Originally Posted by
Andy_K
This puzzles me. It seems to me that the latest product lines from MTB manufacturers like Specialized, Giant, Trek or Kona show a pretty clear indication that 26" wheels are quickly being phased out. I guess it takes a year or two for the generic frame manufacturers to catch up.
Go to your LBS and count the number of 29ers vs. the number of 26" MTBs. If it is anything like the ones around here, the 29ers will be far outnumbered by the 26" MTBs. The 29ers are the "latest and greatest" so they capture the bulk of the advertising but I don't see 26" MTBs being obsolete any time soon.
Look also at Bikes Direct (the online seller of "generic" name brands) and you'll find 17 29ers and 62 26" MTBs listed. 26" MTBs are far from being displaced from the general MTB market.