Hugh Manatee
Veteran
I have had a mountain bike or two (or three or four) since the early days. My first one was a Dawes Wildcat back in 86 or 87 I think.
Without exception they have all had 26" wheels. I even thought that was the definition of a mountain bike. Now all seems to have changed. I have been left behind by the technology. I mean all my current bikes boast suspension. One has a Flexstem, one has a Softride stem and the other a mighty 65mm in the forks. Discs have passed me by too. I'm still getting used to the power of V brakes.
Now though, I need to get my kids new bikes. I don't want to spend a fortune but I want them to last a while without being too big this year. Do I have this right?
26" wheels. Really only used by elderly dinosaurs who are so far removed from the modern age people laugh and point. Oh, and very short people.
650B. 27.5" and the new, new standard. Perhaps worth considering for a 12 year old daughter who is already 5'8"?
29" and the old new standard? Only really of use if you're over 6'2" or so? This was going to be the size for everyone until the 650 turned out to be better for more people.
Or, are the new sizes cunning marketing ploys to get people to part with more cash? I'm six feet tall and 26 has worked for me. I want a little knowledge before I hit the shops.
Thanks.
Without exception they have all had 26" wheels. I even thought that was the definition of a mountain bike. Now all seems to have changed. I have been left behind by the technology. I mean all my current bikes boast suspension. One has a Flexstem, one has a Softride stem and the other a mighty 65mm in the forks. Discs have passed me by too. I'm still getting used to the power of V brakes.
Now though, I need to get my kids new bikes. I don't want to spend a fortune but I want them to last a while without being too big this year. Do I have this right?
26" wheels. Really only used by elderly dinosaurs who are so far removed from the modern age people laugh and point. Oh, and very short people.
650B. 27.5" and the new, new standard. Perhaps worth considering for a 12 year old daughter who is already 5'8"?
29" and the old new standard? Only really of use if you're over 6'2" or so? This was going to be the size for everyone until the 650 turned out to be better for more people.
Or, are the new sizes cunning marketing ploys to get people to part with more cash? I'm six feet tall and 26 has worked for me. I want a little knowledge before I hit the shops.
Thanks.