Jixr

Hi all.

I've been wanting to find an entry level ( read affordable ) mtb bike for awhile.


Searching on my local CL, I found a nice GT Avalanche Expert for sale ( ladies bike but the frame geo is the same as a mans, just girly graphics ) High end stuff ( XT derailleur nice cranks, hydro disc, really nice rock shocx 335 fork, but has 26" wheels.

Alternatively I can afford a 27.5" bike ( or 29" but i'm a little on the shorter size and smaller wheel sounds like it would fit me better ) but it has cheaper components, cable disc, entry level shifting components, pogo stick fork.

I'm just a little worried after reading articles about how 27.5's and 29"s being the new standard that If it would be a bad idea to buy a 26" bike.

( and sorry, I cant justify or afford to spend more money on a new 27.5/29 bike thats a little above entry level )

mileslong

Between those two, I would definitely go with the GT, but only if it fits correctly!

I wouldn't be concerned about 26" wheels, there are still plenty of parts and tires available if you need them. I think it's always a good idea to get higher level components gently used than new inferior stuff.

Be aware if the MTB bug bites you, you will be upgrading very soon anyway! The purpose of your first mountain bike is to help identify all the things you have to have on your next mountain bike.

DaveQ24

Well, I bought my first Mt. bike, a 26" Cannondale, in 1991. I have all sizes now, 2 29", 2 27.5", and still have my 26". Realistically, I can say I prefer the bigger bikes overall ... but, I still ride the 26" once in a while, and it's still a great bike. I think the individual fit is going to matter more if you going to buy a used bike, since it only comes in the ONE frame size, that one.

Jixr

Well, both are GT bikes, with the same frames that fit, so basically its either cheaper compoents and modern wheel size, or nice components and old wheel size.

I do ride a lot of rocky terrain, which is a bit why I'm thinking bigger wheels would be nicer.

osco53

In my area finding good 26" mtb tires is getting harder, only the cheep walmart type 26" knobbies are available In stores.

I've had all three wheel sizes and IMHO 27.5" has the best traits of all.
Nothing wrong with 26" except limited tire choices and they feel small under me.
27.5 wheels roll over things real well, like a 29er IMO
27.5" tires everywhere, the good ones...

What I needed and got with the 27.5" wheels:
I can accelerate real fast and go up short punchy climbs better on my 27.5"
I can turn real tight, think switch backs,, with ease on my 27.5"
I can 'Pop' off things better and change direction at speed with less effort and much quicker.

What I lost leaving 29er's :
I have to work a little harder keeping up with 29 er's out In the open on the fire roads,,,
I am not the strongest rider so getting the 29er up to speed took more work but once there they hold speed better... So they are IMO faster overall.

29" wheels and tires everywhere,,, BUT for me they are bigger/heavier by design, the tire and the wheel set. I found that the 29er wheel must be stronger,,more expensive,, or they will flex more, longer spokes,,,,

I'm 5'11" 170 pounds 32" Inseam,
Always felt like I was sitting on top of my 29er
Felt Like I was sitting 'IN' my 27.5"
Felt like I was a clown on a kid trike on my 26", didn't know this until I rode the other wheels I must add.

So what wheel size Is better ?
Your trails and riding style dictate this, as does your size.

I personally think stronger riders will get far more out of a 29er and be able to exploit the 29er's advantages so well that If they can afford good wheels and the newer 29er Geo bikes that would be the best choice for this kind of rider.

Just keep In mind that the middle ground means versatility~~~

mileslong

"In my area finding good 26" mtb tires is getting harder, only the cheep walmart type 26" knobbies are available In stores."

JensonUSA has 7 pages, 100+ different 26" tires available...not really hard to find.... a 26er just won Rampage too!

Jixr

to be fair, i've never ridden 27.5's and only 29's once on a $7000 demo marin that I got for a day, so that wasn't really fair to judge.

I think i'm going to go with the used, its a little cheaper than a new one, the fork is much much better, hydro disc, top shelft shifters, and with the price difference of $100 that could go to wider bars, new saddle and maybe a ghetto tubeless set up.

Canker

I wouldn't even think about it. 26 for the win. I'd take a quality fork over everything else every time.


There isn't much of a difference between a 26 and 27.5 wheel.

Maelochs

I am over six feet and I ride a 2007 Cannondale Rize with 26" wheels.

Sure, 29s roll over some stuff ... if you are on a fast, flowing trail with some little obstacles but not a lot of quick direction changes, start/stops, they might be good. 27+ offers really fat tires .... and heavy wheels/ Might be fine for you and how you ride.

26" might get bounced around by slightly smaller stuff compared to 29s, but they spin up fast.

I don't think it makes as big a difference as everything else.

If you found the right bike with the right components, the tire size is irrelevant.

What decided me on my bike was the nexus of price, condition, and components ... it was low-mileage, well cared for, had decent parts and some nice upgrades, and it fit like it was made for me. Who cares what size the wheels are? i odn't measure them while riding.

Lazyass

Get the Avalanche. Good bike with good components. My 22 year old bike will be good forever, parts will always be available on ebay so that one should be as well. Heck, I just rebuild the original Manitou 3 with new elastomers.

munk1955

Jixr I was in the same boat as you about used vs new and I made the decision to go new and bought a 2017 GIANT ATX 2 27.5 and am loving it so far.......I know it has basic parts on it and I am ok with that since this is my first MTN bike......I plan on riding it for a year and then decide what upgrades(If any)I might need for my type of riding.

Obviously since this is my first bike since I was a kid I have a lot to learn and will rely heavily on this forum and its members for any and all advice....Good luck on whatever bike you decide to get!

bikemig 

There is no reason to avoid a 26 inch wheel bike. Tires are readily available.