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Many downhillers (Hart, Brannigan, Fairclough to name just a few) are switching back to 27.5" for Vallnord, a notoriously technical steep track. They will be on 27.5" for the rest of the season. Familiarity with the smaller wheels may play a role for many riders (some cited as much) but the different wheels sizes may simply suit some riders styles and stature better.
Gwin won in Leogang on a 27.5" where everyone thought Minnaar would definitely have it.
Troy Brosnan smashed Crankworx Les Gets on a 27.5" where many thought a 29er would deffo win.It remains to be seen at the highest level whether one is really faster than the other for anything except XC, where 29ers are the shit. It'll take until the end of next season until this is sorted out for the downhillers, it will be fascinating to watch. In the end one of the most underrated aspects of downhill, simple bike fit, will most likely help super tall riders like Minnaar and Moir win races rather than any potential advantages from the wheel size.
EWS champions like Richie Rude are still on 27.5", so too Jared Graves.
But as you say for general XC and larking about for the average rider 29er's are a good way to go.
t_w-
Absolutely true...I still think that now the big boys are on board, the design team can implement some tweaks. I know some are still sticking with 27.5, but just from personal experience, the average joe, ie me, would be quicker with the big hoops.
It helps that I'm a chunky fucker too, as gravity helps with momentum!
stedlocks
It's true... even the downhillers are switching to em. That machine coupled with you riding it scares me a bit though...
😂