What is the best size mountain bike wheel to use?

The best size mountain bike wheel depends on a number of factors, including the rider's height, riding style, and terrain.

Rider Height

The most important factor in choosing a wheel size is the rider's height. Generally, taller riders will want larger wheels, while shorter riders will want smaller wheels. This is because larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily, while smaller wheels are more nimble and easier to maneuver.

Riding Style

Another factor to consider is your riding style. If you do a lot of technical riding, such as rock crawling or single-track riding, you'll want smaller wheels that are easier to maneuver. If you do more cross-country riding or racing, you'll want larger wheels that roll over obstacles more easily.

Terrain

The terrain you ride will also affect your wheel size choice. If you ride on mostly smooth trails, you can get away with smaller wheels. If you ride on rough trails, you'll want larger wheels to help you roll over obstacles.

Common Wheel Sizes

The most common mountain bike wheel sizes are 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches.

* 26-inch wheels are the smallest and most common wheel size for mountain bikes. They are nimble and easy to maneuver, but they don't roll over obstacles as easily as larger wheels.

* 27.5-inch wheels are a good compromise between 26-inch and 29-inch wheels. They are more nimble than 29-inch wheels, but they still roll over obstacles better than 26-inch wheels.

* 29-inch wheels are the largest and least common wheel size for mountain bikes. They roll over obstacles very easily, but they are not as nimble as smaller wheels.

Ultimately, the best wheel size for you is the one that you feel most comfortable with. If you're not sure what size wheel to choose, you can always consult with a bike shop expert.