If 26 is dead and everyone has switched to bigger wheels where are all the bargain 26 bikes? eBay doesn't seem to have anything decent and the classifieds have gone from here.
Where do you look to buy them?
That is what I thought. I fancied getting an MTB again a few weeks back and as I don't care about an inch on the wheels I went looking for cheap 26" well specced bikes. Couldn't find any.
They're all sat doing nothing in people's sheds and garages because they don't want to sell them for the very little they'll go for.
I was just looking for a decent hardtail frame so I can swap existing parts from current bikes. But want to do it as cheaply as possible because I'll be buying a decent bike in a year or so once the babies are bigger and I get chance to ride. Currently my enduring bike is too much for a 30 minute blast around local fairly flat trails or pumptrack
If 26 is dead and everyone has switched to bigger wheels where are all the bargain 26 bikes? eBay doesn’t seem to have anything decent and the classifieds have gone from here.
Sigh.
You're 5 years too late for most of them.
If you still want to buy it it's not that dead.
The classifieds is still here.
Probably the same place as all the bargain 26" tyres... RIP the Chunky Monkey 26!
I think the time of bargain 26" stuff has by in large gone. Most of the stuff I see is either absolutely done in, or people are asking way too much for it (e.g. the people on facebook still looking for £1500 for a Yeti SB66c...and I should know, I own one!)
Have you tried your local Facebook marketplace ?
I got a really nice Boardman for my GF recently for £100.
Retrobike still has some nice stuff go through.
I got my Soul for buttons- complete, superbly well kept bike for less than I paid for the frame first time round. I spent a wee bit modernising it but it's been one of my best buys ever
Just building a 224 Evo, got hte frame inc a ccdb for IIRC £220, got some boxxer teams for £100, some flows on pro 2s that need a new rim for £80. The only thing that's really cost money is the stuff that doesn't go out of date- no such thing as cheap saint.
Yup,I still have 4 26er frames.They owe me nothing.
When you also have a load of kit that can be swapped around without worrying about any of the 'new' standards,it's easy to chuck together a cheap winter bike or build something up for fun.
Facebook classifieds is probably your best bet
Simon
They’re all sat doing nothing in people’s sheds and garages because they don’t want to sell them for the very little they’ll go for.
Yes, plenty good 26ers sitting in sheds that I know off, but they do get dragged out for the likes of retro rides so they get a second life.
There's 6 in my shed belonging to various members of the family.
And why sell them for peanuts? They are still good bikes, eg Genesis io which I think is the best handling rigid 26er I have ridden, early 1x1 masquerading as a plus bike, and so on.
I suspect the grey porridge bikes have been stripped for parts and the frames long since gone to the tip.
EDIT: Just remembered a few frames I may have hanging around for future projects. I'll take a look in the far recesses of the attic (got to move some stuff) and report back, probably tomorrow.
So if anyone's looking for a decent hardtail frame, there's some I'll give away - perfectly good stuff, probably all medium.
There was a nice looking Dialled Alpine on the classifieds the other day. Not sure how XC it'll be though!
I have a Chameleon frame hung in the garage from a bike split.
There’s 6 in my shed belonging to various members of the family.
Glad to see someone else using that classic N+1 excuse 😉
fasthaggis
Glad to see someone else using that classic N+1 excuse
Well I was the sucker who paid for them all... 🙂
Maybe a good chunk of them are still being ridden as a main bike? I retired my 26” Alpine Five at the end of February, not because it wasn’t still a great bike but because the forks were knackered, and nobody services Manitou Swinger coil shocks any more so when that went (along with the straight steerer forks), I would have both struggled to get new parts and had a huge outlay which it was wiser to spend on a new bike with readily available parts.
Never going to sell the frame though.
I do have an Iron Horse Sunday with the vast majority of (decent) components that I’d let go for an absolute steal, but it’s not what you’d call an XC bike 🙂
I have been finding plenty in eBay - cotics (soul and bfe) and various Stantons. Which is too bad because I want a 27.5 version
Sold all mine over 2 years back, last production on most mainstream was 13/14?? Fatigue and failure kicks in for a lot of them and then there is the unrealistic pricing so stuff doesn't get sold or ridden.
Given the time frames there are probably plenty of 650b/29r's that are better value/bargains out there
I'm still riding my 26" blur, it's fine, rides well and all components in good fettle so why change it ? I'm not technical or skilled enough for wheel size to make that big an impact on my riding or enjoyment, if it dies I'll look whats around.
I've got a blur ltc with xtr wheels etc, tried selling it a couple of times but get no bites, its just so cheap its not even worth selling yet I will never ride it, in the back of my mind I will sell it and snap my main bike a week later
I've got an 18" Commencal Supernormal up for grabs if anyone's interested......
I have two. They are my current bikes and both frames were bought new (2017/2018), the full suss good value for what it is (Transition Suppressor 26 in 2016 frame); well that is my view.
I missed a deal on a 160mm Mattoc fork (I did not need it), but generally agree bargains are on the way out.
I have stock piled tyres.
