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Bontrager 27.5-Inch Wheels
27.5" (650b) is a wheel standard commonly used on mountain and gravel bikes. The size refers to the approximate outside diameter of the wheel with a mounted tire. The exact rim diameter (tire bead diameter) is 584mm. These measurements are usually marked on the sidewall of the tire.
27.5" wheels have a lot to offer mountain bikers:
- Some riders like the snappy feel of a smaller wheel. They're nimble and provide faster acceleration and more maneuverability than 29ers. 27.5" may be a perfect solution for those who crave precise handling while still benefiting from improved rollover capabilities. Bikes designed to excel on white-knuckle techy situations are often built with 27.5" wheels.
- When big air is on the menu, 27.5" wheels can take the abuse. They're laced with shorter spokes and offer a stouter option for big hit bikes.
- Smaller wheels are more suitable for smaller riders. Companies like Trek recognize the disproportion of building small bikes on 29" wheels. They offer different wheels per bike size for the best fit and feel.
Recently, 650b wheels have become very popular within the gravel community. 650b on a gravel bike allows for larger volume tires using the same frame clearance provided for 700c. The ability to run lower tire pressures can really smooth out a ride on a gravel bike built with little to no suspension. While 650b may not be as fast as 700c, it's hard to turn away from the added comfort and stability that come with smaller wheels and bigger tires.
Hopefully this helps answer some of your questions about wheels. Take a look at some of our Bontrager 27.5" wheel options below: