The larger 29” wheel provides increased stability, rollover ability and grip, which can be especially helpful when riding in rocky terrain. The 29” wheel is less likely to hang up on obstacles and the increased stability of the bike can make for a more controlled ride. For riders who are often kicked up the butt by their rear wheel when riding down steep trails, a smaller rear wheel can help with clearance.

For riders who want to experience livelier cornering, a smaller 27.5” wheel can be a great option. This wheel size is easier to flick from side to side, providing more room for gymnastic shapes and more agility on the trails. In addition, the reduced rotating mass and smaller diameter mean that the 27.5” wheel accelerates faster, which can help generate speed faster when riding through transitions and berms.

So, should you mullet your bike? Ultimately, the decision to mullet your bike will come down to your personal riding style and preferences. However, by understanding the benefits of each wheel size, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of your rides.

So what are the benefits of mulleting my bike?

Riding a mulleted bike is the latest trend in mountain biking and for good reason. Not only does it give you a fresh look, but it also offers a range of benefits that will elevate your riding experience. Let’s dive into what makes mulleting your bike worth considering.

First and foremost, mulleting brings more control in rocky terrain. With a larger 29” wheel, you’ll roll over square-edged hits like rough rock gardens with ease. The wheel will hang up less, and the steering will be more controlled, making for a smoother and safer ride.

For those who love steep descents, mulleting also increases ass clearance. No more getting kicked up the butt by your rear wheel over steep drops. By fitting a smaller rear wheel, you’ll have better clearance and more room to try new tricks with confidence.

In addition to improved control, mulleting also offers livelier cornering. If your 29er feels a bit cumbersome in corners, or if you’re all about taking the inside line, switching to a 27.5” rear wheel can greatly improve your cornering experience. The smaller rear wheel is more manoeuvrable, making it easier to flick from side to side, and it provides more clearance for acrobatic movements.

Finally, mulleting can provide slacker geometry, perfect for riders who love to go off the brakes. The larger 29” front wheel provides increased stability, slackening out the head-angle and reducing rolling resistance, which speeds up your ride. Whether you’re a fan of technical descents or prefer a more relaxed, stable ride, mulleting is an upgrade worth considering.

Cons to mulleting your bike.

Changes to Bike Geometry: Mulleting your bike, or the addition of a larger or smaller wheel, can significantly impact its geometry by altering the head and seat tube angle, shortening the reach, and raising or lowering the bottom bracket.

Bottom Bracket Height Variation: The bottom bracket height can change significantly depending on the size of the new wheel and its placement on the bike. This can lead to pedal strikes if the bottom bracket height is already low.

Shorter Reach: The effective reach of the bike is reduced when the front is raised or the rear is lowered, causing the bike to feel more compact. To maintain a similar reach, you may need to fit a longer stem or adjust the rise on your handlebar.

Increased Cost: Mulleting your bike can be an expensive process, requiring the purchase of a new wheel and tire, and possibly a new fork and rotor.

The necessity of Upgrading the Front Rotor: If you opt for a larger 29” front wheel, it’s advisable to upgrade your front rotor for improved braking performance. An upgrade from a 180 mm rotor to a 200 mm rotor or from a 200 mm rotor to a 220 mm rotor can increase braking torque by 30% without adding significant weight.

Limitations on Tire Choice: If you try to squeeze a 29” wheel into a 27.5” fork, it may limit your tire choice due to tight clearances. This practice is not recommended as it can compromise the stability and safety of the bike

It may also void your warranty. If your bike is under warranty it’s worth checking first.

In conclusion

Mulleting your bike is a great option for anyone looking to enhance their riding experience. With its range of benefits, including improved control, increased clearance, livelier cornering, and slacker geometry, mulleting can help you take your mountain biking to the next level.

The post Should I mullet my bike? The Pros and Cons of Mulleting Your Bike appeared first on Edit MTB.

Let me tell you, the sturdiness of this fork is no joke! The 36mm aluminium stanchion is super strong and lightweight, making it the perfect combo for handling even the toughest terrain. The ride feel is just so solid, giving you total control and confidence on the trail.

