This Bike Makes Me Want 26" Wheels Again!

26" MTB wheels used to be the gold standard for shredding machines, but with the introduction of 29" & 27.5" wheels we saw a slow decline in bikes manufactured with 26" MTB wheels! Neil Donoghue is out at ‪@BikeParkWalesOfficial‬ with his newly built DH bike shredding some huge features for a retro blast from the past!
Useful Links:
Watch Shorts on GMBN 👉 gmbn.eu/GMBNsh...
Introducing...our FIRST EVER MTB Trousers 🛒 👉 gmbn.eu/GMBNtr...
Ride with us at the Global Bike Festival 👉 gmbn.eu/GBF2023
Submit your Photo and Video to us 👉 upload.gmbn.com/
Sign-up for our newsletter 👉 gmbn.eu/newsle...
Are you running 26" wheels on your MTB? Let us know down below! 👇
Watch more on GMBN...
📹 Pro Vs Amateur challenge! 👉 gmbn.eu/ProVsA...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gmbn.eu/Editor...
📹 Watch our weekly show, The Dirt Shed Show 👉 gmbn.eu/dirtsh...
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Free Beer Tomorrow - Rymdklang Soundtracks
A Lick and a Promise - Splasher!
Thrill Her - Heyson
Split Sauce - baegel
Getting Tipsy - Fox Morrow
Summertime Madness - Matt Large
Touch Touch Touch - Ava Low
Havana - BLUE STEEL
#GMBN #GlobalMountainBikeNetwork #MTB #MountainBiking
The Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) is the world’s largest and fastest-growing online mountain bike channel and community - and your destination for the best mountain bike content in the world.
GMBN is dedicated to inspiring and unlocking your riding potential. Our videos cater to fans of every mountain bike discipline: from mile-munching cross-country (XC) riders, through adrenaline-fuelled dirt jumpers, gravity-hungry downhillers or aspiring enduro racers, and beyond.
Every day of every month, our ex-pro presenting team are on hand to entertain and inspire you while also providing a uniquely qualified insight into the world of mountain biking. Every week we deliver original daily videos that include:
Adventurous and entertaining features
Mountain bike skills coaching
Technical advice and guidance
Mechanical know-how to keep you rolling
A place for the riding community with our weekly Dirt Shed Show
Thanks to our sponsors:
Canyon Bikes: gmbn.eu/Canyon
Nukeproof Bikes: gmbn.eu/nukeproof
Orbea Bikes: gmbn.eu/Orbea
Park Tool: gmbn.eu/ParkTool
Crankbrothers Pedals: gmbn.eu/crankbros
Shimano Footwear: gmbn.eu/Shiman...
Dainese Protection: gmbn.eu/Dainese
Ergon: gmbn.eu/ergon
Vittoria Tires: gmbn.eu/Vittoria
FSA: gmbn.eu/fsa
Spank: gmbn.eu/Spank
Topeak: gmbn.eu/topeak
Garmin: gmbn.eu/Garmin
Peaty's Products: gmbn.eu/Peatys
Wahoo: gmbn.eu/WahooT...
Komoot: gmbn.eu/Komoot
Worx Power Tools: gmbn.eu/Worx
CamelBak: gmbn.eu/CamelBak
Watch our sister channels:
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Tech - / gcntech
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining

[@jacobg130productions]

26 ain’t dead, it’s just waiting for the big comeback.

[@myrants5836]

The most fun bikes I ever owned were 26ers. I had a 29er and I've got a 27.5 now. No wheel size has ever matched the fun of a 26er. It was always smiles for miles. Think mountain biking has lost sight of that.

[@cooperwrks]

When 27.5 and 29 became mainstream, most people automatically put aside 26 bikes as trash. Like all those years when all bikes were 26 didn't meant nothing. The only positive thing was awesome bargains on great bikes

[@marcuslinton310]

Then why did you get rid of them? Pretty sure nobody is stopping you from using a 26r, have at it.

[@cooperwrks]

@@marcuslinton310 I didn't get rid of mine. But now there's a lot less choice of rims and tires. Even inner tubes are harder to get

[@myrants5836]

@@marcuslinton310 I ask myself the same question a lot!

