Looking to get another mtb after some time away from them. Mainly riding local trails so would it be better to buy a older high spec 26’ or a newer 27.5’ budget 1k. I know there are pros and cons but is there a big riding difference between the two?
27.5
29in
29”
Depends on your trails but where I live there are rocks, and bigger wheels are much better on rocky trails. Not only that but the evolution in geometry that was kicked off by the changes in wheel sizes has made a dramatic improvement in MTBing, if you're someone who appreciates bike handling. I rode a mate's 2005 bike recently and it was awful - felt like the front wheel was under my chest, about to wash out on any corner, and wouldn't stay on the ground on a steep climb. And it's not like I'm not used to 26 - I started riding MTB in 1992, I only rode 26ers until 2015 and I still have one. But I wouldn't look at spending money on one now. Not only are they rubbish comparatively, but getting spares is only going to get harder.
Only exception is if you are a short male, IMO but even then I'd still go 27.5
Maybe 29’ers have improved again ? My last one felt like a barge on tighter twisty stuff which I enjoy. The new LLS geometry(long low slack) on 27.5 makes most sense for me and my riding it’s more nimble and playful imo.
If you are looking at older bikes then I'd say geometry will make a bigger difference than wheel size. £1k will get you something pretty recent so it'll likely be 27.5 anyway
Wheel size wouldn't be top of my list.
Maybe 29’ers have improved again ? My last one felt like a barge on tighter twisty stuff which I enjoy.
Improving all the time. I have two 29ers - a 2013 Trek Superfly and a 2015 Salsa El Mariachi. The Trek is a race bike, has a 70.5 degree HA and handling is very quick. The Salsa also has a steep HA, and is hands down the most responsive and razor sharp handling bike I've ever ridden. The slightest shift in body position and the bike has already turned. It's really superb. They both excel in tight twisty stuff. So, in my experience it is entirely possible to have a fast tight handling 29er. I've not tried a 29er trail bike or anything with long travel though.
getting spares is only going to get harder.
This would be my biggest consideration. I have a bunch of old 26" bikes, they work fine but none of them have tapered steerers so it's impossible to find decent forks any more.
Thanks for all your comments. Have found a couple of 27.5 bikes which are now in the mix.
Maybe 29’ers have improved again ? My last one felt like a barge on tighter twisty stuff which I enjoy. The new LLS geometry(long low slack) on 27.5 makes most sense for me and my riding it’s more nimble and playful imo.
This, 100% this.
I'd go 27.5
I have a Bird Zero 29 and it's not barge like at all, which surprised me. I tested it and it's 27.5" sibling at Innerleithen and loved both, they were both nimble and fun but the 29er was also more stable and comfortable at speed.
27.5 already going the way of the Dodo.😉
This would be my biggest consideration. I have a bunch of old 26″ bikes, they work fine but none of them have tapered steerers so it’s impossible to find decent forks any more.
Last time I looked Suntour still did some that were a decent comparison to the better forks available when 1 1/8th and 26” were standard.
How tall are you?
Interested in this. I have an old 2009 26" carbon Scott spark which is still a fab bike to me - but then I don't ride other bikes.
I don't have the funds to replace it with a new equivalent, but did wonder how it would compare to a newer 2014-2105-ish big wheeled version (29 or 27.5). They go for about 1200 - 1300 pounds which is much more acceptable.
I am already having some trouble finding good quality 26" tyres and I guess this will only get worse..
I bought an 'old' frame which was a 2013, for £250, and some cheap wheels. It's so much righter than my old 26" kit. Now, I'm sure someone will be accusing me of falling for shiny new marketing rubbish, but really - is it so hard to believe that progress has been made in a decade?
Interested in this. I have an old 2009 26″ carbon Scott spark which is still a fab bike to me – but then I don’t ride other bikes.
Me too...
Actually might be older...
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Nice, mine's gone all 1 speed, 2.4" tyres, dropper and a bit blacker.
Oh and a fox shock. Bought the frame for £220 and built up from Ebay parts so not to any Scott spec at all..
We should start a 26" bikes - lets see 'em thread ..
I too was convinced my 26” wheeled bike was the bees knees and thought new long low slack was marketing! Boy was I wrong I couldn’t sell my 26” bike quick enough before it was actually worthless.
I’ll get there on the LLS thing eventually - I’m saving up for a Solaris Max frame to start building up - except every time I get close something falls off the house/car breaks/Christmas happens (delete as applicable)! No rush anyway, I’ll keep the 26 Soul remnants to build back up for one of the kids when I do upgrade.
I'd like to point out that neither of my 29ers are LLS. But they're still a huge step up.
I am looking forward to the time I change my Patriot for a modern Enduro bike.
Wheel size is almost irrelevant. However, getting a 26 bike isn't really worth while now even second hand.
If you aren't racing and concerned with fun then you can have as much fun on any wheel size.
HOWEVER ... if you break something 26" specific you are probably going to pay through the nose and mostly the time when getting old 26" stuff was cheap is mostly gone and even non-boost 27.5 is getting harder.
You don't really save much but you are potentially buying into a liability...
Plus you are missing out on newer geo
I think it will be a 27.5’ then. Having seen some prices for 8/10 yr old bikes, newer ones aren’t that more. Have seen a couple Orange four/five for around £1.5k is that a decent price for a 2/3 yr old bike with a few upgrades? (slightly off point why don’t people selling Bikes actually put the frame size in their advert!?)
Pm me if your interested in a Santa Cruz Blur trc. XL frame. Black carbon colour
I am 6 ft 1
It's got a Talas fork so can switxh between 120mm and 140mm.
Has covered 250 miles since last full service. Receipt to prove.
All bushes, bootom bracket and cassette, etc etc.
Open to reasonable offer.
Versatile bike.
Thanks for the offer, but too large.
@superlight1
Dunno what your looking for, only that XL is too big...
I've got a Medium Whyte T-130 2015 (on the classifieds here somewhere)
I'm fairly happy to let it go as a whole bike or selected parts for a reasonable offer.
Also have way too much in terms of spares to put on it .. including a brand new (unused Brand X dropper and brand new unused M7000 brakes or some older ones - 1o or 11 sp Shimano) and either 130 (original) or 140mm fork travel and original ML shock or lighter tune ML3.
In any case would be <<£1000 paint is worn and a bit faded .. but a pretty decent re(starter) Med travel fulls suss with fairly modern geo and 27.5.
TBH, haven't priced it but open to offers.
Probably a wee bit big. Couple of options to consider are Orange Four & Five, Trek fuel ex9 & Canyon Strive Race.