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The Disappearance of the 26er


hawkeye's picture

By hawkeye - Posted on 28 September 2013

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Interesting article from Singletracks.com

The Disappearance of the 26er: Wheel Size Trends at Interbike 2013
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/the-...

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MrMez's picture

"But if current trends continue, coming by 26in bikes, wheels, and tires might be more and more difficult as the years roll on."

IF current trends continue.

The whole point is that current trends NEVER continue.

Flynny's picture

are the marketeers trying to convince us or themselves?

Yeah maybe big wheels roll better but 26" is still way more fun.

lorax's picture

The larger wheel models will sell for a few years and then someone will come up with a revolutionary 26" wheel size that will let you "feel the track" rather than just rolling over it. I just voted with my wallet and picked up a new 26" dually at 45% off RRP. Personally I think bike geometry is much more important than wheel size.

Flynny's picture

Dear manufacturers, wheel size revolution is meh! Just meh!

Give me a light weight, efficient mid frame mounted gearbox system and I'll get excited about your "product development"

Hop fiend's picture

After being told by the "minister for finance" that I "may" get a new bike for Xmas I want to go 27.5/650b!-now all I need to do is work out which brand???

maadness's picture

Better yet is the 26 49/64 size wheel.

hawkeye's picture

Why not just fit 650b wheels to your Prophet? If they'll fit on a Rush they'll fit on a Prophet Smiling

Rob's picture

Is it me, or is there something completely ridiculous about having the wheel size printed on your frame?

Go faster stripes anyone? What about a large spoiler? Eye-wink

Hop fiend's picture

Quiet Hawkeye the wife may hear you!-nah the old girl is still rides well but ever since I had a spin on a Scott 27.5 Genius at the start of the year she feels heavy,flexy & just old!

Brian's picture

If you've got approval then definitely go n + 1

Hop fiend's picture

Good 27.5 dually & lower spec 29HT with commuter tyres...

hawkeye's picture

Yep, true that. I rode the (now) young bloke's Jekyll (that used to be mine) awhile back and I know what you mean about flex. Design has certainly improved on more recent bikes.

Mind you, I rode a Trek Superfly 29er not so long ago and was more appreciative of the lateral stiffness of my Scalpel. Hopefully the tuning update to 2014 specs Cannondale just did on the fork will yield the hoped-for improvements in small bump compliance.

If I could get 27.5 to fit on any of my 26ers I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Medigger's picture

both over the last two weekends with a Intense Carbine 275 and Yeti SB66. The Yeti was quicker both climbing and descending, but most importantly much more fun.

I think the problem we have is there are too many good bikes now. I was sold on the 650b concept, but after the test have ordered a Yeti.

It's going to be tough for the LBS to carry test bikes for all these new models.

sleepalldayrideallnight's picture

I had my heart set on the Santa Cruz Bronson, until I test rode it. Great bike but not for me. Back on the long travel 26 is where the fun is. Next stop test ride the 29 spesh Enduro.

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