Grab a brew and take a pew, because we’re going deep into the MX vs 29er debate.
Business in the front, party in the back… the ethos of the mullet bike is simple: Get wild, get sideways. Also known as mixed-wheel, or MX in YT lingo, these fun-focused bikes rip, offering unrivaled maneuverability on the trails and a seek-and-enjoy ride character that begs to detonate turns and boost off every side-hit. But what’s the difference when compared with its 29er sibling, and which one is best for commanding the trails?
What is a mullet bike?
YT CAPRA MX CORE 3
It’s what you get when you pair a fast-rolling, 29” front wheel with a nimble 27.5” rear wheel. This setup aims to combine the best of both worlds when it comes to agility and outright speed, offering a unique, loose, and surfy feel that’s equally at home on big jump lines as it is steep, aggressive gnar. The benefits of this setup run deep, and since the UCI made mixed-wheel bikes race-legal back in 2019, they’ve never been far from the downhill podium.
From DH World Cup tracks to iconic freeride events like Rampage, mullet bikes have found their place on the scene, and with the DECOY and CAPRA, YT is committed to offering riders dedicated, gravity-focused MX options. And believe the hype – mullet bikes bring the Good Times. Not yet a convert? Try one for yourself on our Rolling Circus demo tour.
What is a 29er bike?
YT CAPRA 29er CORE 3
Rolling on large, 29″ wheels, 29ers are fast and efficient and have taken the world of MTB by storm. It doesn’t take much to find them – look at any discipline where speed is a priority and you’ll find that 29″ wheels are king for many riders! But, why are 29 wheels faster? In short, they offer more grip and a smoother, more stable ride character.
MX VS 29er
It’s the grudge match of the century, who will win? Is a mullet bike better than a 29er? Well, it ain’t that straightforward. Your ride style, height, local terrain, and personal preference all make a difference, meaning the decision between MX and 29 isn’t plain sailing . There are no wrong answers here, though – both rip! But, between these wheel sizes, you might find one that clicks.
The Benefits of an MX Mountain Bike
With their larger 29” front wheel and smaller 27.5” rear wheel, mullet bikes focus on fun, delivering a distinct feel on the trail that aims to please rowdy riders who value airtime and responsiveness over seconds on the clock. Let’s break it down:
HANDLING: Mullet bikes can charge hard in technical terrain thanks to their large front wheel. A 29” tire provides a greater contact area with the trail and the increased diameter guarantees enhanced grip for monster-trucking capability when compared to a full 27.5” wheel setup. But, by keeping the more compact 27.5” rear wheel in the mix, mullet bikes deliver an addictive cornering quality that keeps you coming back for more as you scorch round tight, twisty corners.
CLEARANCE: Ever had a 29” rear wheel buzz your butt when things get steep? The 27.5” rear wheel of a mullet bike ramps up the clearance, making it easier to shift your weight around, lessening the risk of the rear wheel catching you when the trail drops away. Here is where shorter riders will reap the benefits, but that’s not to say taller riders won’t also enjoy the extra space and maneuverability.
AGILITY: Whips, nac’s, spins, and flips: when things get spicy, it pays to have a mullet in your arsenal. With a shorter chainstay length, mixed-wheel bikes are easier to manual and less of a handful when you want to get sideways. The MX bikes in our line-up are hungry for airtime, offering added maneuverability in the air for throwing shapes in the bike park and general hooning around the woods.
The Benefits of a 29” Mountain Bike
SPEED: Both mullet and 29” bikes are fast, but when it comes to outright seconds on the clock, larger wheels take the crown. The wider circumference improves tracking through roots and rocks, helping to hold speed when things get rough, making 29” the wheel size of choice for die-hard cross-country, enduro, and downhill racers looking for every marginal gain.
TRACTION: The larger the tire, the greater the surface area in contact with the trail. This means that when compared to a mullet or 27.5” setup, a full 29” bike will better grip loose surfaces and offer improved braking characteristics when it’s time to drop the anchors.
STABILITY: The longer wheelbase of a 29” bike improves stability, enhancing confidence and control when things get dicey on the trail. A traditional symmetrical wheel setup has the benefit of balance, allowing the rider to become more easily centered on the bike.
So, what’s best out of MX v 27.5”? While 27.5” bikes may not be on trend, their unmatched responsiveness makes them a perfect choice for throwing down in the bike park or for smaller riders hunting a more playful ride. For many riders, a mixed-wheel platform provides the best of both worlds, offering the manoeuvrability of a 27.5” bike with much of the enhanced grip and speed of 29”.
FAQ
What type of rider would benefit from an MX/mullet bike? Calling all park rats! Riders who prioritize jumps, corners, and airtime will be right at home aboard an MX/mullet bike. Grab one and get your stoke on!
Is a mullet bike suitable for racing enduro or downhill? You bet – while a full 29” bike may be faster on some tracks, MX/mullet bikes still bring the heat and are an ideal choice for riders who split their time between race day laps and bike park sends.
Can I ride a mullet bike without jean shorts? Technically, yes. But it’s highly discouraged. If you must, our YT Performance Wear line-up is the perfect pairing for your mixed-wheel antics.
What YT bikes feature MX/mullet wheels? You can find MX options on our designated shred-sleds; the DECOY and CAPRA.
Choosing between MX and 29” is no easy choice, with both sizes having advantages. Do you prioritize partying over pedaling? If so, grab your headphones and crank up the hair metal; a mullet bike might be for you. But, if you want to scorch the descents and crank out some serious mileage, a 29” rig might be more your speed.
Can’t decide? Find out for yourself. The YT Rolling Circus is back on the road; head to the YT Rolling Circus page to book a demo at an event near you. Or, if you’re passing by, why not drop into a YT MILL and demo a ride on the local trails?
