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26" disk brake wheel, lite, tubeless? Ideas?
Last Post 09/08/2013 01:32 PM by Kenny Gonzales. 16 Replies.
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jpouchet

Posts:81

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08/26/2013 04:42 PM
Seriously considering a 'final' upgrade to my Trek Fuel 100 XC bike. It still rides wonderfully and I just treated it to a fork rebuild. Only thing between it and a new MTB is about $7 - $8k. So I'm thinking 26" wheels should be going cheap these days. Wondering if it makes sense to switch over from rim brakes to Disk. Weight is a concern as the bike comes in currently around 24lbs. Thoughts?
CarbonGecko

Posts:42

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08/26/2013 04:49 PM
Is the frame disc ready?
The mechanical BB7s go on sale for ridiculously low prices sometimes and are a great upgrade for an aging XC frame. They aren't that heavy and cost 10% what a lot of hydraulics cost. Plus I think they are easier to set up and a lot lower maintenance.
jrt1045

Posts:363

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08/26/2013 05:03 PM
Stans crest, they have 26" sales every now and then. but at 24 pounds for a full suspension you are getting down to it

Have you thought about a 29er? I can't imagine a 26" anymore and it only been 2 years
jrt1045

Posts:363

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08/26/2013 05:04 PM
.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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08/26/2013 10:37 PM
7k would buy one heck of a nice new mtb. There are less expensive options but still very nice . . .
Disk vs rim brakes, rim brakes vs. disk brakes . . . hmmm let me think . . .
(just kidding - that's one of the biggest no-brainers in all of cycling)
As for wheel size, this forum needs a "religion" forum.
CB2

Posts:18

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08/27/2013 07:06 AM
I would save you're money and buy a new bike. Even with FS, 26" wheels are going the way of the Dodo at least for XC and trail. For half your projected budget you can get quite a nice bike (Santa Cruz Tallboy, Blur LT or Solo, Kona Hei Hei Deluxe, Specialized Epic or Stumpjumper).

On Sunday I saw a 52" kid riding a 29'er. His dad was on a 26" FS. It's all good.
pretender

Posts:46

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08/27/2013 01:17 PM
stan's is blowing out 26" flow rims. http://www.notubes.com/Flow-Rims-on-sale-C22.aspx
that's how i'd go.

also: slx brakes. about as cheap as you can go hydro, and they are BOSS. you can pay 400 bucks a wheel for some hopes or formulas, but for maybe 25% more than bb7s, you'll get brakes that work just as well as any of those others.
Oldfart

Posts:511

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08/27/2013 02:50 PM
For wheels I would definitely go Stan's rims. Crest or Arch EX depending on the use and rider. For hubs Hope are great because they are simple work well and can convert to many standards with a few end caps. SLX brakes are said to be excellent. I assume your frame and fork are compatible. I think you may be forced to go 180 mm front rotor because if your fork has IS tabs, most brakes if not all are now post mount. And I am pretty sure you cannot get an is to post adapter for a 160 rotor. Bigger rotor is highly recommended anyway. I would avoid mechanical brakes. More maintenance with cable changes and the caliper has way more parts than a hydraulic caliper. I would not recommend anything from Avid because they can be challenging to bleed and the brakes seem to need more frequent bleeding than other brakes I have had.
jrt1045

Posts:363

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08/27/2013 03:27 PM
agree with oldfart, bypass cable actuated and avid. treat yourself to something that really works, xt or slx are the way to go

not to drift the thread, but are there lots of folks still on a 26"?

a roll call would be of interest, 2 29ers here
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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08/27/2013 06:55 PM
Another vote for Stan's Flow over the narrower Arch rims if you're using wide tires.
Oldfart

Posts:511

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08/27/2013 06:55 PM
I have both a 26 Nomad Carbon and a 29er Highball carbon. I ride the Highball more. Even on tough trails like It's Business Time which was a timed section in the Whistler Enduro during Crankworx and I finally cleaned the trail on the Highball except for one chute that scare the bejessus out of me.
CB2

Posts:18

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08/29/2013 05:56 AM
The only 26" wheeled bikes we sell (other than the occasional Nomad) are entry level.

But in a couple hours I'll be riding with two guys on Nomads, and one on a Tallboy (I'll be on a Cannondale Caffeine SS), so the exception that proves the rule?


We just got our first 27.5" in this week; we'll see where that goes
jmdirt

Posts:775

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08/30/2013 12:55 PM
jp, how much do you ride dirt? I need to know that before I offer my opinion on your next purchase.
jpouchet

Posts:81

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08/30/2013 03:40 PM
Thanks folks. Guess I forgot to check in. Been swapmed silly with work then knocked on my backside with a sinus issue.

As to riding, try to get out at least once every few weeks for a 2 - 3 hour hammer fest. Last weeked we had four old amigos all on 26'rs and we smoked every single 29r rider in sight. Up hill was simply a matter of fitness. Downhill runs probably more about experience than the bikes.

I do plan to head out for some demo rides this fall/winter. We can put in our team order for Specialized bikes sometime in mid to late Feb. However I'm not 'sold' on needing a 29r just yet.

Frame and fork are already set-up for disk. All I need are wheels and brakes. Been checking the local Craigslist and spot a few wheels every now and then but used may come with all sorts of impending rim / spoke failures.
jmdirt

Posts:775

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08/30/2013 05:15 PM
I was a 29er hold out until this spring and won't be going back to smaller wheels. Its not the huge advantage that the bike cos, media, and 29er spazi want you to believe, but without getting into specifics, it is better for everything that I have encountered.

It sounds like you 'get it on' so maybe a new bike is what you need but if you only ride dirt every other week that makes it a tougher call. I guess it depends on your $$ situation. Even a $3K bike will be better than the bike you have now (maybe heavier) so don't worry about spending '$7-8K'. To answer your original Q, I would buy a new bike before buying wheels and brakes for your old rig.

I get a bike to race each year from an amazing sponsor. We'll see how I feel in February but I may have done my last race so I will need to buy a bike in the spring. This is probably what I will buy: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anthem.x.29er.1/14826/66148/ Great price and plenty of bike for playing my life away (FYI: I ride dirt about 275 days a year).
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