Yep I've got loads in my workshop only 2 are built up Carbon 456 & Trek Remedy but there are at least 8 frames FS & HT about 6 sets of wheels 4 or 5 sets of forks and an obscene amount of tyres.
Stupid really as the C456 is the only one that's been ridden since 2012.
I suppose as I don't need the space or the money I'll just hang on to them
I’m also holding on to a 26” bike because what I’d get back for it would be worth peanuts and it’s still a nice XC bike.
It’s a Giant XTC with Reba forks, full XT with DCL shifters and rapid rise rear mech ,( remember them?), Easton riser bars, etc.
It also holds a certain amount of sentimental value as it was my first proper mtb . It still sometimes gets ridden by my son or taken out on family pootles but mostly it makes me feel a bit nostalgic about times before Boost, plus tyres, 12 speed cassettes and super slack geo!
Still riding my Liteville 301 Mk10 as its awesome. Still the best bike Iv ever owned bar none despite a new carbon all singing all dancing Mondraker dune that spends a lot of time gathering dust in the garage. Fully upgraded the suspension to the best of 2019. Got all the latest 1x11, brakes, dropper etc. Its slack enough and long enough - whats not to love. I even picked up some ludicrously cheap 26in Enve wheels for extra bling.
I fully expect lighter, stiffer, nimbler wheels to come back in vogue at some point in the future...just a question of when.
I suppose as I don’t need the space or the money I’ll just hang on to them
Ah, come off it Nige. If you put all your 26" stuff on eBay, the market would collapse 😉
Put my 26" Hummer up for sale on here got no where so just kept it and use it on salty winter roads saves the other bikes.
I suspect the grey porridge bikes have been stripped for parts and the frames long since gone to the tip.
See, this just annoys me. Fair enough if they're being picked up by a recycling charity but the amount of folk that just throw perfectly good frames in the metal skip is ridiculous.
Anyway, I managed to get a Pitch Pro off the classifieds last year, just about done getting stuff I need for it, managed to snag a brand new pair of Sektor RL Golds with a straight steerer and I'm now up to my eyeballs in Hope XC hubs so doing well for spares in years to come.
Ooh Mr Overshoot are you the man who built my Inbred up. It’s still being used as my pubbike and into town bike. Scallies don’t nick 26ers locked up on Bold Street.
Rich_s
Member
Ah, come off it Nige. If you put all your 26″ stuff on eBay, the market would collapse 😉
Marin
Member
Ooh Mr Overshoot are you the man who built my Inbred up. It’s still being used as my pubbike and into town bike. Scallies don’t nick 26ers locked up on Bold Street.
Oh no I've been rumbled as the 26" hoarder of the North West, if it wasn't for those pesky kids Rich & Greg I would have got away with it 😉
I have them all.
One complete bike is for sale
One 26" frame and forks (perfect for pumptrack use) is also for sale
OP PM if interested
I have a lovely 26 XC FS frame I'd like to sell that no-one seems to want.
Got a 26” BFe plus forks and wheels just waiting for me to have the time to advertise them .
PM me if nterested
My pimped charge duster is used for kid towing duties. Still a lovely bike I enjoy riding and reckon 8 would regret selling for peanuts (like I do my old genesis io)
I know of a 26 Scott spark in very good nick going up for sale for not very much. I’m tempted to buy but haven’t got the space,...
I keep thinking about splitting and selling my Meta AM frame and forks, but it'd cost me a fortune to replace it with something that has slightly bigger wheels. Although I would like something a bit lighter.....
Got a 26” BFe plus forks and wheels just waiting for me to have the time to advertise them .
PM me if nterested
Me too - PM me if peteimpreza's has already gone.
I think I bought them all in a quest to get a good one! It can be a minefield. Short version of cash-strapped quest for MTB:
Bought this XTC 2.5 on fleabay for a ton-ten from an old-time XCer
Although cosmetically near-perfect with perfectly-functioning forks, true wheels etc , I really didn't get on with the geo/size, and the drivetrain was completely knackered. 2nd test ride when got it back home and the B/B gave a big CRACK on a power climb, dropping me groinwards on the top tube. Then a few trips to the docs after pissing blood for two days, camera up the chap, the lot. Rubbish times. So, eventually I sourced and fitted a new BB, and then Gnusmas of this parish kindly helped me out with some drivetrain spares and bits to fix it up. Still didn't like the ride. Sold it shortly after fixing it and got this
SS 08 P7 instead for the same (ton-ten) price from classifieds. Caught a train to go and see/buy it then rode it all the way home. Happy day. It's super ace. It's my only proper MTB. Best one I've ever had with regards to ride and fit. Hope I can find some decent straight-steerer 26er bouncers when the time arrives :-/
Before seeing the P7 I also bagged a 17" Dawes Edge ONE (rigid, single speed) with a stuck B/B. Got it for £15 yes £15 again from fleabay. Planned to refit with bargain bling and polish the frame up as a fun pub bike but tbh it'll probably never get done. The P7 though is very much a pry-from-my-cold-dead-hands-bury-it-with-me kind of deal. It feels as if it comes with it's own metal soundtrack. \|||/
I have a shed full of them. I've disassembled them and stacked them up so they look like a huge pile of old junk to avoid alerting my wife to what's going on. Once the supply-demand curve has optimized, I'll reassemble them and auction them off and buy a large estate in the country.
