Is the 26" Trail Bike dead?

DanDax1990

I think you're reading too far into this and confusing yourself...

Go demo some bikes, Buy which feels right.

There won't be a nee wheel size spring up within the next 5 months. Can guarantee you that.

russyh

I can try the bikes at my lbs's easy enough I guess. I already know which I prefer out of the new wheels sizes albeit still undecided if I prefer my 26" wheels. For that reason like I said I'm not bothered. I also don't 'need' a new bike so I refuse to part with the money until its calmed down a little. That can't be wrong as its my opinion and its my money and buying decision. My point is that I'm not the only one that feels this way. So if the new wheel sizes are a ploy to get people buying new bikes then it maybe somewhat counter productive.

russyh

DanDax1990 wrote:

I think you're reading too far into this and confusing yourself...

Go demo some bikes, Buy which feels right.

There won't be a nee wheel size spring up within the next 5 months. Can guarantee you that.

How can you guarantee that though mate? You can't! I agree the chances are slim but I wouldn't gamble my house on it! As mentioned above I don't need to demo the bikes. I know I don't like the feel of the 29er, I'm happy with my 26" wheels but new bikes in 26" are starting to become thin on the ground which I guess will leave 650b which is fine. But I still won't be buying one until there seems to be some kind of new standard (so to speak) I know that I'm also not the only one! It must also be confusing for the not so well informed cyclist. All they see us one week Mbuk telling them 29er I the future then the following 650b and the bloke in the shop whatever he has in stock!

benpinnick

Back(ish) on topic... Buying a decent 26" trail bike will be nigh on impossible in 2-3 years time. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves. Yes the Nukeproof Mega AM 26 gets great reviews... so will next years 650b version no doubt.

thelonegroover

There will always be a market for less run of the mill items, like quill stems, long pumps. Soon this will include 26” specific spares, like forks and wheel rims. 650b will replace 26” as the choice for the proletariat; 29” will continue to be the choice of the chattering classes. Not better or worse, just different enough to be, well, different.

pesky_jones

Thelonegroover wrote:

650b will replace 26” as the choice for the proletariat;

Do you think this will happen to downhill and freeride bikes?

benpinnick

Pesky Jones wrote:

Thelonegroover wrote:

650b will replace 26” as the choice for the proletariat;

Do you think this will happen to downhill and freeride bikes?

Yep, I do. Will take slightly longer, 3-5 year timeframe for a complete swap out, but it will happen.

pesky_jones

benpinnick wrote:

Pesky Jones wrote:

Thelonegroover wrote:

650b will replace 26” as the choice for the proletariat;

Do you think this will happen to downhill and freeride bikes?

Yep, I do. Will take slightly longer, 3-5 year timeframe for a complete swap out, but it will happen.

Yeah I'm starting to agree.

thelonegroover

I think there will always be small niche markets for almost anything. Unless you can afford to have a different bike for each, the 655b will be the general choice.

kangaroo

having borrowed a 650b bike for a weekend of riding on my local trails. I can say that its very difficult to tell the difference between that and 26. I can see why manufacturers are choosing one or the other out of 650b and 26. theres so little difference its not worth them making both versions of a bike. the industry now will settle down to 650b and 29. there are a few bikes out there like the tracer 2 that is 26 but can be converted to 650b that are a option for those who really want to edge there bets but I would say its pretty certain that 650b will take over from 26

Thewaylander

Its possible, but i think community will vote with its wallet.

I think the industry will change over then come swap back. specialised have 650b bikes this season only 26", and 29" not saying they wont mid season or after, but it gives you an idea there is a slpit not a complete movement.

jonnyashworth

cooldad wrote:

Everyone will just have to join Retrobike and become anoraks.

With over 20,000 posts in this forum I dont think you are in any danger of "becoming" an anorak

cooldad

jonnyashworth wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Everyone will just have to join Retrobike and become anoraks.

With over 20,000 posts in this forum I dont think you are in any danger of "becoming" an anorak

I also post on Retrobike, but under a false name to protect the guilty.

BloggingFit

Will be choosing between a Remedy 650B or 29er later in the year depending on how each rides.

Plenty of $$$ have already been invested into 650B by various manufacturers so don't expect it to peeter out anytime soon.

bluechair84

Is the 26" Trail Bike dead?

Short answer; yes. Complex answer; No.

But depending on your point of view...

Short answer; No. Complex answer; yes.

thelonegroover

bluechair84 wrote:

Is the 26" Trail Bike dead?

Short answer; yes. Complex answer; No.

But depending on your point of view...

Short answer; No. Complex answer; yes.

This is a pointless answer!

pesky_jones

Thelonegroover wrote:

bluechair84 wrote:

Is the 26" Trail Bike dead?

Short answer; yes. Complex answer; No.

But depending on your point of view...

Short answer; No. Complex answer; yes.

This is a pointless answer!

Sounds clever though

coursemyhorse

I agree with the OP. Many people will wait around to see which "wins". A bit like HD vs Bluray. Hardly anybody wanted to invest in either until one clearly won the war. This could mean the bike market slows down. I certainly woudln't want to spend £1000+ on a 650B bike for them to never take off.

The Rookie

Why not, easy to just stick some 26" wheels on it........

bluechair84

Pesky Jones wrote:

Thelonegroover wrote:

bluechair84 wrote:

Is the 26" Trail Bike dead?

Short answer; yes. Complex answer; No.

But depending on your point of view...

Short answer; No. Complex answer; yes.

This is a pointless answer!

Sounds clever though

The question is ridiculous. There will always be support for products with profitability. People will be into 26 for a long time yet imo, and if companies do stop supporting the format, who will be left to care when so few are purchsing?