[Andeh]

As a medium sized human (5'-8"), I've become a convert to the cult of the mullet. With similar geometry, I am finding that I'm able to corner much better than in a full 29 setup, and also find that it's easier for me to ride "loose". While mullet setups seem to really be catching on in DH racing, there are very few trail/enduro bikes offered with mullet setups, so people interested trying this out need to do a conversion.

Someone posted this calculator on Vital, which makes it easy to check the impact of mulleting a bike on the geometry: https://geo.syn.bike/
A simple rule of thumb is that swapping like for like (change the 27.5mm fork for an equivalent travel 29mm fork, or put a 27.5 rear wheel on a 29er without changing fork travel) will result in slacking out the head and seat tube angles by about 0.9 degrees, and either raising (27.5->mullet) or dropping (29->mullet) the BB 12mm.

Factory / officially supported conversions:
Canyon Spectral CF8 CLLCTV (mullet build, cannot be changed after purchase)
Canyon Torque CF8 & Fabio Wibmer (mullet build, cannot be changed after purchase)
Commencal Meta SX '22 (mullet only)
Forbidden Druid & Dreadnaught (Ziggy link, slackens 0.5 degrees & drops BB 3mm)
Hope HB.916 (mullet flip chip)
Kona Process X (mullet flip chip, mullet factory for size small, no changes in geo)
Nicolai G1 ("Hybrid" option, no changes in geo)
Nukeproof Giga 297 (mullet only model, frame only currently)
Nukeproof Mega 297 (mullet only model, frame only currently)
Orbea Rallon '22 (no changes in geo, link ships with bike/frames)
Propain Spindrift (factory option, cannot be changed after purchase)
Santa Cruz Bronson 2022
Specialized Status 140 & 160 (mullet only for both)
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO 2021 (mullet link available for purchase, no changes in geo)
Transition Patrol 2021
Transition Spire 2021 (high mode: 62.0 HTA, 77.8 STA, 336 BB height)


Unofficial conversions that look like the geometry doesn't get too screwed up:
Banshee Titan (high) 170/155: 64.1 HTA, 76.4 STA, 340 BB height
Evil Wreckoning v2 160/166: 64.2 HTA, 76.0 STA, 338 BB height
Guerrilla Gravity MegaTrail 160/165 (with 160mm 29er fork, Gravity mode, short GG lower headset cup): 63.7 HTA, 65.9 STA, 341 BB height
Guerrilla Gravity Shred Dogg 150/140 (with 150mm 29er fork, Gravity mode, 55mm stroke, short cup): 64.5 HTA, 76.9 STA, 346 BB height
Norco Sight C (29 frame with +1* angleset) 160/150: 63.8 HTA, 76.1 STA, 339 BB height
Propain Tyee 170/160: 63.6 HTA, 76.2 STA, 334 BB height
Rocky Mountain Altitude (29 frame w/ -1* angleset) 170/160: 63.8 HTA, 75.8 STA, 341 BB height
Santa Cruz Nomad 5 (high) 170/170: 63.1 HTA, 77.3 STA, 332 BB height
Yeti SB140 140/140: 64.0 HTA, 76.0 STA, 347 BB height
Yeti SB150 170/150: 63.6 HTA, 76.1 STA, 336 BB height

Conversion link kits available:
Commencal Meta AM & TR (Williams Racing Products): supposedly geometry remains close to the same
Santa Cruz Hightower v2 (Cascade Components): 65.0 HTA, 76.5 STA, 335 BB height, +5mm CS length
Specialized Enduro (Williams Racing Products): supposedly geometry remains close to the same


Hope this helps someone. If you know of a factory option, or a potentially good conversion, let me know and I'll update this. My definition of "not too screwed up" geometry is probably something like 63.5-64 HTA, 76-77 STA, 335-345 BB height.

 

[Dogboy]

The Process X comes stock as a mullet in size small and all other sizes are 29 f&r, but can be converted with the flip chips in the seatstay. Running my medium as a mullet currently.

 

[djjohnr]

The Process X comes stock as a mullet in size small and all other sizes are 29 f&r, but can be converted with the flip chips in the seatstay. Running my medium as a mullet currently.

Have you tried back to back with a 29 wheel on it yet? I'm interested to know how different the cornering characteristics are if geometry stays the same.

 

[bullcrew]

Love big front small rear ran 27.5 front and 26 rear before my hiatus....
Both my 951 and m9 are set up mullet 26/27.5...

The m9 has a 27.5 for the rear as well but prefer the smaller rear...

Been riding mx for long time amd all my bikes have been this...my last 5 450r's I've gone a bit thinner rear as well...

 

[toodles]

Williams Racing Products also does links for the Commencal Meta TR and AM I think. There's leaked pics of the Nukeproof Giga and Mega in 297 config, but it appears they've held off releasing them for some reason.

 

[jonKranked]

There's leaked pics of the Nukeproof Giga and Mega in 297 config, but it appears they've held off releasing them for some reason.

Probably because they can't get them manufactured to actually sell? or parts to complete the builds.

