Mountain Biking - 24" vs 26" wheels

i'v been thinking about some modifications for my dirt jump bike

would puttin a 24" wheel on the back, wit a 26 on the front make any beneficial difference to my riding?

anmd wot other effects would there be?

Riding 24"s are alot of fun. It will make your bike much more flickable in the air.

Geo. wise it will lower you BB height and make you head angle slacker.

personally, I would not put two different sized rims on a bike cause I feel it gives a very unbalanced unstable feel but then again, I dont dirt jump very often so it may improve that but I'd stick with either 2 24's or 26's for everyday riding.

yeah, i'm more interested in the DJing side of things atm, coz if i keep my other 26" i can swap if i'm goin out ridin all day

I just bought a 2006 Specialized P.1. It has a 26" wheel in front with a knobby tire. The rear is 24" with a regular tread tire. I have only rode it in snow but it handles better than the Haro x24 which is a BMX cruiser- 24" wheels with semi-knobby tires. The Haro has more traction though. So maybe the tire type is more important than wheel size for traction. As far as jumping goes I don't know which one is better.

many MTB'ers are switching to 24" rears...the main reason is that it allows you to use a much wider tire...you can compensate the front by playing with the fork...I use a Talas and pull it back

I don't think larger tires and "better" traction in snow has anything to do with why someone should ride 24"s.

24"s will also make your wheel much stronger.

well, p1 is a DJ bike really... ;)

check your BB height and overall geometry. The handling best comes different.

I don't think larger tires and "better" traction in snow has anything to do with why someone should ride 24"s.

24"s will also make your wheel much stronger.


not so much snow, but many DH and FR bikers want a wider tire...a 24" wheel gives more clearance through the seat and chain stays

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downhill_bike

Tire sizes
Most mountain bikes use 26 in (559 mm) wheels, though some models offer 24 or 29 in (520 or 622 mm) wheels(this size is for road/hybrid bikes only not mountain bikes).Inch-sizes for bicycle wheels are not precise measurements: a 29 inch wheel is actually a 700c wheel, which has a 622 mm (24.48 inch) bead seat diameter. 700c is an archaic designation that persists because of its early popularity, though the diameter is 700 of no actual unit of measurement. In some countries, mainly in Continental Europe, 700c wheels are commonly called 28 inch wheels, nevertheless these wheels are equivalent to 29 inch wheels in the English speaking countries.

24 inch wheels are used for Dirt Jumping bikes and sometimes on freeride bikes, rear wheel only, as this makes the bike more maneuverable. 29 inch wheels were once used for only Cross Country purposes, but are now becoming more commonplace in other disciplines of Mountain Biking, and are predicted to be the choice wheel size on Downhill Bikes within a few years by some.

Wheels come in a variety of widths, ranging from standard rims suitable for use with tires in the 26 in x 1.90 in to 2.10 in (559 x 48 to 53 mm) size, to 2.35 and 3.00 in (60 and 76 mm) widths popular with freeride and downhill bicycles.

not so much snow, but many DH and FR bikers want a wider tire...a 24" wheel gives more clearance through the seat and chain stays

Yes, correct. But I think people that go for go for 3.0"+ tires and 24" wheels is for the strengh.

I probably should have said...

"I don't think larger tires and "better" traction in snow has anything to do with why he should ride 24"s."

many MTB'ers are switching to 24" rears...the main reason is that it allows you to use a much wider tire...you can compensate the front by playing with the fork...I use a Talas and pull it back

I remember when "many MTB'ers were switching to 24" rears". I don't know of anybody doing it these days. It was all back in that experemental downhill era.

Yes,the P.1 is a single speed dirt jumper. And built with a shorter chainstay than the other P bikes. So the 24" wheel design is for a specific purpose. I believe Kona makes,or did make a dirt jump bike with 24" wheels,but using the same frame as the bike with 26" wheels.

I have not yet used the Haro x24 or P.1 for dirt jumping so I can't comment on that. I use the Haro primarily as a SS commuter on roads and dirt paths and just got the P.1



well, p1 is a DJ bike really... ;)