Is 26" dead?

[PrinceVlad]

For that budget you can get a dual sus XT/XTR 26er or a 29er which has shyte components and suspension - probably hardtail. So short answer - Yes! Just make sure the bike has been well looked after (especially suspension).

 

Push your budget to about 10k and you will get a decent spec 29er hardtail.

I would have liked to up the budget to R10k, but at this stage it is just not possible. I've checked the specs on all the entry level 29ers in that price range and all of them come with Shimano Tourney components, so a 26er might just be a better buy.

 

I just have to come over my fear of buying second hand

[scotty]

IMO you will feel and do better on a lighter well specced 26" than heavier less well specced 29".  

[lechatnoir]

My questions are:

 

a) Am I the only one who feels deeply saddened that the twitchy, responsive, fun filled wheel size is dying? Why

b) Why is no one making new 26" bikes anymore?

c) Are 29" wheels the result of cyclists trying to avoid technical riding?

d) Will 26" bikes completely die out and become obsolete? (Are they already)

 

Rant over and flame suit on

Thank you for reading

 

a) no... pretty sure you can find an entire forum dedicated to the topic of 26ers. This IS the internet after all. Probably one for penny farthings too... though that's a subforum of the hipster beer and coffee forum

 

b) pretty sure they are being made. But you need to look around. Look on Aliexpress... Plenty 26" stuff there. CRC too, but mostly older stock

 

c) no. Ridden properly, a 29er can do amazing things... Look for pics of the Spez being ridden horizontally on a berm.

 

d) doubt it, though they'll become scarcer and things like tyres, rims etc will become harder to find and more $$$

 

riding bikes is fun. just enjoy it

[Formallyknownas]

I just bought a 26' steel bike. That Shįt ain't dead.

[Grease_Monkey]

I would have liked to up the budget to R10k, but at this stage it is just not possible. I've checked the specs on all the entry level 29ers in that price range and all of them come with Shimano Tourney components, so a 26er might just be a better buy.

 

I just have to come over my fear of buying second hand

Yup - just overcome that fear. A well looked after 26er at 6k is going to serve you much better than a new 29er at that budget... Most of the guys advertising bikes here are pretty honest - ask about the bike and check it propperly. If you are not comfortable checking it yourself I am sure there are plenty of guys on this forum that'll tag along to help you check out the condition of a bike!

[Patchelicious]

I've been trying to sell my 26er in the classifieds for almost a year. Can't for the life of me understand why it hasn't sold yet.

Probably because you asking more than it's worth to someone else.

[J0KER]

joker, you are a doctor. ....do they not teach you whilst studying that doctor's and dentist's only ride 29er, more specifically s-werx 29ers

 Haha, unfortunately I'm not a doctor. I do admin in the casualties section, in other words I'm the a**hole who asks for your money as you leave. I do, however, completely get the doctors who ride 29er Spez bikes. Had a good laugh at that.