You will hear riders talk about a mullet setup. It sounds like a joke, and the name is one, but the idea is serious and increasingly common on modern trail and enduro eMTBs. Here is what it means.

The basics

A mullet bike runs a larger 29 inch wheel at the front and a smaller 27.5 inch wheel at the rear. Most bikes historically ran matched wheels, either both 29 or both 27.5. The mullet mixes the two on purpose, to get the best of each.

What the big front wheel does

The larger front wheel rolls over rocks and roots more easily and holds a line through rough ground, which adds confidence and control on descents. It is the wheel that keeps you calm when the trail gets nasty.

What the smaller rear wheel does

The smaller rear wheel is more manoeuvrable, easier to move around under you, and gives more room between you and the bike on steep terrain. It makes the bike feel playful and quick to react.

Is it right for you?

If you ride steep, technical or playful terrain, a mullet setup is well worth considering. If you mostly ride fast, open trails, matched wheels still have their place. Want to know how each of our bikes is set up? Just ask us, and we will talk you through it.