[@marcuslinton310]

​@@cooperwrks Huh? There are tires and tubes all over the place. How many rims do you go through, I've never needed another rim on any bike I've owned.

[@peterlotharides8104]

It's aint dead. It comes 100% back to the freeride era. I still ride my 26" kona and I love it! Thanks for the good video, I glad to see that such a big channal as GMBN making positive content with 26" bikes!

[@bikemike1118]

Absolutely agree!

[@Freidenker888]

After the madness of the 29er, people will think about smaller wheels again. 100%!

[@peterlotharides8104]

@@Freidenker888 True! I think 29 is way to big for mountain bikes. Some pro rider already said that the bikes are to big nowadays.

[@Freidenker888]

@@peterlotharides8104 I hope that the cycling brands will quickly rethink and offer mountain bikes with smaller wheels again! That's why I'm still waiting before buying my next mountain bike.

[@ektherising]

Man I still ride 26" Kona too. It's awesome.

[@ensuingyelps]

I rebuilt a 26" 2007 Specialized Rockhopper in the summer, repainted the frame and refreshed all the parts, new air fork etc. Microshift Advent X 10 speed drivetrain. It's a light, compact XC style bike that climbs hills like a champ. In terms of practicality, usability and getting out the door for a quick ride, it's what I find myself gravitating towards.

[@anthonyharris483]

Love the Microshift Advent X myself

[@kevinwilson8039]

I grew up with 26 through the 80’s and 90’s. 29 feels like a tractor to me. Now it’s possible to build amazing bikes for not a lot of money though which is pretty cool

[@manitolas]

Ι bought two 29ers and after 4years of tractor-trailer feeling, i went to 27.5 to find control and feeling again, (and im doing only xc routes..)

[@notparanoid912]

@@manitolas well i have a 29 inch xc hard tail and i really like it because it feels nimble and capable. I also have a 27.5 Enduro for park days and a i used to ride a 29inch trail bike in the park. The 27.5 feels way more playfull and poppy but you need to ride it really active otherwise you will slow down significantly on slightly rougher stuff compared to the 29inch one.

[@Freidenker888]

@@manitolas That's why I never want to buy a 29er! I think 27.5 will the best choice between the two extremes. Isn't it so?

[@Freidenker888]

@@notparanoid912 A 29er just rolls over everything. You no longer need rider skills. This is definitely not what I want!

[@notparanoid912]

@@Freidenker888 nah skills are still needed. There is no limit to trail dififficulty, speed and style. The 29er helps to go faster and tackle more rough stuff but is no magic carpet

[@stevenconnor4221]

Well done don, an achievable bike that all can afford. Nothing wrong with the expensive bikes as long as you can afford them, but this is showing how most people could cheaply get into the sport. Good man 👍

[@gmbn]

Well said, Steve! It can be easy to get bogged down by needing the latest and greatest, but Neil has just shown us that you really don't need to have the best kit to have fun riding! 👊

[@MG_Gily_Wut]

More videos like these please! My summer bikepark shredder is a 26inch DH. Most value for your money to trash around. Love the bike, still does get the job done.

[@Cloudminster]

All those 26ers are out there somewhere…lurking in sheds. It’s not a big surprise that you liked it, it was all that existed pre 10 years ago. It’s not like everyone didn’t love them AND they just…worked…on all disciplines. You felt the tracks, you didn’t squeeze all feeling out with a crappy 29er - for those who perhaps couldn’t deal with the technical stuff.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

eh, had a 26er which was great, then was riding a 27.5 which was great, now tried the 29er and it's great. The difference between them is there and they're a touch different but all good!

[@dabigbadwolf5081]

I'm no professional, so I ride my bike for only one reason and that's fun. My 26" Freerider makes way more fun than my mullet Enduro. Full 29" bikes are just meh, fast but meh.

[@skipperk9champ215]

I got nothing but 26ers.

