Have no experience but a mullet setup for Alpine riding is something I would try, but this is mostly a fit consideration for me. Many short riders run this setup to prevent tyre buzz on the backside on steep sections when you're low on the back wheel. On the downhill circuit, for example, a mullet setup is more common for short riders (5'8" and under) whilst riders 5'9"-6" odd just run straight 29er.
But inherent advantages to a mullet set up are literally a mullet: business up front, party in the back. The 29er front gives superior front end control via better rolling capacity and grip finding whilst the rear allows playful breakaways better negotiation of tight axis turns. Also for really steep sections you are more rearward and less prone to OTBs. Plus the 29er front provides, once again, better grip and control.
In theory.
I spoke to one of the test guys for Fox and mechanic for the Athertons and he seemed to really like the mullet setup for steep stuff especially. He's around 5'8" or so.
Personally, if I were you, I'd test both systems back to back. Have a pure 29er wheel setup and a 27.5" rear. Your initial thoughts about mullet for alpine riding and 29er for home may be correct.
Have no experience but a mullet setup for Alpine riding is something I would try, but this is mostly a fit consideration for me. Many short riders run this setup to prevent tyre buzz on the backside on steep sections when you're low on the back wheel. On the downhill circuit, for example, a mullet setup is more common for short riders (5'8" and under) whilst riders 5'9"-6" odd just run straight 29er.
But inherent advantages to a mullet set up are literally a mullet: business up front, party in the back. The 29er front gives superior front end control via better rolling capacity and grip finding whilst the rear allows playful breakaways better negotiation of tight axis turns. Also for really steep sections you are more rearward and less prone to OTBs. Plus the 29er front provides, once again, better grip and control.
In theory.
I spoke to one of the test guys for Fox and mechanic for the Athertons and he seemed to really like the mullet setup for steep stuff especially. He's around 5'8" or so.
Personally, if I were you, I'd test both systems back to back. Have a pure 29er wheel setup and a 27.5" rear. Your initial thoughts about mullet for alpine riding and 29er for home may be correct.