Anyone here ride a 27.5 x 3.0 that also has ridden a 29x3?
I’m looking to build one or the other for light trails and can’t decide. Maybe 27.5 is no longer popular with fewer options?
Am I splitting hairs or is there a difference I can’t imagine at this time?
I switched from 27.5 to 29 some time ago and for me 29 is generally better for all kind of terrain. It’s not that much bigger or heavier, goes a little faster. I use it with 127mm cranks. However, it looks like 29x2.8-3.0 tyres are harder to find these days - two years ago there were about 4 models to choose from, now it looks like only one or two are still available. There’s plenty to choose from in 29x2.6 but with the KH 55mm rim 2.8-3.0 works the best. I personally don’t like the original 3.25 duro crux tire that much.
Hope this helps a little!
Definitely 29er for light trails. I would even say that bigger (32er, 36er) would be even better, but that’s just me liking big wheels 
On light trails, you don’t need that much agility and precision. Being able to go a bit faster is always great, though.
I ride light trail all of the time on my my 26 oracle, my 29 nimbus road and my night fox with a 32 inch wheel. You may want to consider if you need a 3 inch tire. Now keep in mind What I think is light trail and what you think may be completely different. I ride packed limestone, gravel and pavement mostly. I also prefer a smooth ride where I can pick a little speed and cover some ground. I switched out my duro wild life ol three inch off road tire on the 26er for a less aggressive 2.4 inch maxis holly roller, it lightened me up quite a bit and I run a higher tire pressure. On my 29er I’m running a 2.25 inch schwable hurricane. It has a very mild tread in the center and a mildly aggressive tread on the sides. Believe it or not this tire is great on both packed limestone and pavement. Lastly the night rider tire on my night fox is 2.25 inches wide also and I ride this on mixed terrain also, other than gravel sticks in the tread it is great.
So what is my point? you did not ask for a lesson on tires. It is easy to think that if you are not riding on pavement that you need a wide off road tire. Choosing the right tire is as important as choosing the right size as it relates to the type of riding you do. I prefer a tire that is less aggressive and has less rolling resistance and a smoother, quieter ride. I think when it comes to wheel diameter I would prefer a 29 if you want to cover some distance, 26 or 27.5 if you want to ride rougher terrain. If you are riding park trails or rail trails I would question the need for A three inch muni style tire. Even on my hybrid/ mountain bike I ride the same trails so I went for 1.95 inch road tires on it, now I roll much smoother, quicker and quieter . For me personally the 29er is my all around go-to unicycle . Keep in mind that the 27.5 is very close to the 29 and you probably would not see a big difference.
I am enjoying my 32 especially since I’m picking up an extra 2 mph once I get rolling .
My 28" road without a Muni tire goes over gravel, grass, and dirt pretty well. So 29" with a Muni tire would probably be very good.
I have both subject sizes, each with Duro Crux 3.25. I love ‘em both. For me there’s a subtle difference in maneuverability with the smaller wheel being slightly more nimble. I also seem to clear more technical hills with the 27.5 than the 29 which I guess makes sense.
Why limit yourself to one or the other? Get em both 