Giant XTC 29 v 27.5

[Pb]

Hey guys,

looking between two giant 2014 models :

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications

or

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications

I'm looking for a hardtail to race, my choice would be the 29er, but it costs quite a bit more than the 27.5. I mostly race XC category but i ride quite a bit singletrack. From what I can tell with the specs, they are relatively similar, major differences being wheel size, forks and frame. Is it mainly a question between wheel size? Would I be losing out much on the firetrails to the guys riding 29ers? I found this happened when i had my 26er... Any advice will help

Cheers,

Pb

[trailgumby]

29ers conserve momentum better because the axle path is smoother over uneven terrain than the smaller wheel sizes. Less kinetic energy is therefore wasted forcing the bike up out of the dips in the trail surface because they don't fall in as far. The result is they are easier to pedal, and the rougher the trail the more the gap widens.

26 and 27.5 both accelerate a bit better, and are maybe quicker to change direction but the above attribute trumps both for most types of riding where you would be using race hardtails.The only reason not to go 29er is if you are small in stature and can't get your position where you like it because the front is too high.

You'll find these videos quite interesting. 27.5" comes up as the slowest of the three wheel sizes. I was expecting it to be 26". The dominance of 29" against the clock compared to the other two is consistent with every other timed test I've read.

[trailgumby]

The bottom line is if you are of average size and up, don't waste your money on a 27.5 for XC racing.

[Pb]

thanks for the advice trailgumpy. I did think it may spark a bit of a wheel size debate seeing as the specs are all pretty similar