[@jannep6772]

@@skipperk9champ215 Me too as I have six 26” MTB 😎👍🇫🇮

[@TequilaRated]

Yo I'm a 26 too pal

[@maxpower6188]

26" is still kicking! Today I just bought a secondhand Rockshox Totem for my 2012 Transition Blindside and I'm planning on keeping it on the trails for years. My other bikes are also 26". A 2012 Specialized Enduro and a XC Torpado LR2 converted to skinny road tyres. The only bikes I have in different wheelsizes are a Monty 221 ti and a Specialized P20 Bmx. I still love my 26's! 😆

[@jannep6772]

I have only 26” mountain bikes. I have five full suspension ones and two hard tails. My son has 26” full suspension and even my wife has 26” hard tail mtb. I fully understand you! 😎👍 Greetings from Finland! 🇫🇮

[@winklertribe5268]

I have a 26” single speed hardtail that I absolutely LOVE! Nice to see that I’m not the only one! Thanks for this video Neil!

[@zensmylie5393]

Other than a brief stint on 27.5 I’ve always ridden 26”, absolutely love em and never felt the need to switch! I ride a ‘09 Ragley Bluepig singlespeed and love it to bits! 🤟🏼

[@323johnnybravo]

I keep watching these retro bike builds and I’m definitely going to build one this summer. The older bikes had so much more character and style.

[@dabombcreator]

a 10 yr old bike is retro?? 🤣🤣

[@323johnnybravo]

@@dabombcreator lols bikes from 10 years ago are completely different, sort of like cell phones lol. It’s wild.

[@dabombcreator]

@@323johnnybravo Still not quite retro though lol my 10 yr old 26" hardtail has all up to date compononentry all be it still running the old 135x10mm rear and 100x15mm front, only thing thats different to a modern bike is wheel size really...

[@323johnnybravo]

@@dabombcreator no way the sizing is current , my 2015 specialized enduro was tiny in an xl it was comparable to a todays medium. No way the Geo isn’t way off. Very steep HA and super slack SA. Bet you have a nice 100mm stem as well lol

[@SingleTrackMined]

Still on 26. I don't like the big wheels so I stay with what's been working for 30 years.

[@domgray7587]

Totally with you on that can’t the big awkward wheels of a 29er and never saw the point in 1.5” more than something that works. He even said that the 26 is more nimble in the air and down track 🤯

[@concrerto]

30 years……. ?? Afraid of change it seems. I shredded 26ers but new bikes are amazing

[@IRELAND_SAYS_NO]

On a 26" Lapierre I've picked up for nothing. In the process of upgrading everything on it. Honestly the most fun I've had on a bike I'm selling my 27.5:

[@machidaman]

Still got a 26" titanium hardtail and much as I love my 29'er the 26 is often a lot more fun on more 'tame' stuff.

[@lazarorivero3436]

i recently got into mountain biking after buying a used 26in mtb on facebook,fell in love with her and have completely upgraded her,rockshocks silver tk 30s,maxxis hollyrollers,turned her into a 1x7,new bottom bracket,grips,pedals,etc....use her more as a commuter due to my truck breaking down a few months back but boy do i look forward to riding her everyday!

[@AdventureAwaits4u]

Mini mullet time!!! Add a 27.5 to the front and give us another awesome video. Compare it to your new mullet setup. 😊👍🏼

[@Wildernessoutside]

I second that

[@Emolokz]

26/29 like the Rampage riders did. You don't need to care about the seat tube angle so much.

[@m4rtinr32]

Was thinking the same!

[@gmbn]

Sounds like a plan! After we saw mini mullets being used in last year's Rampage, we've always wanted to try this!

[@AdventureAwaits4u]

@@gmbn 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@TheDavalope]

I am an old school vert ramp BMX rider. I am 54 years old and found a 29'er to be clunky and hard to get used to. I currently ride a 2012 Kona Stinky 26er. I have a 1x9 drive train and a dropper post to allow smaller climbs to remain within my reach. I actually get a few looks from younger guys at the hills until they see that I am a very capable rider who also has a lot of BMX style tricks up my sleeve that they would never try. Once they see me ride, they approach me to ask about the bike. Upside- maneuverable to a BMX convert, downside- heavier than your current mountain bikes. Definitely want to see more 26er content. Your usual content generally deals with the newest tech which can be financially out of reach to so many, and it sometimes gives average Joes a feeling that your content excludes them...this is especially true when your brandishing new products is supplemented with mocking older bikes and tech. I like that this encourages folks to get into mountain biking at any price point, at any age, and at any skill level. Thanks guys from Canada ,the Mountain biking MECCA. ~ Bring more 26er content.

