Mullet Setup & Flip Chip Guide
Paratu CP
Mullet Setup & Flip Chip Guide
How mixed wheel sizes and geometry flip chips affect your bike's handling. When to run mullet, when to stay full 29, and what each flip chip position does.
What Is a Mullet Setup?
A mullet configuration runs a 29" wheel in front and a 27.5" wheel in the rear. This combines the rollover advantage of a larger front wheel with the agility and lower centre of gravity of a smaller rear wheel.
All Dirtlab full-suspension frames with the CP platform are designed to accommodate both full 29 and mullet configurations without compromising suspension performance.
Geometry Changes: Mullet vs Full 29
| Parameter | Full 29 | Mullet (29/27.5) | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | As published | ~0.5-0.7° steeper | Quicker steering response |
| BB Height | As published | ~10-12mm lower | Lower centre of gravity, more planted |
| Seat Tube Angle | As published | ~0.5° steeper | Slightly more forward climbing position |
| Reach | As published | ~2-3mm shorter | Negligible change |
| Rear Clearance | 2.5" max tyre | 2.6" max tyre | More tyre options in rear |
Flip Chip Positions
The geometry flip chip allows fine-tuning of head angle, BB height, and effective seat angle without changing wheels. Two positions are available:
LOW Position (Stock)
Slacker HTA, lower BB, longer wheelbase. Best for: steep terrain, bike parks, aggressive descending. This is the default position for maximum stability at speed.
Effect: HTA -0.5°, BB -6mm, reach +3mm
HIGH Position
Steeper HTA, higher BB, shorter wheelbase. Best for: trail riding, tight switchbacks, flatter terrain. More agile handling with quicker turn-in.
Effect: HTA +0.5°, BB +6mm, reach -3mm
When to Run Mullet vs Full 29
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Steep, loose terrain | Mullet + LOW chip | Maximum stability, lowest COG, playful rear |
| All-mountain / trail | Full 29 + HIGH chip | Best rollover, good climbing, balanced handling |
| Bike park / shuttle | Mullet + LOW chip | Most DH-oriented setup, rear whip capability |
| XC / long climbs | Full 29 + HIGH chip | Steepest STA, most efficient, best rollover |
| Shorter riders (<170cm) | Mullet | Lower standover and saddle height without sacrificing front wheel confidence |