I like 26” wheels
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,677
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 266 Post(s)
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,012 Posts
I like 26” wheels
Weren’t sure where to put this , but since most cruisers are 26” and everybody here play nice , I thought this would be the best place for it .
I now own bikes that have 26”, 650b, and 29” wheels . Have some 700c’s also but they are just skinny 29 inchers.
All of these bikes have similar sized tires 2.3”- 2.5” . . The 29” and 26” have Maxxis Hookworms 2.5” on them . Although the 2.3” on the Specialized Roll look wider than the Hookworms.
After riding all three for awhile , I noticed the 29’ seems slower to me , especially starting off . The 26” are the quickest off the line and get up to speed faster . The 650b’s are sort of in between.
so I got researching and found I wasn’t crazy . My findings were correct . I read the bigger diameter tires are faster once you get up to speed ( around 10mph) , but since I average 9.5-10mph the bigger tires are a disadvantage IMO .
Also , it seems they’re a lot more cruiser type tires offered in 26” .
Another thing I found about the taller tires , is how much tougher they make the bike to get on and especially off . There’s times when I’ve had to stop at intersections , especially after I’ve ridden for awhile , I’ve almost fallen trying to get a foot down . If you have longer legs than I do , this wouldn’t be a problem.
The 26” bikes seem to handle better too . I’ve actually had to run up on the curb turning around with the taller bikes .
The 26” bikes feel like driving a sports car compared to driving a muscle car or a four wheel drive pickup .
In my opinion 26” is King of bike wheels and tires !
I now own bikes that have 26”, 650b, and 29” wheels . Have some 700c’s also but they are just skinny 29 inchers.
All of these bikes have similar sized tires 2.3”- 2.5” . . The 29” and 26” have Maxxis Hookworms 2.5” on them . Although the 2.3” on the Specialized Roll look wider than the Hookworms.
After riding all three for awhile , I noticed the 29’ seems slower to me , especially starting off . The 26” are the quickest off the line and get up to speed faster . The 650b’s are sort of in between.
so I got researching and found I wasn’t crazy . My findings were correct . I read the bigger diameter tires are faster once you get up to speed ( around 10mph) , but since I average 9.5-10mph the bigger tires are a disadvantage IMO .
Also , it seems they’re a lot more cruiser type tires offered in 26” .
Another thing I found about the taller tires , is how much tougher they make the bike to get on and especially off . There’s times when I’ve had to stop at intersections , especially after I’ve ridden for awhile , I’ve almost fallen trying to get a foot down . If you have longer legs than I do , this wouldn’t be a problem.
The 26” bikes seem to handle better too . I’ve actually had to run up on the curb turning around with the taller bikes .
The 26” bikes feel like driving a sports car compared to driving a muscle car or a four wheel drive pickup .
In my opinion 26” is King of bike wheels and tires !
#2
Full Member
I liked my 29 inch Moto once it was up and going and it fit well as far as reach went but standover height was a little tight. While liked the feel I felt it wouldve been better with a smaller wider tire and a few more gears , which is what they did a year later.
While the 29s would roll over things I feel more comfortable on the 26s as they just feel more nimble. A taller rider might feel better on the 29s but im 5-10 with a 31ish inseam and any more prefer 26s
While the 29s would roll over things I feel more comfortable on the 26s as they just feel more nimble. A taller rider might feel better on the 29s but im 5-10 with a 31ish inseam and any more prefer 26s
Likes For JehD:
#4
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,266
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1085 Post(s)
Liked 821 Times
in
570 Posts
I prefer 29" wheels for their ability to cushion my ride a bit more, and traverse cracks and bumps a bit better. My area has a lot of back roads that area all destroyed and covered by ballast (1" ish or so rocks). 26" wheels don't handle it so well,...
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,677
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 266 Post(s)
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,012 Posts
I guess if you have long legs , I could see an advantage to 29” wheels but I don’t . I like being able to stand over the crossbar without leaning the bike over with the crossbar giving me a wedgie .
#6
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,266
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1085 Post(s)
Liked 821 Times
in
570 Posts
I use balloon tires, Schwalbe Big Bens. And I'm not that tall,..5'11",... I don't particularly like wedgies myself. The Electra Super Moto 8i has 27.5" wheels,...I'd luv to be able to get that bike.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
Likes For tds101:
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,677
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 266 Post(s)
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,012 Posts
I’d wouldn’t mind adding an Electra Super Moto 8i to my stable . Nice looking bike . Looks comfortable.