26” (ISO 559mm) wheels have been around for decades and parts availability worldwide is not going anywhere. It is becoming exceedingly rare, however, for new bikes to be sold with 26” wheels in developed countries. Given the worldwide shortage of new bikes and components, I bet a lot of people are bringing out those 26” wheeled MTB bikes from their garage/storage and fixing them. Possibly right at this moment there’s a better chance of finding replacement parts for 26” (559) wheels than for 29ers (700c) or 27.5 (650b).

10 years ago, 26” (559mm) was the most sensible wheel choice for worldwide expedition touring. Fast forward to 2021 and I don’t think much has changed.

What has definitely changed in the past 10 years is the worldwide acceptance of 29er mountain bikes and, along with that, the advent of bikepacking. 10 years ago Europeans were still struggling to accept 29ers for mountain biking and many were still on 26” MTB’s. Then there was a big push for 27.5”/650b bikes which now seems to be quickly dying and everyone is settling on 29ers (700c) for everything: road, gravel and MTB. That has made it a lot easier to take a 29er mountain bike from North America to Europe, Australia/NZ and most parts of Asia and South America on bikepacking tours.

Now, for hardcore worldwide expedition touring into the most remote places in the world, I think the name of the game continues to be simplicity. You choose to tour with boost hubs, plus or fat tires, 12-speed drivetrain and other specialized equipment, then you might get stuck for weeks somewhere in Timbuktu if you encounter a major mechanical breakdown.

I think it’s always safe to see what the Europeans (mainly the Germans) are choosing for worldwide expedition touring. I would not be surprised if you find the following on those builds:

1. Steel frame and fork
2. 26” (559mm) wheels with 2” tires
3. Disc (mechanical) brakes with frame bosses ready for V-brakes as back-up, if ever needed.
4. 8 or 9 speed drivetrain

Those touring bikes with 26” wheels and fully ready for expedition touring are increasingly becoming rare due to the lack of demand these days due to the pandemic. Starting in 2020 and most likely all of 2021, many countries have closed their borders to foreigners. I think it’s wise to wait until mid 2022 to restart any of those touring plans. Let’s hope that the most serious expedition touring bikes (with 26” wheels) won’t become available as custom frames only. 29er MTB’s for bikepacking domestically is where the money is right now.