Are 26 Inch Mountain Bikes Obsolete?

The 26-inch wheel change was the most significant in mountain bike history, But still, it is not confident that it is better than smaller wheels. Moreover, many people still love their 26-inch mountain bikes and don’t want to change to the newer ones. For this reason, many of you might think, are 26-inch mountain bikes obsolete?

26-inch mountain bikes became backdated when companies started updating their frames’ geometry to accommodate larger wheels. Now, the owners of these bikes are finding it difficult and expensive to find parts for them because they are no longer being manufactured.

Are you planning to buy a 26-inch mountain bike? Then you must read this article. Here you know why this bike is obsolete and will purchasing 26-inch MTB be a good choice? So, stick till the end.

Reasons Why 26-Inch Mountain Bikes Are Becoming Obsolete

The Geometry of the Bikes

One of the main reasons why 26-inch mountain bikes are becoming obsolete is because of the new geometry of the bikes. The unique geometry accommodates larger wheels, making the bike more stable and easier to control.

As a result, most companies have stopped manufacturing 26-inch mountain bikes because they can no longer compete with the newer models.

The Price of the Bike

Another reason 26-inch mountain bikes are becoming obsolete is the price. The new models of mountain bikes are selling at a much higher price than the older ones. This is because the companies want to make more money from selling these bikes.

However, some people are still willing to buy 26-inch mountain bikes because they are cheaper and they can still find parts for them.

The Quality of the Bike

The bike’s quality is another factor causing the 26-inch mountain bike obsolete. The new models of mountain bikes are made with better materials and are more durable than the older ones. That’s why most people are now going for the more recent models instead of, the older ones.

Parts Are Difficult to Find and Expensive

As mentioned earlier, the difficulty and expense of finding parts for 26-inch mountain bikes are another reason why they are becoming obsolete. Most companies have stopped manufacturing these bikes, so bike parts availability has become rare.

So, these were some of the reasons why 26-inch mountain bikes are becoming obsolete. Therefore, if you are considering a mountain bike, it is advisable to go for the updated models instead of the older ones.

Do People Still Ride 26 Inches?

The short answer is yes!

Even with all of the advancements in mountain bike technology, plenty of people out there still love their 26-inch mountain bikes. They are lighter and easier to maneuver than their larger counterparts, making them ideal for certain types of riding.

However, it is essential to note that 26-inch mountain bikes are not as standard as they once were. As a result, you may have difficulty finding parts and accessories for these bikes. If you decide to buy a 26-inch mountain bike, do your research to ensure that you can find what you need.

Which Is Faster, 26er or 29er?

The 29er mountain bike is faster than the 26er mountain bike. This is because the 29er mountain bike has a big wheel that can roll over obstacles more easily. The 26er mountain bike, on the other hand, has a smaller wheel that can get caught on obstacles more easily.

In addition, the 29er mountain bike is more stable than the 26er mountain bike. This is because the 29er mountain bike has a wider wheelbase, making it easier to balance. The 26er mountain bike, on the other hand, has a narrower wheelbase that can make it challenging to balance on.

So, if you are looking for a fast and stable mountain bike, then the 29er mountain bike is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a mountain bike that is easier to maneuver, then the 26er mountain bike might be a better option.

Can I Transform My 26-Inch Mountain Bike into a 29-Inch?

The simple answer is no. You cannot turn your 26-inch mountain bike into a 29er. Here are several reasons why.

First of all, the two bikes have different-sized wheels.

Second, the frames on the two bikes are designed differently to accommodate the different-sized wheels.

Finally, most modern mountain bikes have a 1 x 11 or 1 x 12-speed drivetrain, which is incompatible with the older 3 speed drivetrains found on most 26-inch mountain bikes.

To upgrade to a 29-inch mountain bike, you must purchase a new frame, fork, wheels, and tires. You may also need to update your drivetrain, handlebars and stem, brake levers, rotors, and cables. In addition, the seat, grips, pedals, and seat post might need to be replaced.

This is extremely tough unless you find all used parts on the cheap. The compatibility of parts will be the biggest issue. This also only applies to bike shop quality bikes and not department store brand bikes which are cheaply made and not worth upgrading.

So, my original point is that it’s not worth it unless you like to tinker and are just doing this as a fun project, and you love working on bikes.

But if that isn’t the case, you will end up with a bike that isn’t all that desirable, and it will cost a lot more than just going to a bicycle shop and buying a good quality brand new 29er that fits you properly.

They start at about $800 and go up from there. Just a decent suspension fork costs $400 and up alone. Buying a complete bike is a fantastic bargain considering what you get for your money.

Final Words

In the end, Due to progressive geometry and tire technology, 26 mountain bikes have slowly become obsolete. So, it would be better to switch to an updated mountain bike.

Do you think that 26-inch mountain bikes are now obsolete? Are you still riding one, or have you moved on to a different size? Let us know in the comments below!