Yes, if your riding involves loose, sandy, or soft terrain where traction is the limiting factor. The plus format remains one of the most capable solutions for decomposed granite, sandy soils, wet roots, and light snow. The market has contracted, but the bikes themselves are excellent. Used plus bikes offer exceptional value, and tire selection in 2.8" has actually improved with options from Maxxis, Schwalbe, and Terrene. If you ride hardpack or smooth trails primarily, a standard trail bike is the better choice.
Mountain Bike · Plus Bike
Are plus bikes still worth buying in 2024?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.

Trail Mountain Bike
$1200 – $13000
Versatile all-around mountain bikes balanced for climbing and descending on varied trail terrain.
130-150mm suspension travelbalanced geometry (65-67° head tube)mid-width tires (2.3-2.5")

Hardtail Mountain Bike
$400 – $9000
Mountain bikes with front suspension only, offering simplicity, low weight, and value for less technical terrain.
front suspension only (100-140mm)no rear suspensionlighter at same price point

Fat Bike
$600 – $6000
Mountain bikes with ultra-wide tires (3.7"+) designed for flotation on sand, snow, and loose terrain.
3.7-5.0" wide tireswide hub spacing (150-197mm)low tire pressure (5-15 psi)
More questions
- What pressure should I run in plus tires?
- Can I put standard tires on a plus bike frame?
- Why did plus bikes lose popularity?
- Is 27.5+ the same as 29er?