[@garyanger3141]

Great build, and stellar video! I still ride 26" on all my mountain bikes. Cool topic!

[@gmbn]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the vid! 👍

[@jannep6772]

I have six mountain bikes and all of them are 26”. Four full suspension ones and two front suspension ones. They are from the years 2004-2013.

[@andrecarvalho8679]

Man... I love 26ers, they are so fun to ride, I don´t extract the same amount of fun with a 29er... There are so many old and cheap bikes that are unknown and must be experienced, or at least reviewed. I own a couple of bikes and my KTM Ratchet/Aphex is a really underappreciated bike so many geometry options like the new bikes, but info about the bike is really scarce... I would love that GMBN started a new segment about this old bikes, I would be pretty fun to watch.

[@Jayneflakes]

I'm a disabled, fifty year old and only got back on my bike properly about 18months ago. The bike in question is an old Giant XtC, which was top of the range when it came out in 2004-ish and always ran beautifully. These days it feels fast, nimble and like more bike than I can handle on the gentle paths and tracks I can ride now. Is it really an old school bike if I have owned it from new and still ride it? To me, it's just my bike and I love it. Given how much I ride these days and the sort of rides I can do, the old girl suits me fine. I do miss riding hard core trails though. 🤪

[@gmbn]

Hey! Welcome back to riding! What an incredible story! It's awesome that you're still out riding the same bike you've had since 2004. It goes to show that you can have fun on any bike you have. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@reginaldbowls7180]

@@gmbn Love this reply mate! Love 26"ers too!

[@skdavrs]

I've just finished modernising a 2013 Orange Five 26er, Deore 1x11, Sram Code RSC brakes, Maxxis minion DHF/DHR, dropper post and 160mm Marzzocchi titanium coil forks. Definitely won't get my money back, but she's a beast 😅💪

[@erickcano23]

I currently own a trail Yeti 575, a Yeti 303r DH 26er as well, a couple of xc hardtails, another couple of xc dual suspension & a DJ, I ride hard and feel that these wheels are the best for excessive abuse. Bigger wheels seem to flex and I've been very lucky to find top notch rubber for all of them (Conti's rock lml) as well as high end parts on all of 'em cause I'm crazy, great to see a huge channel like GMBN pay respect to 26ers, cheers from the frontier of the world, Tijuana MX!

[@nukedathlonman]

Yep, still riding my old trusty 26" trail bike and I'm still very happy with how it handles.

[@tayloru8282]

I have both a 29 Propain Tyee and a 26 Foes FXR. Rebuilt the Foes to be all modern spec everything: 1x12 SRAM GX Eagle, dropper, etc. It's an absolute beast and every bit as fun as my 2022 Propain!

[@andrewsiasparks]

Nobody remembers dirtjumpers, trials and street MTB? 26 is still a thing.

[@danshilling4240]

Good video Neil. I like this series that you're doing showing you can build a great rig cheap. And yes 26" ain't dead!!😁🤘🤘

[@gmbn]

Thanks 👍

[@kjracz15]

26ers are everywhere at least in my country. Heck, there's even a lot to choose from in online stores, even brand name ones. They're mostly hardtails though.

[@bikemike1118]

Yes, 26“ was sold and ridden for three decades. This size will still be the most common around for the upcoming decades. And tyres and spare parts will be made and sold far into the future! 💪🏼

[@benlisle7623]

Literally just finished rebuilding my 26" NS surge hardtail, so much fun!

[@tom.allez2134]

I have a 2014 KHS DH with 26ers and I have so much fun on that thing. I honestly made that my go to bike park bike. Anyhow good topic in this and it’s to see these bikes making a small come back. Love to see how “vintage” (as some of these people call them) bikes can still be fun. Good video, love it.

