Hydra Fat vs 27 vs 29. Which one and why?

[Csubi]

I am truly stuck between the 29x2.6 and the 26x4.8.

I am also thinking about future upgrades. I'm unsure that going from 29 to Fat in the future is more difficult than Fat to 29. I seen in the ordering menu that a 29x2.6 (FAT tire hubs) are available.

Many have taken possession of their Hydra in here so we would all love the feedback and opinions are welcome as well.

 

[Acme]

I don’t have much experience with fat tires but the cruiser style bikes I have ridden with them seem very sluggish. Having all that unsprung weight doesn’t make sense to me. I got the 27 5 x 2.8‘s because it is plenty cushy and more maneuverable in tight spaces than the 29‘s. One of my bikes is tubeless and the other one is tannis armor with a tube and I didn’t think I would be able to tell the difference but I can. I really like the lighter tubeless tire better. I don’t suppose I will like getting a flat tire more but such is life

 

[BarnBoy]

I am truly stuck between the 29x2.6 and the 26x4.8.

I am also thinking about future upgrades. I'm unsure that going from 29 to Fat in the future is more difficult than Fat to 29. I seen in the ordering menu that a 29x2.6 (FAT tire hubs) are available.

Many have taken possession of their Hydra in here so we would all love the feedback and opinions are welcome as well.

LMAO- for the same reason, I am getting both 29er and 26fat….
-BB

 

[Jayaznpride]

I am truly stuck between the 29x2.6 and the 26x4.8.

I am also thinking about future upgrades. I'm unsure that going from 29 to Fat in the future is more difficult than Fat to 29. I seen in the ordering menu that a 29x2.6 (FAT tire hubs) are available.

Many have taken possession of their Hydra in here so we would all love the feedback and opinions are welcome as well.

I currently have the Hydra with 26x4.8. I've been told the bike may take thinner tires. But, it will look a bit ridiculous with the fork and rear being so wide. In terms of everyday riding even without pas the ride is fine. Just a bit of tire noise.

 

[BarnBoy]

Ahhhh- best look at the rim specs and see what they recommend. I know Nextie lists this in their specs….
-BB

 

[Jon A]

I am truly stuck between the 29x2.6 and the 26x4.8.

There's a pretty wide gulf between those sizes. If you're unsure and are planning to only use one wheelset, you may be happier with something in-between. Many really like the 27.5X2.8/3.0 as a do-everything size, I'm quite partial to 27.5X3.8/4.0. The former a step closer to the sharper handling 2.6, the latter a step closer to the cushy ride and traction (especially in winter) of the 4.8. It's a pretty wide spectrum with each size having its plusses and minuses, it's just a matter of deciding which pluses or minuses you want for the bike. Personally I'd only go for the 26X4.8 (as your only wheelset) if you were planning lots of riding in snow or sand or really want the cushiest ride possible. Of course, if you're getting two wheelsets, 29X2.6 and 26X4.8 can compliment each other very well. With a 27.5X3 or 27.5X4, you may feel one wheelset is all you need.

 

[slocoach]

I'm with you on this question. I'm running 27.5x3.8 right now on Farley and think they are great, I can roll over anything and barely feel relatively big hits.
With Hydra, nearest options are 26x4.8 or 27.5x3.0... and I think I'm going to roll with 27.5x3.0 with tannus tubeless, but I'm still waffling a bit due to desire for most cushion.
Hence I'm still reading and looking at threads like yours Good luck with the decision! If I run across anything super useful wrt this discussion I'll bring it back in here.

 

[Csubi]

I'm with you on this question. I'm running 27.5x3.8 right now on Farley and think they are great, I can roll over anything and barely feel relatively big hits.
With Hydra, nearest options are 26x4.8 or 27.5x3.0... and I think I'm going to roll with 27.5x3.0 with tannus tubeless, but I'm still waffling a bit due to desire for most cushion.
Hence I'm still reading and looking at threads like yours Good luck with the decision! If I run across anything super useful wrt this discussion I'll bring it back in here.

I went with the fat tire. Later on I can buy wide hub 29s or 27.5s. I can't go from 29 to Fat.

 

[dunksalot]

I am truly stuck between the 29x2.6 and the 26x4.8.

I am also thinking about future upgrades. I'm unsure that going from 29 to Fat in the future is more difficult than Fat to 29. I seen in the ordering menu that a 29x2.6 (FAT tire hubs) are available.

Many have taken possession of their Hydra in here so we would all love the feedback and opinions are welcome as well.

If it's in your budget, the Hydra is designed for both options where you can swap out the rear. It's pricey but you get the best of both worlds. Although, at the price you almost can get 2 bikes for a little more and remove the hassle.