You might’ve been hearing whispers about “mullet mountain bikes” – and no, it’s got nothing to do with your hairdo!
This innovative setup, featuring a larger 29-inch wheel at the front and a smaller 27.5-inch wheel at the rear, is quickly becoming a go-to for riders chasing superior control on technical descents.
Keen to understand what makes mullet bikes so special? Let’s unpack why this setup is winning over so many fans and whether it’s the right choice for your next pedal-powered adventure.
What’s the Go with a Mullet Mountain Bike?
A mullet mountain bike distinguishes itself by using two different wheel sizes: a larger 29-inch wheel at the front and a smaller 27.5-inch wheel in the rear.
This clever MTB setup combo aims to deliver the best of both worlds—the stability and effortless rollover capability of the larger front wheel, teamed up with the quick handling and agility provided by the smaller rear.
The name “mullet”—inspired by the “business in the front, party in the back” hairstyle—hilariously sums up what this MTB setup is all about. You get serious, confident control from the 29-inch front wheel, which smooths out rocks, roots, and gnarly terrain.
Meanwhile, the 27.5-inch rear wheel brings a playful feel and quicker acceleration, especially when carving tight corners or popping off jumps. It gives you a bit more “snap” when you need it.
Initially popping up on custom downhill rigs and enduro race bikes, the mullet MTB setup has become much more mainstream in recent years.
Big-name brands like Polygon Bikes and professional riders in Australia began experimenting with this configuration in races, and the benefits quickly made waves in the wider trail-riding community.
Why More Riders Are Choosing Mullet MTB Setups
Here’s why mullet MTBs are catching on with cyclists:
- Better Control Up Front: The 29” wheel rolls smoothly over rocks, roots, and technical terrain, helping you maintain speed and stay on line.
- Playful Rear End: The 27.5” rear adds agility and quick acceleration, especially when pumping through corners or launching off features.
- Great for Descents: Perfect for Australia’s rugged downhill trails—from the Blue Mountains to Derby, Tasmania.
- Better Fit for Smaller Riders: The lower rear end improves clearance and handling for shorter riders who may find full 29ers too tall.
The Upsides: Why Riders Are Digging Mullet Mountain Bikes
So, what’s behind the growing number of riders opting for a mullet MTB setup? It’s not just about looking schmick on the trails; there are tangible performance benefits that make this configuration truly shine. Here’s why a mullet mountain bike is proving so popular:
- Effortless Rollover and Control: The 29-inch front wheel is a champion when it comes to rolling over obstacles. Its larger diameter delivers a smoother ride and helps you maintain speed through rugged terrain.
Because the front wheel handles most of the impacts and dictates the steering, it translates to increased confidence, smarter line choices, and superior control on unpredictable trails, from the dusty outback to the lush rainforests.
- Boosted Agility and Playfulness: The 27.5-inch rear wheel makes the bike feel incredibly responsive and lively, especially when carving turns or launching off features. It accelerates quicker than a 29er rear, giving you that extra “oomph” when pedaling out of corners or hitting jumps.
If your riding style leans towards flicking the bike around, negotiating tight sections, or getting some air, this mountain bike setup adds a fun, dynamic edge to your ride.
- Optimised for Descents and Technical Trails: This setup truly comes into its own when the trail points down. The front wheel tracks smoothly over challenging surfaces, while the smaller rear wheel allows for tighter turns and better clearance over drop-offs and berms.
You can adopt a more aggressive riding position, making it easier to shift your weight back and stay centred over the bike on steep sections.
It’s no wonder the mullet design is a firm favourite in enduro and downhill mountain bike disciplines.
- A Solid Option for Shorter Riders: If you’ve ever wrestled with standover clearance on a full 29er, you’ll really appreciate the mullet geometry. The 27.5-inch rear wheel lowers the bike’s back end, meaning more crucial space between the top tube and your body.
For riders with shorter inseams, this could be the perfect solution to reap the benefits of a 29-inch front wheel without the awkward fit often associated with a complete 29er frame.
Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind
- Less Balanced Ride: Mixing wheel sizes can feel uneven on flatter terrain.
- Higher Cost: Not all bikes support mullet builds off-the-shelf, so you may need custom tweaks.
- Not Ideal for XC: On long climbs or distance rides, a full 29er is often more efficient.
Mullet MTB vs. Full 27.5 vs. Full 29er: What Suits Your Riding Style Best?
The choice between a mullet MTB setup, a full 27.5, or a full 29er ultimately boils down to how and where you ride. Here’s a quick comparison of how each configuration stacks up, helping you decide what fits your needs best:
| Feature | Mullet MTB (29 front, 27.5 rear) | Full 27.5 MTB | Full 29er MTB |
| Rollover Ability | Excellent up front, moderate at rear | Less smooth | Outstanding rollover on all terrain |
| Agility | Rear-end flickability | Very agile front and back | Less nimble, more planted |
| Stability | Solid control on the front wheel | Less stable at very high speeds | Very stable at high speeds |
| Cornering | Excellent for tight & technical turns | Quick and precise in corners | Can feel a bit sluggish in extremely tight turns |
| Climbing | Minor drag from the rear on long ascents | Efficient and responsive for climbs | Good traction, but slightly heavier on ascents |
| Fit for Shorter Riders | Great standover height | Often more compact, good fit | Can feel a tad tall for some riders |
| Best Use | Downhill, Enduro, Technical Trails | Jump lines, Flow Trails, Urban/Bike Park | XC, Trail Riding, Endurance, All-Mountain |
Key Takeaways for Aussie Riders
- Mullet MTBs hit the sweet spot between stability and agility—ideal for steep, technical Aussie terrain.
- Full 27.5 MTBs are the go-to for playful riders who love jumps and tight lines.
- Full 29ers shine on long-distance XC rides and high-speed descents.
Your choice comes down to where you ride and how you like to tackle the trail.
Read also
Final Thoughts: Is a Mullet MTB Right for You?
If your rides involve rowdy descents, technical switchbacks, or exploring rugged bush trails, a mullet MTB could be your perfect match. With a 29” wheel leading the charge and a 27.5” wheel keeping the rear lively, you get a balance of control and playfulness that’s hard to beat.
Not into custom builds? No worries—Polygon offers mullet-compatible bikes engineered for Aussie terrain. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first serious mountain bike, their MTB lineup includes models that are light, tough, and built for everything from park laps to backcountry missions.
Ready to ride with confidence and style? Explore Polygon’s range of mountain bikes today and find the setup that suits your trail goals.
Discover our latest update on social media
