Are 26er's still competitive?

[Jameslaskey]

Hi

 

I use to cycle competitively (XC) about 6 years ago , before the large plague of 29ers broke out , and as i am starting to ride my previous bike again i have the urge to get back into racing but i hear everyone i ride with telling me that i would be so much faster on a 29er ... i am already faster than most i'v cycled with on my 26er so i am just curious , if at race pace will a 26er be able to keep with the top xc riders if our fitness levels are on par ? or will there be a major gap in time ? and if so am i waisting my time trying to get a good time on a 26er ?

 

Should i buy a low end 29er or keep my high end 26er ? 

 

In my mind a bike is just a bike and is only worth a couple of seconds over a whole race so it can be seen as negligible .

 

any input is welcome

 

[V12man]

Keep your bike and race it - it's not about the bike - if you have the legs you will take it over shorter races for sure - the minor comfort improvement for multi day stage races of a 29er won't affect you youngsters at all.

[BaGearA]

If you want to stand on the podium(against James/Jan/Philip) , you will probably stuggle a little

 

 

If you want to get fit and have fun racing , YES you can still be very competitive on a 26er. 

[Long Wheel Base]

So I have both and have ridden all 3 sizes plenty. I have a 26inch HT that I absolutely love riding but when I say riding I only really do a commute/training rides on it. I got a 29er HT that I race on for the simple reason that is is just better. STRAVA doesn't lie. My times at the MTB parks are quicker on the 29er.

If I was able to have another bike I would get a duel sus 650b for cross country and then my 29er for marathon. But will always keep my 26inch for commuting and training on the road.

[Bomberman]

If you have the legs and your fit enough.... dont sweat it!

[MarcBurger]

Put a big "26" sticker on it and make all those 29ers you overtake question their lives (and their bike budgets)

[PhdotD]

I'm more gravity orientated and used to be on the 26 for life bandwagon (think I was trying to convince myself my expensive enduro bike was still good to race with), then I built up a rigid 29er single speed, completed building my new enduro bike this year and it's a 29er, there is no other wheel size IMO now.

[popcorn_skollie]

Should i buy a low end 29er or keep my high end 26er ? 

 

What bike do you have?

[lechatnoir]

My 26er is hugely uncompetitive. But I suspect KNOW it's the engine, not the wheels. I still enjoy it though. But then I'd enjoy riding a tricycle... 

[Headshot]

Yes, but don't tell anyone. One way to rub it in subtly is to add 26" into your Strava name and then thrash hundreds of 29er riders on all your local segments. :-) 

[Skubarra]

since you already have the thing, go ride with the 26er just to see for yourself (yes you would mostly be able to keep up with some extra effort)

 

Then upgrade to the 29er like everyone else

[HenryS]

Wheel size really makes no difference if you are fit enough. I've been with a coach since the beginning of the year and my average speed has improved quite a bit, but I did realise during the Durbie Dash 90 km recently that I still have a long way to go. I was riding my road bike as hard as I could along a very slight uphill section of the R312 when some guy came past me with what looked like no effort on an old 26" MTB with slicks on. He disappeared into the distance and I never saw him again.

[JKK]

N1NO won olympic gold on a 650b

 

Nuff said

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

go race your 26er, dish out some pain and then decide later on. I saw a ou ballie all in front with me in C group in the burger. he had a 26er with Vbrakes and he was klapping everyone

[NotSoBigBen]

N1NO won olympic gold on a 650b

 

Nuff said

 

he did? 

[Wil6]

N1NO won olympic gold on a 650b

 

Nuff said

What does that have to do with a 26"?