26" rims 'on the way out' - ?

[Gravity Aided]

I think the idea was that the 29" wheel would make it easier to overcome obstacles on the trail, and the rear 26" would give more power to the whole thing, but I really don't know if it played out that way. I test rode one, but it was a bad day for the test ride. I later bought and rehabbed a 29'er Trek Gary Fisher Marlin, which was in truly sad shape, but which was, when fixed up, a pretty good bicycle for purpose, very much the same style frame and all, but with 2 29" wheels. I just couldn't see enough difference from 26" to justify having all the stuff for 29" tires and tubes, disc brakes, and the like. 29" is a good wheel format. just not good enough for me to warrant a change. If I did, I would want to change over all off road bikes to that format, and start using disc brakes as well.

 

[MarquisMatsugae]

I think the idea was that the 29" wheel would make it easier to overcome obstacles on the trail, and the rear 26" would give more power to the whole thing, but I really don't know if it played out that way. I test rode one, but it was a bad day for the test ride. I later bought and rehabbed a 29'er Trek Gary Fisher Marlin, which was in truly sad shape, but which was, when fixed up, a pretty good bicycle for purpose, very much the same style frame and all, but with 2 29" wheels. I just couldn't see enough difference from 26" to justify having all the stuff for 29" tires and tubes, disc brakes, and the like. 29" is a good wheel format. just not good enough for me to warrant a change. If I did, I would want to change over all off road bikes to that format, and start using disc brakes as well.

One for the cutting room floor so to speak.
No harm in experimenting I suppose.
MTB's had 24" wheels at one point,but I feel they got it right with 26"

 

[Gravity Aided]

Just another idea, like those bicycles that had full sized frames but 20" wheels, they thought that would catch on, but proved useful only for a niche market.

 

[Sandra6]

I think what the chap in Evans probably meant was that a lot of manufacturers are now favouring the 29er or hedging their bets with a 27.5.
All the carrera's are now 27.5, specialized have gone for 29ers in a big way. Evans are probably following suit.
I doubt they'll suddenly stop stocking othe sized tubes and tires, but fewer new bikes will be built with a 26" wheel.
Personally I like my 29er, but I do think it's a bit of a fad and we'll no doubt see a turnaround and new bikes will be "retro 26" " It's all about getting you to buy more bikes.

 

[Drago]

I've heard 23.28 will be the next big thing.

 

[Chris S]

Single speed, 26" rear, 29" front. disc brakes.

It looks like something cobbled together by my local bicycle recycling shop.

 

[Blue Hills]

 

[Gravity Aided]

And Georgena Terry first started making bicycles with a 26" front wheel and 700c or 27" rear wheel, to make them more of a women's specific fit. An odd look, although a lady nearby used to commute to work often on hers.

 

[Drago]

I wonder if Gary Glitter has a 26" rim after all that prison time?