their size allows for better control in tight, twisty sections while still maintaining good momentum on rough terrain, making them a popular choice for trail, enduro, and all-mountain bikes.
27.5er bike wheel material
27.5er bike wheels are typically made from aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, chosen for their balance of durability, weight, and performance. Each material offers distinct advantages depending on the rider’s needs and riding style.
- Aluminum Alloy: 27.5er aluminum alloy wheels are strong, affordable, and provide a good balance between durability and weight, making them ideal for trail and all-mountain riding.
- Carbon Fiber: 27.5er carbon fiber wheels are much lighter and stiffer, offering improved acceleration and responsiveness, often preferred by competitive riders looking for high performance on challenging terrains.
What is the 27.5er wheel weight limit?
The weight limit for 27.5er wheels typically ranges from 220 to 300 lbs (100 to 136 kg), depending on the material used. The variation is due to the strength, flexibility, and structural properties of different materials, with stronger materials supporting higher weight limits.
- Aluminum Alloy: Aluminum alloy 27.5er wheels usually have a weight limit of around 220 to 250 lbs (100 to 113 kg), as they provide a good balance of strength and flexibility, but can deform under extreme conditions.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber 27.5er wheels can support up to 300 lbs (136 kg) due to their superior stiffness and strength, making them ideal for heavier riders or aggressive riding conditions.
27.5er bike wheel types
27.5er bike wheels can be categorized into two main types: tube types and bike types. For tube types, the options include clincher, tubular, and tubeless wheels, with clinchers being the most common for general riding due to their ease of use, tubular favored for racing for their lightness and performance, and tubeless wheels offering better traction and fewer flats for off-road riding. For bike types, 27.5er wheels are primarily used on trail, enduro, and all-mountain bikes, as they provide a balance of agility and speed, making them versatile for a variety of terrains. This categorization ensures riders choose the appropriate wheel based on the type of riding and terrain, optimizing performance and durability.
27.5er Wheel types based on tube types
27.5er wheels come in three main tube types: clincher, tubular, and tubeless, each offering distinct advantages for different riding styles and conditions.
- 27.5er Clincher: Clincher wheels use a separate inner tube and tire, making them the most common and easiest to repair, ideal for everyday riders and trail bikers.
- 27.5er Tubular: Tubular wheels have the tire sewn around the inner tube and glued directly to the rim, providing lighter weight and lower rolling resistance, preferred by competitive riders.
- 27.5er Tubeless: Tubeless wheels eliminate the inner tube and allow the tire to seal directly to the rim, enabling lower tire pressure for improved traction and reduced punctures, making them ideal for off-road and aggressive terrain.
27.5er Wheel types based on bike type
27.5er wheels can be categorized based on bike types, including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, fat bikes, plus-size fat bikes, and mountain bikes with boost spacing, each designed for specific terrains and riding styles.
- 27.5er Mountain Bike Wheels: Designed for trail and enduro riding, these wheels offer a balance of agility and rolling efficiency, making them ideal for technical terrains and descents.
- 27.5er Road Bike Wheels: Less common, but some road bikes use 27.5er wheels to offer better acceleration and handling for shorter riders or unique road frame geometries.
- 27.5er Gravel Bike Wheels: These wheels are optimized for off-road adventures, providing excellent traction and control on mixed surfaces like dirt, gravel, and loose terrain.
- 27.5er Fat Bike Wheels: Fat bike wheels with a 27.5-inch diameter allow for wider tires, enhancing stability and grip on soft surfaces like snow or sand.
- 27.5er Plus Fat Bike Wheels: These wheels are even wider, allowing for “plus” size tires (around 2.8 to 3.25 inches), offering superior traction and cushioning on rough terrains.
- 27.5er Mountain Bike Wheels Boost: Boost wheels have wider hub spacing (110mm front, 148mm rear), providing increased stiffness and better control for aggressive riding and technical trails.
What is a 27.5er wheel size?
27.5-inch wheel size refers to a wheel with a 27.5-inch diameter, which measures approximately 584mm in bead seat diameter (BSD). This site is designed to provide a middle ground between the agility of 26-inch wheels and the rolling efficiency of 29-inch wheels, offering better handling on technical terrain while maintaining speed and stability.
27.5er bike wheel diagram
27.5er bike wheel diagram is shown below with necessary parts.
27.5er bike wheel dimensions
27.5er bike wheel dimensions typically measure 27.5 inches in diameter (approximately 584mm BSD) with tire widths ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 inches, depending on the type of bike and terrain. This size is chosen to balance the agility of smaller wheels and the speed and rollover capability of larger wheels, making it versatile for various riding styles, particularly trail and enduro biking.
