Not another wheel size debate...

[HaYWiRe]

Right, I'm going ask about wheel sizes..
I know the pros and cons, and there's already so much information on rolling resistance, grip, speed, whatever...


But what I'm going to ask is can you predict the future?
I'm looking at getting an upgrade, something all round and trail ready, I'm on a budget so id like a jack of all kinda bike.
I can get some good deals on last season bikes, but gonna ask.... Is 26" dead?

Nearly all high street names are phasing out 26" for 27.5", and the marginal advantages mean nothing to me, but is going for last seasons 26ers to save money buying something obsolete?
What's the more future-proof option?

And while id love a 29er, most in my budget are either low spec or just felt way to big when I test rode, sometimes better parts mean more than simply a bigger wheel?

[whitestone]

I don't think that 26" specific components are going to disappear overnight - look at V-brakes you can still get them despite not appearing on most production MTBs for the best part of a decade. The only thing I can see fewer of are 26" specific suspension forks but you could use 27.5" models if you accept the geometry change. The other change regarding forks is the introduction of tapered steerers.

Depending on the rims and the tyres fitted a 26" wheel can come out very close to a 27.5" with a different combo, though obviously using the same rims/tyres will show a difference.

Unless you have some esoteric kit I can't see a 26" bike becoming obsolete for a long while.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Just like punk, 26 ain't dead, it just smells a bit ... while mainstream manufacturers may stop offering it as an option in their line-ups, the aftermarket will still cater for it for many years to come - can you even begin to imagine how many 26" wheeled bikes there are worldwide?

If budget is a factor and you can get a good deal on something with 26" wheels, why not? You might not always be able to get the latest bits for it but again with a limited budget that's not really cause for concern. However, something like a Pinnacle Ramin would be at the top of my list in a similar position, a 29er might feel a little different at first but as long as it's the correct size for you (same as any bike) you'll soon get used it it ... there's plenty of Hobbits out there riding them, myself included

[RobMac]

Depending on the rims and the tyres fitted a 26" wheel can come out very close to a 27.5" with a different combo, though obviously using the same rims/tyres will show a difference.

Unless you have some esoteric kit I can't see a 26" bike becoming obsolete for a long while.

Point 1. I can confirm that, I've been experimenting while I've been off this week.

Point 2. I'd say the same.

[whitestone]

In 1984 I had a custom road bike built - it were lovely - which had the then brand new SIS shifters. Remember them? You can still get them!

I've started categorising changes as "hard" and "soft". Hard changes are things like the change from straight to tapered steerer tubes: you can't take a fork with a tapered steerer and put it on a frame with a straight head tube for example. Soft changes might include going from 10spd to 11spd cassette, yes you'll need to upgrade your shifter but it won't need a new frame.

[HaYWiRe]

I think that solves my dilemma, I'm not one for fashion, I was just worried by the fact most bikes are now the newer sizes

Seems the mountain bike industry has a new 'Standard' or Innovation every year, I'm still trying to wrap my head around "boost" hubs.

Yet the road cycling industry took 20 years to move on from canti brakes, and now there's a few racers with disks...the foundations are shaking


Well I guess I better start counting my pennies then

[ScotRoutes]

And the problem with looking at some of the newer standards is that they might not last. I currently have a Boost/B+ project on the go but there's a risk that, five years down the line, I could be unable to get parts for it.

[Solo]

I was sad to see the phasing out / replacement or whatever you would call it of 26ers. I'd been riding them since '86.

I have now been bitten by the 29er bug and am currently on my second one. However I liked the options that 26/29 gave.

I mainly ride alone (hence the username) but do have a handful of riding buddies. Most are either very pro 26 or 29. Only 1 has shown any interest in 650b. Not that my group are any market predicting survey!

Given some recent press it would seem that after doing its best to kill 26 with 650b, the industry is heading in a similar direction with 650b plus aiming to take down 29. (Or at least that is how it seems to read - imho)

I guess the only positive with the plus scenario is that they fit many existing 29er frames.

Perhaps if you were starting to 'invent' an mtb all over again and you had all 3 wheel sizes to try maybe you'd end up going with 650b but that isn't the case. History is what history is.

Anyway, my rant probably hasn't helped the decision but I feel better.

Oh and personally I'd go with what you like best.

[Bearbonesnorm]

On a side note - anyone remember the Haro Beasley? I recall they were pretty much laughed out of the playground by other manufacturers because ... that's right, it had 650b wheels. I rode one, 'twas actually very nice. I don't remember thinking wow, these slightly bigger wheels are fantastic but I do remember thinking it rode well.

[ZeroDarkBivi]

I'd definitely go for a 29er frame; as another hobbit, I was very sceptical, but totally sold now. Next thing for me is probably going to be 27.5/650b+ wheels and tyres, which will fit the 29er, on the front, and should reap a few benefits, especially when using a rigid fork.

[whitestone]

I think (and I'll almost certainly be proven wrong) is that the majority of mountain bikes will end up going 650b for FS and 29er for HT with HT frames/forks being marketed as 27.5+/650b+ compatible. There'll still be 26" frames as they suit the smaller rider plus there'll be the group who just don't get on with the larger wheel sizes for whatever reason but they'll (the frames not the riders) be harder to find.