 

[SuspectDevice]

The Specialized Status is fun AF.
Local shop in Roanoke VA seems to have plenty in both 140 and 160mm variants.
Dumb marketing stunt that these things aren’t in every shop. Mighty fun bike for $2599 retail.

 

[boostindoubles]

27.5/26 sounds gangsta.

 

[englertracing]

 

[bullcrew]

Only real shot i have of it...some changes since this a few weeks back...

Built a manual stand for.my son...doubles as my other bike stand

 

[vivisectxi]

Williams Racing Products also does links for the Commencal Meta TR and AM I think. There's leaked pics of the Nukeproof Giga and Mega in 297 config, but it appears they've held off releasing them for some reason.

was pondering mulleting my TR, but $425aud for a yolk seems a bit spendy (considering cascade is doing a link + yolk for the previous iteration meta for only ~$60 more). wondering if a longer stroke shock would be a workable bodge; wouldn't mind a bit more travel...

 

[englertracing]

I dont understand why there aren't a plethora of mullet trail and enduro bikes.

Lizzards waiting for the 29" hype train to slow down before making mullets mainstream in 2022?

Or waiting on 30.5" front wheels?

 

[6thElement]

I dont understand why there aren't a plethora of mullet trail and enduro bikes.

Lizzards waiting for the 29" hype train to slow down before making mullets mainstream in 2022?

Or waiting on 30.5" front wheels?

29.99"

 

[Flo33]

As a medium sized human (5'-8"), I've become a convert to the cult of the mullet. With similar geometry, I am finding that I'm able to corner much better than in a full 29 setup, and also find that it's easier for me to ride "loose". While mullet setups seem to really be catching on in DH racing, there are very few trail/enduro bikes offered with mullet setups, so people interested trying this out need to do a conversion.

Someone posted this calculator on Vital, which makes it easy to check the impact of mulleting a bike on the geometry: https://geo.syn.bike/
A simple rule of thumb is that swapping like for like (change the 27.5mm fork for an equivalent travel 29mm fork, or put a 27.5 rear wheel on a 29er without changing fork travel) will result in slacking out the head and seat tube angles by about 0.9 degrees, and either raising (27.5->mullet) or dropping (29->mullet) the BB 12mm.

Factory / officially supported conversions:
2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO (mullet link available for purchase, no changes in geo)
Forbidden Druid & Dreadnaught (Ziggy link, slackens 0.5 degrees & drops BB 3mm)
Propain Spindrift (factory option, cannot be changed after purchase)
Kona Process X (mullet flip chip, mullet factory for size small, no changes in geo)
Specialized Status 140 & 160 (mullet only for both)

Unofficial conversions that look like the geometry doesn't get too screwed up:
Guerrilla Gravity MegaTrail 160/165 (with 160mm 29er fork, Gravity mode, short GG lower headset cup): 63.7 HTA, 65.9 STA, 341 BB height
Propain Tyee 170/160: 63.6 HTA, 76.2 STA, 334 BB height
Yeti SB150 170/150: 63.6 HTA, 76.1 STA, 336 BB height
Nomad 5 (high) 170/170: 63.1 HTA, 77.3 STA, 332 BB height

Conversion link kits available:
Hightower v2 (Cascade Components): 65.0 HTA, 76.5 STA, 335 BB height, +5mm CS length
Specialized Enduro (Williams Racing Products): supposedly geometry remains close to the same
Commencal Meta AM & TR (Williams Racing Products): supposedly geometry remains close to the same

Hope this helps someone. If you know of a factory option, or a potentially good conversion, let me know and I'll update this. My definition of "not too screwed up" geometry is probably something like 63.5-64 HTA, 76-77 STA, 335-345 BB height.

Banshee Titan can easily be mulleted, dropouts in high and you're good to go.

 

[Bikael Molton]

Good thread.

I didn't realize the Status was mullet. I guess I missed that day on the internet or am too old to have been marketed to.

 

[Andeh]

Banshee Titan can easily be mulleted, dropouts in high and you're good to go.

Damn, that's a good one. Added to the list.

 

[buckoW]

Gambler and Ransom do the mullet with the bb height chip in the link.

 

[toodles]

I dont understand why there aren't a plethora of mullet trail and enduro bikes.

Weirdly, Santa Cruz and YT (possibly others) went Mullet for e-bikes and still haven't gotten a regular version available.

 

[Bikael Molton]

That tells you where they think the market is going.

Weirdly, Santa Cruz and YT (possibly others) went Mullet for e-bikes and still haven't gotten a regular version available.

 

[englertracing]

That tells you where they think the market is going.

 

[Gary]

Weirdly, Santa Cruz and YT (possibly others) went Mullet for e-bikes and still haven't gotten a regular version available.

Yeah but OG Emtb mullets like YT and Canyon used 2.8-3.0 rear tyres paired with 29x2.4 upfront

ie. horrible

 

[Inclag]

Yeah but OG Emtb mullets like YT and Canyon used 2.8-3.0 rear tyres paired with 29x2.4 upfront

ie. horrible

Bouncy/undamped feeling to them and squirm/fold?

 

[SuspectDevice]

Good thread.

I didn't realize the Status was mullet. I guess I missed that day on the internet or am too old to have been marketed to.