I think 650b is the place for bargains now. 26ers are thin on the ground so sell well to people who don’t care about wheel sizes. 29” seems to ethe current fashionable choice which has dropped the values of the 27.5 bikes since there’s lots out there.
Haha Mrovershoot I’m about to move and get a garage at last. No chance of selling any now.
I am lending my Decathlon Rockrider 8XC to a friend, just getting into biking. It is well specced in an xc old fashioned way (Reba fork, half decent Mavic wheels, renthal bar and shortish stem, 1x9 on the cheap).
I had a go on it when I was riding with him earlier this week; the geo feels horrible compared to my Bfe, but I suppose if just starting out/looking for a more xc type bike it would be fine.
Anyway, there are plenty of good handling bikes from that era, like the P7 above, Cove Stiffees, Chameleons etc that are worth seeking out.
I'd concur with all above. After many years I've finally decided to reduce my collection to 2.
However after trying to sell some of the 26" bits, they are not worth letting go of.
Always a bit odd as an unused item is not really worth anything to me so something is better than nothing but, emotive issues then start and 'I'm not letting that £3.5K frame go for £200. I'll just keep it' thoughts flood in.
I've got a Liteville Mk10 size large frame with reverb sitting in a box waiting for me to get round to selling it.....just in case anyone is looking
I have a 27.5/26 Banshee Spitfire I just put on eBay. Someone offered me £130 for it - I hope it’s worth more than that!
I'm always looking for S and XS FS frames for the kids...something I can build up for Alps trips for them.
Nothing cheap AND good so far 🙁
is it not the case that they will all start turning up again when people start clearing out sheds in the summer ???
What I am doing is passing on all the components and spares I had amassed over the years (wheels, 9 speed cassettes, shifters & mechs, cranks, etc) to a mate who I know will keep his 26er going as long as physically possible. I’m chuffed as my shed has more space and he’s chuffed as most of it is better components than he currently has.
Win win.
Maybe not 26” but there seems to be loads of bargains out there at the moment. Seen bargain Stanton and Privee full builds on here, I just sold a mint Bird Aeris for buttons, plenty if you are not in a hurry. I think the days of cheap 26 is over as people are either sticking with it, or what is left is either rubbish or highly sought after.
Always a dilemma when moving things on as to whether it is better to get rid or not. As painful as it is I took the approach it isn’t making me any money in the garage and is unused, so something is better than nothing.
Always a dilemma when moving things on as to whether it is better to get rid or not. As painful as it is I took the approach it isn’t making me any money in the garage and is unused, so something is better than nothing.
Yeah I did the same, let about 10 wheels go for not much as I had no need for them, I got cash in my pocket as opposed to wheels doing nothing in a shed. Stuff really owes me nothing at that point, it may have a notional value but it's zero if you don't try. the longer you leave it they less it's worth.
The market for old 26" stuff is just not there, yes you might want a frame for the bits you have but when they are flogged? Age also kicks in 26" stuff is getting old, not just in terms of geo and standards but in terms of wear and tear.
Not all of them are sat in the shed doing nothing. Think I get more laughs/mile from my 26. Great fun at Swinley Forest yesterday (other than the pinch-flats).
Mine is still going too, will keep happily grinding away until a major breakage makes it uneconomical to repair. Or it gets nicked like the last one!
Part of the reason for low prices has to be cycle to work: why would I risk more than, say, £600 on used bling when you can get a grand's worth of half-decent if utilitarian Bossnut/Boardman/Marin on an interest and tax-free loan?
A shame to think about all those unused bikes hiding in sheds...
A bit of a theme developing here - I'm another member of 26" P7 fan club - been using my 2008 loads over the last couple of years and loving it.
There is the odd 26 bargain but realistically stuff just isn't for sale. I paid a little under £350 for a new set of ex1501 in 26. Any new forks are not going to be 26 and probably not even 100 mm axles either.
Just had a look on eBay.
Saw some decent 80s mtbs in good condition for around £400 (decent = good quality steel etc)
I've gotta get shot of my Mk2 Soul because of injury. Never sold on eBay and don't really know where to start. Reba 100mm, barely used SLX 2x. Got crap wheels and ancient Deore brakes. Any ideas where I should pitch it at? I'm toying with just turning into a permanent fixture on my indoor trainer but it seems such a shame. Not a stealth ad, more as said that I really don't know where to start.
I've still got a 26" Scandal but just not sure it's worth the hassle of trying to sell for peanuts. I'll prob either just keep it for runaround duties or use it as a banger trade-in of which there seems to be a few at the moment.
For those cluttering up sheds and not in the mood to deal with the hassle of selling here are some ideas
https://recycleforgreatermanchester.com/what-do-i-do-with/bikes/
https://www.re-cycle.org/
When I left the UK first time around a heap of stuff ended up with the Hebden Bridge guys so onto a new life and doing some good along the way.
I’m riding mine 😀
Built a nice bike out of rich people’s off casts.