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I've written in a previous post that I'm looking towards what will replace my 1.1/8 steerer Cotic Soul frame and forks.
I've been riding recently with new people and mates that I haven't seen in a while. I thought I'd share some observations:
- Of those who don't already have a 29er or 27er, none intend to swap to a new wheel size;
- All of them build their own bikes, replacing each part at a time (i.e. never buy a complete OEM bike);
- After some initial reluctance, at least two are replacing their current frames with new, full price, *not* clear-out/end-of-line 26er frames (where they have taper or 44ID head tubes);
- None of these 26er riders have owned another wheel size;
- All of these 26er riders started MTB'ing when only the 26er format was available.
Based on this completely unscientific sample, it seems to me that there's going to be a sizeable demand for the 26er format for a while...in the aftermarket.
*goes to look for kitten*
OP
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Not so much my opinion, but observations!
That's brilliant 😆
Not your opinion
kimbers little picture
My current bike is a 26" wheeled bike. i didnt buy any major part of it new.
when 27.5 frames and forks start filtering through to the S/H market at a reasonable price then I'll probably change to 27.5.
Remember STW isn't representative of the real world.
I have a rigid 29er and 26er hardtail.
You'll be able to get 26er bits for ages.
More of an issue is Headset sizes.
Both my bikes have 1 1/8 headsets. Forks are getting a little thin on the ground.
Would I buy a new 26er? Doubt it, seems a bit silly based on the way things are going.
Would I buy a 650B bike? Maybe but more likely to buy another 29er to be honest.
There'll be a demand and supply for 26er parts, at least as some price points- there's a bazillion 26er bikes out there after all. But I reckon high end parts availability will decline fast. Same as with straight steerer forks etc. Manufacturers don't want to have to produce 3 product lines to service the same demand that 2 used to, same with shop stock so demand isn't the only consideration.
But 26 is the biggest consumable market by far and that won't change for a long time (if ever?)