[@danpatterson7108]

What i liked about this episode is felt like you gave the 26 an actual decent test. Most of the vids i see with modern vs retro, the 26 is almost always a bit naff, in poor condition. All of the 26's i have i keep super nice and build old school dream bikes from my childhood and they ride great. My JMC replica, it's full xtr groupset is possibly the smoothest, most satisfying thing i've ever ridden. And even though it's x3 it changes like a dream. And i can'tstop riding it, even though it's pretty much a museum piece lol

[@5h1fty]

Couldn’t agree more, fed up of seeing retro comparison vids where the 26 is still running 10 year old brakes that are past it and buckled wheels. Just look at how fast Jordan boost master is on his boostmonster. Nice refreshing vid for a change

[@solideogloria4909]

I do ride a 26” bike. It’s a 2003 Ellsworth Joker. It’s in perfect shape.

[@Jansoom]

Bought my Giant XTC1 brand new 16 years ago and ride it at least weekly, mainly XC. Done the Mawson Trail (outback South Australia 900Km) twice as well as numerous other trails. Love the bike and it keeps on coming back for more.

[@kmaxxfagyan5740]

I still have my 2012 Demo in mullet. Party bike!

[@1edkihm]

I have a 2006 Kona Dawg 26er, it's a classic. I've kept it well-maintained and it rides like it's new.

[@deanohit]

Great video showing 26" is still relevant on the trails. For years I ran a 26-27.5" mullet, that could be a cool upgrade to this Nukeproof? My XC/commuter though is a whippy lightweight 26" from 2005 that I still love

[@Hypacaine]

Still ride my banshee wildcard with some 180mm marzocchi 66's. So much fun to ride

[@Schmiddelwutz2000]

I still ride my 2014 Specialized Enduro Evo - of course with 26. I've been thinking to buy a new bike but everytime I'm riding I don't miss anything.

[@FuzzyStone01]

Great. I like very much this kind of Niels relaxed talk

[@gmbn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ben-wb4cg]

26" xc bikes are great and can be very lightweight unlike the muffin top mtb's that are currently being made.

[@556mxnu]

Scott voltage fr 10 2013 , still loving it , 26 forever

[@lewissmith933]

Such a great bike is the nukeproof scalp wish never sold mine now it was such a great bike and super reliable. 26 ain't dead that's for sure still got my 26 nukeproof mega.

[@chris_tuupee]

I still have my Giant XTC 26" variant from 2011 and will use it to compete for this coming Feb 26 for an XC Marathon event here in our country since I'm a small guy 5'3ft. Still love the 26 😊

[@JayBirdPhotos]

I'm still riding a 2011 Specialized Camber Elite. Classified as an "All Mountain" when I bought it i love having 26" wheels for the riding I do. Much more nimble than a 29er and easier to throw around. I tried a 29er once in my normal riding area and it was just more difficult to ride. Maybe given multiple rides I might have got used to it but ill keep my 26" for now.. especially at the price of new bikes.

[@Wildernessoutside]

26ers aint dead I still ride my 2008 Kona kikapu deluxe ,26 still has its place and fits in nicely along side the 29er haibike and the other 27.5 Bronson

[@damarapoledna3636]

Been DHing since '98, current ride is a '14 model with 26" wheels, I'm fine with it.

[@MarcusNesbitt4]

Loving the dh bike content, love seeing you on a proper rig! More please!

[@padovann]

Freeride / mucking around videos were 100x more fun to watch when everyone was on 26” wheels. Nothing is lamer than seeing the worlds best riders trying their absolute hardest to style out on 29ers. They may be superior bikes in many ways but looking cool jibbing and shredding ain’t one

[@EuroYardService]

Love the idea of a retro project bike!

[@gmbn]

Us too! Especially Doddy! ;)

[@henlix1]

My 26” 2012 full sus specialized pitch is an all round workhorse. Decent climbing and so fun to whip it about. Does suck when everyone else on the sesh has e-bikes and I’m the only one who hasn’t. Uplift is king on 26

[@dxnproductscom]

Please start manufacturing 26ers again with all of today's goodies and frame geo! I am still riding 26ers, not gonna change! ❤☀️☺️🙌

[@chrisridesbicycles]

It‘s a back to the roots freeride bike. Not built to win a DH worldcup but to do crazy stuff. Maybe turn back time another 10 years an build a 2002 Rocky Mountain RM9? I wanted that so much back in the day.

