Collection: 27.5" Mountain Bike Wheels

Shop 27.5 Wheels by Material

Carbon and alloy are the two main materials you’ll encounter when comparing 27.5 mountain bike wheels. Your choice can affect weight, ride feel, durability, and price, so consider your riding style, performance priorities, and budget.

Carbon 27.5 Wheels

Carbon wheels are popular with riders looking for a stiff, responsive wheel with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Depending on the wheel design, carbon construction can help reduce weight while providing precise handling during hard cornering and technical riding.

Carbon 27.5 wheels generally cost more than comparable alloy options, making them better suited to riders who prioritize performance and are willing to invest more in their wheel setup.

Alloy 27.5 Wheels

Alloy wheels offer a practical balance of durability, performance, and price. They are widely used across mountain biking disciplines and can be a good choice for riders who prioritize value and dependable performance.

For trail and enduro riding, a quality alloy wheel can provide the strength needed for demanding terrain without the higher cost typically associated with carbon.

Front, Rear or Complete Wheelset?

Depending on your current setup and what you need to replace or upgrade, you can choose an individual front or rear wheel or a complete 27.5 wheelset.

• Front 27.5 Wheels: A practical option when replacing a damaged front wheel or upgrading without changing the entire wheelset. Check the axle standard, brake rotor interface, rim width, and wheel diameter for compatibility.
• Rear 27.5 Wheels: Rear wheels include a freehub body for the cassette, so drivetrain compatibility is an additional consideration. Check the axle and hub spacing and make sure the freehub works with your cassette. Common MTB standards include Shimano HG, Shimano Micro Spline, and SRAM XD.
• Complete 27.5 Wheelsets: Include both front and rear wheels with matching rims and components. A complete wheelset is a convenient choice when upgrading both wheels or building a new bike.

How to Make Sure Your 27.5 Wheels Will Fit

Before ordering a new wheel or wheelset, compare its specifications with your bike’s frame, fork, drivetrain, brakes, and tires.

• Wheel size: Confirm that your bike is designed for 27.5-inch wheels or supports the wheel configuration you plan to use.
• Axle and hub spacing: Match the wheel to your bike’s axle standard. Common configurations include 15x100mm and 15x110mm Boost at the front and 12x142mm and 12x148mm Boost at the rear, although other standards exist.
• Brake rotor interface: Check whether your disc brake rotors use a 6-bolt or Center Lock mounting system.
• Freehub body: Match the rear wheel’s freehub body to your cassette. Common MTB standards include Shimano HG, Shimano Micro Spline, and SRAM XD.
• Internal rim width: Rim width affects how your tire sits and performs. Many modern trail setups use internal rim widths around 25–30mm or wider, while XC wheels may use narrower rims. Wider 2.5–2.6” tires may also benefit from wider rims. Always check the rim and tire manufacturers’ recommended compatibility ranges.
• Tubeless compatibility: If you want to run tubeless, confirm that the specific wheel or rim supports a tubeless setup and check whether rim tape, valves, or other components are required.

If you’re choosing a wheel size for a new bike rather than replacing an existing wheel, compare our 27.5 inch mountain bikes and 29 inch mountain bikes to see how each wheel size is used across different MTB setups.

Explore 27.5 Mountain Bike Wheel Brands

The brand on your wheels does not need to match the brand on your bike. Compatibility, riding needs, and budget should guide your choice.

• DT Swiss: Carbon and alloy wheel options across a range of mountain bike riding styles.
• Stan’s: Known for tubeless-focused wheel and rim designs, with options for trail and enduro riding.
• Reserve: Carbon mountain bike wheels designed with durability and performance in mind.
• ENVE Composites: High-end carbon wheels for performance-focused riders.
• Industry Nine: Premium mountain bike wheels known for their hubs and distinctive spoke designs.
• Quality Wheels: Practical wheel builds for riders looking for reliable, value-focused options.
• Race Face: Mountain bike wheels designed for demanding trail riding.

Use the brand filters to narrow your search.
Looking beyond a wheel upgrade? Explore our full selection of mountain bikes for trail, cross-country, enduro, and other riding styles.

FAQs

How do I know if I need Boost or non-Boost 27.5 wheels?

Check the hub spacing on your current bike. Common Boost standards are 15x110mm at the front and 12x148mm at the rear, while non-Boost setups may use 15x100mm at the front and 12x142mm at the rear. Your new wheel needs to match your frame or fork’s axle and hub spacing.

Can I use my existing cassette and brake rotors with new 27.5 wheels?

Yes, if they are compatible with the new wheels. Your cassette must match the wheel’s freehub body, and your brake rotor must use the correct mounting interface, such as 6-bolt or Center Lock. Also check axle spacing before transferring components from your existing wheels.

Do I need new tires when replacing my 27.5 wheels?

Not necessarily. You can usually reuse your existing 27.5 tires if they are in good condition and compatible with the new rim’s width and setup. If you’re switching to a different internal rim width or moving to tubeless, check the tire and rim manufacturers’ compatibility recommendations first.

Can I use a 27.5 wheel on a 29-inch frame?

A 27.5-inch wheel may fit some 29er frames, but changing wheel size can affect bottom bracket height, bike geometry, and handling. Some bikes support a mixed-wheel setup with a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear. Check the bike manufacturer’s specifications before changing wheel sizes.

What is the advantage of 27.5-inch wheels over 29-inch?

27.5-inch wheels offer agile handling and a more playful ride feel. Their smaller diameter can make them easier to maneuver through tight corners and technical terrain, while 29 inch MTB wheels generally provide better rollover capability and momentum.