Originally Posted by
meanwhile
However
- MTBs tend to be heavy, and this is a real handicap in carrying bike up a hill in a race.
- Also: 26 inch cross tyres are a pain to find. In fact, I doubt that you can find a 26 inch 32mm mud tyre.
26 inch drop handle MTBs can be great bikes, but a hybrid is lighter and a 700c wheel gives a much greater choice of cross tyres.
Yes but
-All cheap bikes tend to be heavy, and many old MTB have easily trimmed excess weight in the wheels and handlebars. I think 25 pounds is easily in reach with the right frame (e.g. Rockhopper or Stumpjumper rather than Hardrock in the Speciailized line).
-26 inch wheels accelerate better, which is obviously good for CX, and wide tires where allowed (i.e. almost all amatuer races) aren't such a bad thing and on many courses are a distinct advantage.