[@Itsnotgoodatall]

There is virtually none of them left, they cracked for fun

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@Itsnotgoodatall They looked stronger than they were I guess.

[@therionkp36]

For some of us we will never get rid of our 26ers. I build a 29er some years ago and man, what a different over the 26ers, but I ended up giving it to my son, all I ride are 26ers I'm just in love with them.

[@granthalliwell8570]

I've got a devinci Wilson 2010 with 26inch wheels similar to one you were on I love it flies at stiniog going dyfi next week

[@thesergeant3524]

I have a Yeti SB140, Yeti Arc 29" and Fargo Ti 29" but I absolutely refuse to get rid of my 2009 Trek Remedy 26". The bike is so playful and flickable and fun. Handling is super nibble and the bike absolute rips. I even mulleted it to 27.5/26" this year and enjoyed that for awhile but think I'm going back to 26" front and rear. I think people have forgotten what a 26" bike can handle like. Everything is 29er, long, low, slack and just plows through everything.

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

Love my 2007 Kona Coiler. Lots of different parts on it over the years, the latest being a new rear shock this year.

[@owengarnett1008]

I have an Intense SS2 with a Totem on the front (160 rear/170 front). The combination of super stiff, small tires, and shorter yet progressive travel shines in DH parks with lippy jump lines (Highland, I'm talking about you). Every bike has it's place and on well groomed jump lines the 26ers still bring the smiles. Highly recommend!!

[@zethjugos1250]

I still have my old GT avalanche and Chucker. Frames are still solid and now mainly used for urban riding and dirt jumping...

[@jodyreynolds81]

Still have my '08 ironhorse sunday as I've just not found a bike that makes me smile as much as the Sunday does

[@armandoserna9692]

I have a intense that I built a long time ago for Big Bear's snow summit bike park 27.5 front 26 rear and I still love this for bike

[@davidsnow1481]

Great video Neil on featuring a 26er. I have a few myself from my mountain biking days right now I’m retro fitting a Cannondale Delta v with a 1 x11 drive train and disc brakes. I think Blake should an old hard tail Nukeproof and yinz should ride your favorite trail on them. Keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@00networker]

I still run a 26” dh bike love how it rides

[@Magoo71]

I still have both of my Ventana Race race bikes from the 90's....22lbs total weight! My new eBike has 27.5 and I really enjoy it...I don't have the need for 29'ers cause I'm not all that tall at 5'10".

[@mikedwiles]

Last summer, I picked up a 2013 KHS DH300 for a good price. It was in great shape. It's a little heavy but it's still fun. I really like 26" wheels. I have a 2007 Stumpjumper that has 26s that I ride regularly. I'm 5'5" and seem to do better with the smaller wheels.

[@eric-rogers]

Spot-on. For a park-bike, it is amazing the deals available from $500-$900 USD here in the US. If I did not still have my 2008/9 Trek Session, I would have picked up a bike or two. The old session keeps me smiling for occasional day each year I want to ride a full DH bike. Great video and build, cheers!

[@ChrisTrunek]

I own a full custom 26" polished aluminum Yeti SB66. I bought it right as 27.5 was coming out and built up the frame with select parts. Have 3rd major rebuild in progress now. I could see going mini mullet on it for more grip up front but the small wheels and tires are so light compared to the bigger ones. It handles DH very well and climbs like a champ. Also real fun to street ride/trials it, which works alot worse with the bigger wheel bikes. 28-29 lbs , garabaruk 10-46 11spd cassette (one of my favorite parts, SO light!) X1 cassette with a carbon XX1 cage (that and headset spacers are the only carbon on it) spank spike rims, 210mm Oneup Dropper (other favorite part) , Renthal fatbars, Manitou Mattoc Pro (another favorite part), Turbine cranks, etc etc. It is a very capable bike and is extremely fun. I have ridden some badass big wheeled bikes but I really like the 26, I think its more fun to handle the bike as opposed to plowing over everything. Plus, having a bunch of older hardtails and stuff its nice to keep tires that fit everything.

[@kane9956]

I was surprised how much attention my plain old 2014 norco aurum gets on shuttle days from other riders. No plans to upgrade it

[@MrPerroballoo]

I have both, 27.5 and 26 ... Love the 26 because Is funny and agile... Good components Is important...