27.5er bike wheel width
27.5er bike wheel width typically ranges from 19mm to 35mm for the rim, while tire widths can vary from 2.0 to 3.0 inches (50 to 76mm), depending on the type of riding, with wider rims and tires providing better stability and traction for off-road and technical terrain.
Is a 29er faster than a 27.5er?
Yes, a 29er is faster than a 27.5er because its larger diameter allows for better momentum and reduced rolling resistance, making it more efficient on long, flat stretches and smoother terrain. But 27.5er wheels offer better agility and acceleration in tight or technical sections, with smaller tires providing more control in challenging conditions, which makes them preferable for trail and enduro riding.
How big are 27.5er wheels?
27.5er wheels have a diameter of approximately 584mm or 27.5 inches. They are larger than 26-inch wheels but smaller than 29-inch wheels, striking a balance between agility and rolling efficiency. In comparison, 27.5er wheels offer better handling in technical terrain than 29ers while still providing more speed and stability than 26-inch wheels, making them versatile for trail and all-mountain riding.
26 vs 27.5 mountain bike wheels
26-inch mountain bike wheels are known for their agility and quick acceleration, making them ideal for technical trails and riders who prioritize maneuverability. On the other hand, 27.5-inch wheels provide a balance between the agility of 26ers and the rolling efficiency of 29ers, offering better speed on rough terrain without sacrificing too much control.
Comparison | 26 Mountain Bike Wheels | 27.5 Mountain Bike Wheels |
Size | 26 inches (~559mm BSD) | 27.5 inches (~584mm BSD) |
Tire Size Range | 2.0 – 2.5 inches | 2.0 – 3.0 inches |
Rolling Efficiency | Lower, but more agile | Improved efficiency on rough terrain |
Agility | High, very responsive | Balanced agility and speed |
Popularity | Decreasing | Increasing, versatile |
Price Range | Affordable ($300-$600) | Moderate ($400-$800) |
26 vs 27.5 fat bike wheels
26-inch fat bike wheels are commonly used with wide tires (3.8 to 5 inches), providing maximum traction on soft surfaces like snow and sand, ideal for slow, controlled riding. Meanwhile, 27.5-inch fat bike wheels allow for larger tires, improved rollover capability, and increased stability at higher speeds, making them more versatile for mixed terrain.
Comparison | 26 Fat Bike Wheels | 27.5 Fat Bike Wheels |
Size | 26 inches (~559mm BSD) | 27.5 inches (~584mm BSD) |
Tire Size Range | 3.8 – 5.0 inches | 3.8 – 4.5 inches |
Rolling Efficiency | Great on soft surfaces | Better for mixed-terrain |
Agility | High maneuverability | Good agility for a fat bike |
Popularity | Common for snow/sand | Gaining popularity |
Price Range | Affordable ($500-$900) | Higher ($700-$1,200) |
29 vs 27.5 mountain bike wheels
29-inch mountain bike wheels are favored for their ability to maintain momentum and smooth out rough terrain, offering better efficiency on long trails. In contrast, 27.5-inch wheels provide a good compromise between the agility of smaller wheels and the speed of 29ers, making them ideal for riders who want both maneuverability and improved rollover performance.
Comparison | 29 Mountain Bike Wheels | 27.5 Mountain Bike Wheels |
Size | 29 inches (~622mm BSD) | 27.5 inches (~584mm BSD) |
Tire Size Range | 2.1 – 2.6 inches | 2.0 – 3.0 inches |
Rolling Efficiency | Best for long-distance, rough terrain | Improved efficiency on rough terrain |
Agility | Lower, but stable on descents | Balanced agility and speed |
Popularity | Most popular for XC and trail riding | Increasing, versatile |
Price Range | Higher ($500-$1,000+) | Moderate ($400-$800) |
Which is better 27.5 or 29 mountain bike wheels?
29er wheels are better than 27.5er mountain bike wheels because their larger size (29 inches vs. 27.5 inches) offers better rolling efficiency, smoother handling over rough terrain, and increased momentum on long-distance trails. But 27.5er wheels are more agile, offering quicker acceleration and better maneuverability on technical or tight trails, making them ideal for riders who prioritize control in challenging terrain.
Is 27.5 mountain bike wheels good for heavy riders?
Yes, 27.5 mountain bike wheels are good for heavy riders because they offer a balance of strength and agility, especially when paired with wider tires that can be run at lower pressures to provide better support and traction. The slightly larger wheel size helps distribute weight more evenly, reducing the impact on rough terrain, while still maintaining control and durability under higher loads.
