Topic: Anyone still ride 26ers?

[silentneko]

Went into Leroy's shop after riding Carter the other day, first time I had really been on a bike in a year or so. Looking around I saw a sea of new 29ers, lots of really badass looking rigs. Unfortunately due to fiscal restraints a new bike is not a possability for me anytime soon, however it did get me wondering. I've been riding the last few days and everytime someone passes me it seems they are riding a 29er also. So does anyone still ride a 26 inch bike, or do people even buy them?
 
As I still dream of one day owning a 29er, with modern geometry are there any advantages to still owning a 26?

[bruceS]

In my opinion 26" rides are still the most versitale/do all MTB. For cross country and light downhill 29ers are a great choice but for a more agressive riding style twenty six inches still remain king (for now).

When I say agressive I'm refering to jumps and full on downhill. I have yet to see a 29er in a hardcore jump, downhill or freeride comp but for the every day MTBer 29" are awesome.

............just my opinion

[ProEdgeBiker]

So does anyone still ride a 26 inch bike, or do people even buy them?

This guys does:

http://contour.com/stories/2011-fsc8-caloosahatchee-mtb-park-alva-fl

http://youtu.be/CIbMLiR_hNo

[Singletrack Samurai]

http://bicycling.com/blogs/mbword/2011/03/29/video-freeride-29er/

Click link, watch video.

[Darrinw2001]

the 26er vs 29er battle is dead... there is room for all size bike tires... people will always ride 26er's just like some rider 24" wheels and 20" wheels...

[chisel]

i do.

[Scott]

36er or stay home

[Orion_134]

http://bicycling.com/blogs/mbword/2011/03/29/video-freeride-29er/

Click link, watch video.

Didn't happen.  Don't believe it.  Call the Photoshop Police.  Everyone knows that 29er's can't shred like that.  Their wheels just have too much rotating mass to even get rolling unless going downhill, and there's no way to take any drops without folding those flimsy hoops.

[chisel]

he had to work his azz off to do it. prob pulled some muscles.

[bruceS]

Bottom line is.....as long as the bike is designed for the abuse your about to dish it wheel size and every other dimension doesn't matter.

[arriflex]

650b?

http://www.cyclingcloseouts.com/Products/Jamis-Dakar-Sixfifty-B1-2010__Jamis_B1_2010.aspx

[silentneko]

Thanks guys for the responces. I am NOT an aggressive rider anymore, after my wife was hurt at Carter a few years ago it pretty much made me realize I needed to scale back cause our family can't afford another major injury. I mostly just ride for exercise now, mostly at carter and Alafia, and usually just the intermediate trails with an advanced trail mixed in here and there.
I don't know about 20" bikes on these trails, I have yet to see an adult ride one out there and can't imagine it would be much fun. I do see some kids riding everyonce in a while on 24", but I also saw kids on friday that look about 10-12 years old riding 29ers out there.
 
Let me ask some specific questions then.
-Would me being 6'3" and 230lbs would a 29er fit me better? I have always kind of felt a little large for my bike even though it's a 21.5" frame.
-I know they help smooth the bumps out and roll over things easier, but what about climbing? does the larger tire allow more surface contact area and increased grip?
-I've heard they are faster at speed and easier to maintain speeds, but are the gear ratios adjusted to make them equal to a 26er when climbing?

[Singletrack Samurai]

Thanks guys for the responces. I am NOT an aggressive rider anymore, after my wife was hurt at Carter a few years ago it pretty much made me realize I needed to scale back cause our family can't afford another major injury. I mostly just ride for exercise now, mostly at carter and Alafia, and usually just the intermediate trails with an advanced trail mixed in here and there.
I don't know about 20" bikes on these trails, I have yet to see an adult ride one out there and can't imagine it would be much fun. I do see some kids riding everyonce in a while on 24", but I also saw kids on friday that look about 10-12 years old riding 29ers out there.
 
Let me ask some specific questions then.
-Would me being 6'3" and 230lbs would a 29er fit me better? I have always kind of felt a little large for my bike even though it's a 21.5" frame.
-I know they help smooth the bumps out and roll over things easier, but what about climbing? does the larger tire allow more surface contact area and increased grip?
-I've heard they are faster at speed and easier to maintain speeds, but are the gear ratios adjusted to make them equal to a 26er when climbing?

Yes.

Yes.

and

Yes.

[Darrinw2001]

I went from a XL 26" full suspension to a 19" 29er hard tail and feel much more comfortable on it. for the riding you are planing on doing I would suggest looking at some of the hard tail 29ers out there. most bike companies have figured out the right geometry now so most of the over steer and other issues the earlier 29ers had are gone.. 

[arriflex]

Certain shops will apply rentals to a new purchase.....maybe the best bet is to try a 29er and a 26er on the same trail.