[@jakobholm1847]

Hey Neil, now bring both the Scalp 26" and the mullet Descent to Fort William for timed laps top to bottom! You and Blake, two runs each, and swap bikes between runs!

[@JesseDoesHVAC]

“Progress” isnt always better. Sometimes tried and true is the way to go. Theres something to be said about how the bike makes YOU feel

[@schneidare]

Only MTB I own is a steel On One Inbred with 26ers....pure fun and smiles every time I jump on it !

[@dennishenkel6396]

Still on my Commencal Supreme v2 with 26 Wheels and I love it.

[@archenemy24]

Just finished putting together my 2001 or 2002 Marin Wildcat Trail frameset I've had in the shed for the past 10 years. Took it for its first ride today and I enjoyed it. Definitely need to learn how to climb with a full suspension though as I had never ridden one before.

[@chadharding8306]

I hear ya and agree. I recently “mulleted” my old Pace RC506, to a 27.5x26. I switched out and reduced the fork travel down to 150mm and to fit the 27.5 wheel. The bike is great fun on the trails, I love it, more than I did before.

[@Regan_Tatham]

I ride a 2013 lapierre spicy and it is amazing, the suspension is great (fox 34 and fox float) the drive train works well (shimano xt derailleur +shimano slx front derailleur) and the brakes have heaps of feel and power (formula t1s) I feel like people forget the 26" bikes from 2011-2014 that were actually great. Ik that mine can easily handle some of NZs gnarliest black diamond tech trails.

[@sepg5084]

Cycling manufacturers tried to kill it, thankfully some chinese companies still manufacture tires and rims for them. A 5'2" woman and a 5'10" man riding a 29" bike will have very different experience on it, but a 26" bike would fit the 5'2" better.

[@SimonBauer7]

ofcourse it is a matter of if the bike fits you.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Great to see this! It's not just about who can lap the fastest! It feels more fun, feels faster! Normally when I watch this channel it seemed to be really cheap options against top spec. And which gives a few extra secs lap time in some test! And talking about minor differences in performance. Really great to see this not super cheap, but cheap, second hand option be given a genuine review! It feels like the sponsors did not get to this video. I am warming to this channel again. Many thanks!

[@pacomonje]

The 27.5s and the 29s were introduced to the market just because it was all saturated already with 26ers and the MTB industry foresee the market would shrink if they did not move to another standard. I miss the 26, a bit better handling on single tracks. But that happened back in the day where there were not so many bike parks with prepared wide tracks.

[@dkd123]

I’m actually surprised 26” isn’t more popular at lift served bike parks. Seems like the turning radius improvements would be worth giving up the ability to roll over chunkier tech as easy.

[@matthale6996]

Got a devinci Wilson rolling on some 26” deemax’s. absolute beast of a steed

[@RunnerTK]

I still ride my 1996 Breezer Lightning and I love it! ❤

[@gmbn]

NICE!

[@nakitojimo2001]

Still riding my single-speed/short travel hardtail (Babah Bikes, a local custom frame) n it still feel awesome in bike park n trail centre!

[@Beesa10]

I like 26" because the wheels are strong and the bikes feel a bit closer to a bmx, good for hopping curbs etc. Availability of tubes and tyres is still good.

[@davygarrett]

Still running my 2007 Trek Session 10 and 2012 Devinci Wilson down the WC Track at Fort William...I also still use my 09 Commencal Meta AM rig..all with 26" wheels....I do have a 2016 Cube HT with 27.5" ...I always plump for the 26 wheeled bikes though.... it is the bike brands that want you to part with yer cash for the biggest but not always the best of gear

[@Modelmakerman]

Still riding my mk1 SantaCruz Nomad, had it for more than 10yrs and still going strong. Finding it harder to find wheels and tyres recently though so not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep it going but for now it's still a great bike and smiles for miles.