Will a 27.5 wheel fit in my 26 mountain bike?
Yes, if your frame and fork have enough clearance, because 27.5 wheels are slightly larger in diameter (about 584mm compared to 559mm for 26), but you might need to adjust or replace the brakes and tires for proper alignment.
Can you put 27.5 wheels on a 26 bike?
Yes, if the frame and fork can accommodate the larger diameter because 27.5 wheels are about 1 inch larger than 26 wheels, but this may affect handling, and brake compatibility could be an issue.
Can you put 27.5 wheels on a 29 bike?
Yes, if you use appropriate tires and adjust for clearance because 27.5 wheels are smaller than 29 (about 584mm vs. 622mm), but it will lower the bike’s bottom bracket, possibly affecting ground clearance.
Can you put 29 wheels on a 27.5 bike?
No, because 29-inch wheels are larger in diameter (622mm vs. 584mm), and most 27.5 mtb frames and forks won’t have enough clearance to fit the larger wheels without causing rubbing or interfering with the frame.
Can I put 27.5 road wheels on 27.5 mountain bikes?
Yes, if the hub spacing and axle type match, because 27.5 road wheels have the same diameter as 27.5 mountain bike wheels, but you may need different tires and brake adjustments for proper functionality.
How long do 27.5er wheels last?
27.5er wheels can last anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 km (5,000 to 12,000 miles) or 3 to 10 years, depending on factors like riding conditions, maintenance, and material. The lifespan is affected by terrain, weight load, and regular upkeep. Rough off-road conditions or poor maintenance can shorten wheel life, while smooth terrain and proper care can extend it.
- Aluminum: Typically lasts 8,000 to 12,000 km (5,000 to 7,500 miles) or around 3 to 6 years, as it is durable but more prone to wear and bending over time, especially on rough terrain.
- Carbon: Can last 15,000 to 20,000 km (9,300 to 12,000 miles) or 5 to 10 years, due to its higher strength and resistance to fatigue, although it’s more sensitive to impacts and cracks.
How to maintain 27.5er wheels?
To maintain 27.5er wheels, you need to regularly check spoke tension, inspect tire pressure, true the wheels, lubricate the hubs and clean the rims. These steps help ensure the longevity and performance of your wheels.
- Check spoke tension: Use a spoke wrench to ensure even spoke tension across the wheel to prevent wobbling and maintain structural integrity.
- Inspect tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure (usually 30-50 psi for mountain biking) for optimal grip and comfort.
- True the wheels: Use a truing stand or the brake pads as a guide to adjust the spoke tension and straighten any wobbling rim, improving stability.
- Lubricate the hubs: Periodically disassemble the hub using cone wrenches, clean the bearings, and apply fresh grease to keep the wheels spinning smoothly.
- Clean the rims: Use a soft brush and mild detergent to clean dirt and debris off the rims, ensuring better braking performance and preventing wear.
How to change 27.5er wheels?
To change 27.5er wheels, first release the brakes, remove the quick-release skewer or thru-axle with a wrench or lever, slide the wheel out of the dropouts, place the new wheel into the frame, secure it with the skewer or thru-axle, and reattach the brakes, ensuring everything is aligned properly.
How to buy 27.5er wheels?
To buy 27.5er wheels, you can visit local bike shops for expert advice and fitting, search online retailers like Amazon or eBay for a wide selection and competitive pricing, or explore second-hand options on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, ensuring you verify compatibility with your bike’s frame and hub standards before purchasing.
27.5er bike wheel brands
27.5er bike wheels are produced by a variety of well-known bike brands that are recognized for their innovation, durability, and performance in the cycling world. These brands have established a strong reputation over the years, catering to both recreational and competitive cyclists.
Brand | Since | Country/Region |
Bontrager | 1995 | USA |
Wheel Shop | 1988 | Canada |
RaceFace | 1993 | Canada |
We Are One | 2017 | Canada |
Giant | 1972 | Taiwan, China |
Roval | 1970s | USA |
27.5er wheels manufacturers
27.5er wheel manufacturers have risen to prominence as the demand for versatile and high-performance mountain bike wheels has grown. Many of these companies started by focusing on innovative wheel designs, materials, and technologies to cater to both casual riders and competitive athletes. Below are some of the top 27.5er wheel manufacturers.
Manufacturer | Country | Since |
Shimano | Japan | 1921 |
SRAM | USA | 1987 |
DT Swiss | Switzerland | 1994 |
Mavic | France | 1889 |
Industry Nine | USA | 2005 |