Photo credit: Ian at www.fezzari.com
27.5+ bikes are the newest thing in the plus size tire market. If you want to see what the buzz is all about, check out our post: What’s Up With 27.5+? Why You Might Want a Plus Size Bike.
This buying guide lists all the alloy 27.5+ full suspension bikes that will be available this spring online or at your local bike shop. If you are interested in the more expensive carbon models, check out our for our Carbon 27.5+ Full Suspension Buying Guide. Bikes are listed below from lowest to highest price, and prices are accurate as of the time of posting.
Fezzari Cascade Peak
The Fezzari Cascade Peak is an upgraded version of their full-suspension Abajo Peak 29er. It features Fox Float suspension components with a Shimano XT drivetrain. Fezzari advertises a “Direct Selling Model” which means they can offer a quality bike at a lower price point by allowing you to purchase online directly from the manufacturer. They offer 23-point custom setup, so your bike will ideally be customized to your specifications.
Model | Fezzari Cascade Peak |
Frame | Aluminum Fezzari Racing Design HL429 (110mm Rear Travel) |
Fork | 2016 Fox Float 34 (120mm Travel) |
Rear Shock | 2016 Fox Float DPS |
Headset | FSA Sealed Bearing Tapered |
Brakes | Hydraulic Shimano XT M8000 (180/160mm Ice Tech Rotors) |
Component Group | Shimano XT |
Drivetrain | 1×11 (Front 30T Rear 11-42T) |
Rear Spacing | 148mm BOOST |
Rims | WTB Scraper i45 27.5+ |
Tires | WTB Bridger 27.5×3.0 |
MSRP | $2,799 |
Cannondale Bad Habit
The Cannondale Bad Habit is Cannondale’s 27.5+ take on their existing 27.5” full-suspension bike Habit. They made a few geometry changes, including making more room for the WTB Bridger 3” tires. It is offered in two models; the more expensive of which features a Lefty fork with 120mm of travel.
Model | BAD HABIT 2 | BAD HABIT 1 |
Frame | Smartformed Alloy Bad Habit 27+ (120mm Rear Travel) | Smartformed Alloy Bad Habit 27+ (120mm Rear Travel) |
Fork | RockShox Reba RL Boost, 120mm | Lefty 2.0 Alloy OPI, 120mm |
Rear Shock | RockShox Monarch RL 120mm | RockShox Monarch RL 120mm |
Headset | Tange 1.5 Tapered | Cannondale HeadShok Si |
Brakes | Shimano Deore (180mm Rotors) | Shimano Deore (180mm Rotors) |
Component Group | Shimano Deore/SLX | SRAM GX |
Drivetrain | 2×10 (Front 36/26T Rear 10-36T) | 1×11 (Front 30T Rear 10-42T) |
Rear Spacing | 148mm | 148mm |
Rims | Cannondale Beast, 27.5” x 50mm | WTB Scraper i45 27.5+ |
Tires | WTB Bridger 27.5×3.0 | WTB Bridger 27.5×3.0 |
MSRP | $2,660 | $3,200 |
Salsa Pony Rustler GX
The Salsa Pony Rustler uses the same frame as the Salsa’s 29er Horsethief. By using BOOST hub spacing, the wheels from a Horsethief and Pony Rustler are interchangeable. The Pony Rustler uses Split Pivot rear suspension featuring Fox Float Performance components. It is offered in three models, one with an alloy frame (specs below) and the other two with carbon frames.
Model | Salsa Pony Rustler GX |
Frame | Pony Rustler AL-6066-T6 |
Fork | Fox Float 34 Performance (130mm Travel) |
Rear Shock | Fox Float Performance |
Headset | Cane Creek 10 Tapered |
Brakes | SRAM Guide R (SRAM Centerline 180mm Rotors) |
Component Group | SRAM GX |
Drivetrain | 2×10 (Front 22/34T Rear 11-36T) |
Rear Spacing | 148mm BOOST |
Rims | WTB Scraper i45 27.5+ |
Tires | WTB Bridger 27.5×3.0 |
MSRP | $3,499 |
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 6FATTIE Alloy
The Stumpjumper FSR 6FATTIE features Specialized’s new 6FATTIE wheel system. The 6FATTIE system uses 3.0” Specialized tires seated on 29mm rims and built on a BOOST hub. The geometry of the popular Stumpjumper was modified to accommodate the 27.5+ tires. It is offered in three models, one using an alloy frame (specs below) and two using carbon frames.
Model | Stumpjumper FSR 6FATTIE Alloy |
Frame | M5 alloy, Trail 6Fattie Geometry (135mm Travel) |
Fork | Fox 34 Plus Performance (150mm Travel) |
Rear Shock | Fox Float Performance DPS |
Headset | Hella Flush, 1-1/8″ and 1-1/2″ threadless |
Brakes | Hydraulic Shimano Deore (Ice-Tech Rotors) |
Component Group | SRAM GX |
Drivetrain | 1×11 (Front 28T Rear 10-42T) |
Rear Spacing | 148mm BOOST |
Rims | Roval Traverse 27.5″ x 29mm |
Tires | Specialized 6FATTIE
Front: Purgatory Control, 27.5×3.0 Rear: Ground Control, 27.5×3.0 |
MSRP | $3,500 |
Scott Genius Alloy
The phrase used to describe the Scott’s Genius line of bike is “Any Trail, Any Time.” What better way to improve on that idea than to add a set of 27.5+ tires? The Genius is offered in three models, one alloy (specs below) and two carbon frames.
Model | Genius 720 Plus Alloy |
Frame | Genius PLUS Alloy 6061 (130mm Rear Travel) |
Fork | Fox 34 Float Performance Air (140mm Travel) |
Rear Shock | Fox Float Performance Elite |
Headset | Syncros Comp, Tapered 1.5″ – 1 1/8″ |
Brakes | Shimano SLX M675 (180mm Rotors) |
Component Group | Shimano Deore/XT |
Drivetrain | 2×10 (Front 22/36T Rear 11-36T) |
Rear Spacing | 148mm BOOST |
Rims | Syncros X-40, 27.5″ x 40mm |
Tires | Schwalbe
Front: Nobby Nic EVO, 27.5×2.8 Rear: Rocket Ron EVO, 27.5×2.8 |
MSRP | $3,999 |
Josh
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