[@basedlord88]

I have a 26er I built completely off a 2008 Carbondale Rize frame converted from a lefty and love the thing, got some nice downhill bars, a Dirt Jumper seat, brakes with oversized rotors, Magic Mary tires, love the thing, very nice to throw around and has a DJ/Downhill hybrid kinda feel with how I set it up. It’s not too great for climbing and just getting speed in general but it’s so much fun going downhill

[@maxwiththebois]

Thank you this makes me feel way better about my bike

[@aleixbartomeus4135]

Came from bmx, i just bought a cheap 2nd hand Knolly chilcotin 160mm 26 incher, converted it to a mini mullet (27,5 up front) and i'm having the most fun i've ever had in my life with a mtb (had a dh bike in the past, and rode loads of hardtail bikes also). 27,5 up front helps so much with stability when going fast (since the geometry of the bike is pretty small for today's standards) but then the tail is so alive, and i mean it in a fun way (it reminds me of my bmx just with suspension, and in that regard, that's what i wanted out from a mtb) so guys, try it! it will not disappoint!

[@madjh8]

Well, I just finished last summer a Elemnt 70 from 2006(I found a brand new after many years of search) full equiped and race it and it was ... amazing. narrow tracks, river crossing etc a very nice ride but it was assembled with new tech stuff and it was not cheap. XTR 985, Fox CTD instead the RP3, the new reba 100mm with the new tech, a Chris king hubs and head set, some thomson masterpiece, some Avid brakes, some carbon fibre in cranks and handlebar with ritchey superlogic ... I broke the wallet, all was new, but it was my dream bike and still is. A used one, or one with the old stuff on it will not feel like this one.

[@Schuelna]

Still shedding my old 2003 giant AC2 freeride bike. Still as solid as the day I got it. Bikes were built tough back then. 26" will live on forever no matter what the people lining their pockets with the new tech tell you.

[@7a4n7Xy4]

We need more 26 x 3.0 tyres 😅😂

[@barbedwirerat661]

I was looking into getting a new entry-level hardtail a few years ago mostly for exercise and light trail use. Something to replace a 1995 Diamondback hartail that I have not used in many years and would need some significant amount of work to get back on the triail. Then I stumbled upon a 2010 Marin Attack Trail which got plenty of use by the previous owner, but was also regularly serviced. I certainly did not need a 150mm travel bike, but I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to see what having a full suspension bike would be like. It is so comfortable on the trail, and a lot of fun when I want to just mess around with it. I ride this thing every week. Perhaps if I got more serious about riding other trails in the area, I might consider getting a modern bike. However, I can't see going back to a hardtail at this point now that i have experienced full suspension.

[@esc5060]

i've got a kona supreme operator 2013 and i love it, i had a norco dh race 2011 but i had a frame upgrade and im keeping this bike forever

[@Muldrix1978]

Thanks Neil, great vid! As a beginner i start with a kona Stinky 26" and change it to 1x10 Zee drive train! I love the bike so much and for me as a beginner affordable to get in to the sport!

[@jonnysnakes5417]

Ive still got my 2012 kona operator hanging in the garage. All it needs is a set of brakes n shes good to go. Just taken a set of code r brakes off another bike so maybe have to bring the kona back to life

[@kurtgulash4690]

I upgraded my 2007/2008 rocky mountain fusion to a 1x10 drivetrain with race face components. My wheels are still 26". Old bike, but still fun to ride.

[@MntRprznt]

Ive been running my Specialized Big Hit FSR2 since 2010 and I really see no issue with it. 180mm Marzocchi Bomber up front, narrow 740mm handlebars and that thing is perfect for singletracks. Although not much is left out of the original bike, except rear shock, Ive been keeping that beast running for 12 years now.

[@srabes8742]

I love my 2010 Cannondale Flash Carbon on 26”. Quiet, light , fast

[@TE_53349]

i too have a nukeproof scalp. upgraded it with 2023 boxxers and dnm 240mm rear shock. 9 speed enduro groupset and michelin dh34. the bike feels AMAZING

[@mattelwood369]

Spent all afternoon looking for a good mountain bike and it seems impossible to find a new build with smaller wheels. So cool to see everyone in the comments saying how good 26"ers are; I'm glad I'm not the only one. Tried renting a 29" for a day and it felt like driving a tank

[@apoc341]

Still love my 2002 giant iguana HT it’s one tough 26” mountain bike.