And get this, you can tweak it to your heart’s desire! The air spring and damping adjustments give you the power to fine-tune this fork to your riding style and the terrain you’re on. The air spring is seriously impressive – it’s so smooth and consistent it’ll blow your mind. And the R2C2 damping system? Forget about it! It stands for “Rider-Tuned, Reduced-Friction Compression Circuit” and lets you fine-tune the low-speed compression and rebound damping for even more control. The reduced-friction circuit also makes the fork so buttery smooth and consistent; it’s insane!

The 15mm thru-axle is a game-changer, giving you unbeatable stiffness and stability. Plus, it’s super easy to pop the wheel off for maintenance or repairs, thanks to the quick-release lever.

And the hydraulic bottom-out system? It’s the cherry on top! It helps prevent harsh bottom-outs, even on the hardest impacts. This fork can handle anything you throw at it!

Maintenance is a breeze with the Durolux36 EQ R2C2. The sealed cartridge keep dirt and debris out, so you don’t have to service it too often. And adjusting the air spring and damping circuits is super simple, so you can keep the fork performing like a champ for years to come.

SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 Review: Set up

The best settings for the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 fork will vary depending on the rider’s personal preferences, riding style, and the terrain they’re on. However, as a starting point, the following settings may work well for an 80kg rider:

1. Air pressure: Start by setting the air pressure to around 110psi and adjust according to your preference for a firmer or softer ride.
2. Rebound damping: Rebound damping controls how fast the fork returns after compressing. A good starting point for an 80kg rider would be to set the rebound damping to the middle setting. If the fork is bouncing too much, slow down the rebound damping, if it is not bouncing enough, speed it up.
3. Low-speed compression damping: This setting controls the compression of the fork at slow speeds. For a more aggressive rider, start with a firmer low-speed compression damping setting, and for a more trail-oriented rider, start with a softer setting.
4. Hydraulic bottom-out: The hydraulic bottom-out system helps prevent harsh bottom-outs. For an 80kg rider, start with the setting in the middle and adjust according to your preference for a firmer or softer bottom-out.

It’s important to note that these settings are just a starting point, and you may need to make adjustments based on your riding style, the terrain you’re on, and how the fork feels. The adjustability of the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 fork is one of its strengths, so take advantage of it and experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 Review: How does it compare?

The SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 and the RockShox Lyrik are two top-of-the-line suspension forks designed for all-mountain and enduro riding. The price of the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 is generally lower compared to the RockShox Lyrik, making it a more affordable option for riders on a budget. Both forks feature a 36mm stanchion, making them equally stiff. The RockShox Lyrik is known for having a more rigid feel, which can make it better suited for aggressive riding.

Both forks have air spring and damping adjustability, but the RockShox Lyrik offers a wider range of adjustability options, providing more fine-tuning to your personal preferences. The SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 is equipped with the R2C2 damping system, which allows for low-speed compression and rebound damping adjustments. The RockShox Lyrik features the Charger 2 RLC Damper, which is recognized for its exceptional small bump sensitivity and improved control. Although the RockShox Lyrik is slightly lighter than the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2, both are high-quality suspension forks.

The choice between these two forks will depend on your individual preferences and budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with good adjustability, the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re searching for a more premium option with a wider range of adjustability options and improved small bump sensitivity, the RockShox Lyrik may be the better option for you.

SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 Review: Why don’t all brands include a mudguard?

The inclusion of an integrated mudguard sets the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 apart from other brands, as it offers a practical solution to keep mud and debris from clogging the fork, ensuring optimal performance on any trail. Not many fork brands include a mudguard, making this a unique and valuable benefit of choosing the Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 from Suntour.

SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 Review: Conclusion

In conclusion, the SR Suntour Durolux36 EQ R2C2 fork is a must-have for any serious mountain biker! The balance of stiffness, sensitivity, and adjustability is next-level, and the hydraulic bottom-out system, low-maintenance design, and high level of adjustability make it an unstoppable force on the trails! If you want to take your all-mountain and enduro rides to the next level, this fork is the way to go!

For more details of the SR Suntour Durolux 36 EQ R2C2 head over to the Suntour website.

The post SR Suntour Durolux36 EQ R2C2 fork Review appeared first on Edit MTB.