The marketing on that bike is unacceptably esoteric. I still don’t think it’s on the USA website?

The shops that can get them seem to have bought LCL amounts- besides ebikes there literally aren’t anything except statuses available down the local Specialized dealer here.

As a cranky, crabby, cornerning obsessed old man, I've enjoyed going left and right immensely on the Status that is currently living in my basement, and i’ll be kinda bummed when i drop it off with it’s new owner in a few weeks when Bryce opens.

622/584 mullet action is definitely better than when i tried 622/559 20 years ago.

 

[HAB]

Nicolai G1 has a factory supported mullet configuration.

I haven't done the math on it, but the Rocky Mountain Altitude seems like a strong contender. It's geometry is pretty adjustable, and trends a little bit on the steep/high side of the spectrum.

 

[Andeh]

Gambler and Ransom do the mullet with the bb height chip in the link.

Ransom fails my acceptable geometry (specifically slack seat angle) even before mulleting (which makes it even slacker).

Nicolai G1 has a factory supported mullet configuration.

I haven't done the math on it, but the Rocky Mountain Altitude seems like a strong contender. It's geometry is pretty adjustable, and trends a little bit on the steep/high side of the spectrum.

Yeah, looks like the Altitude can squeak by in Steep setting with a -1 or -1.5 degree angleset. I'll add that and the Nicolai.

 

[toodles]

Ransom fails my acceptable geometry (specifically slack seat angle) even before mulleting (which makes it even slacker).

If it has the flip chips the seat angle shouldn't get any worse.

 

[Dogboy]

Have you tried back to back with a 29 wheel on it yet? I'm interested to know how different the cornering characteristics are if geometry stays the same.

I did a bit over 200 miles on it with 29/29 and have been running it with the little wheel for about 75 miles. I'm definitely feeling some differences, but they are a little slow to show themselves. I need some more time on the mullet and then I'll throw the big wheel back on. I should be able to tell more then. I will say it's pretty fun to play around with

 

[englertracing]

mullet Junky

 

[Westy]

mullet Junky

Rip off from the now defunct http://www.mulletsgalore.com/

Once the foundation of the nascent internet.

 

[Rhubarb]

Banshee Spitfire V3 is another one that is doable. The Status has really good reviews, seems more of a fun, play, park bike.

 

[toodles]

The Status has really good reviews, seems more of a fun, play, park bike.

My brief experience with the Status is that it is very fun, would be a great candidate for a premium offering, and is definitely more skewed towards "fun" than "fast".

Also the marketing team should be dragged out into the street and shot. Although, I've heard some people say Spesh is going to push the Status under a smaller umbrella company in the long term.

 

[englertracing]

I have been tempted to drop a 29" fox 36 to 140mm and slap a 29" front wheel on my pivot 5.5
Thus having a 140 x 14x travel bike with minimal geometry change.

I'm not sure it would be worth it, then again there's only one way to be sure right?

 

[FlipFantasia]

bronson v4 is allegedly mullet or mullet capable, but I have no first hand knowledge...friend is running his 5010 with a 29 front end, and was hauling on steep chunky shore yesterday

 

[bullcrew]

26 rear 27.5 front

large 2014 m9 26 rear 27.5 front longest rear g3 setting (i can reduce wbalmlst an inch and steeper HA to 63 by moving it to shortest chainstay
48.7 we
13 5/8 bb
62 ha

The m9 will accept a 27.5 rear and with right fork 29 front...bb will go up a smidge wb same and ha should stay same..

Large 2011 951 2011 26 rear 27.5 front
47.7 wb
13.8 bb
63 ha


Started to look at the enduro's that can be ran similar and some of the ones mentioned here...

 

[jstuhlman]

26 rear 27.5 front

large 2014 m9 26 rear 27.5 front longest rear g3 setting (i can reduce wbalmlst an inch and steeper HA to 63 by moving it to shortest chainstay
48.7 we
13 5/8 bb
62 ha

The m9 will accept a 27.5 rear and with right fork 29 front...bb will go up a smidge wb same and ha should stay same..

Large 2011 951 2011 26 rear 27.5 front
47.7 wb
13.8 bb
63 ha


Started to look at the enduro's that can be ran similar and some of the ones mentioned here...

nomad?
when i first got mine i ran it 26 both ends for a while in the high setting just for the hell of it!

 

[bullcrew]

It wheelies better mullet lol...

 

[Flo33]

nomad?
when i first got mine i ran it 26 both ends for a while in the high setting just for the hell of it!

Did the same with my 16 Reign, was a beast in turns. The pedal strikes though were as well.

 

[bullcrew]

Cornering, wheelies an pushing ass end into berms...has become fun and easy

 

[schwaaa31]

I’ve been toying with the idea of mulleting my Vitus Sommet 29er. In the high flip chip setting, it has a 31mm BB drop and a 64.5 HA. Am I gonna die?

 

[Westy]

I’ve been toying with the idea of mulleting my Vitus Sommet 29er. In the high flip chip setting, it has a 31mm BB drop and a 64.5 HA. Am I gonna die?

Yes