26-inch bicycles: selection and comparison with other sizes

The bicycle as a transport has long and firmly won the love of fans who do not think about their movement during the working day or at the entrance. Two-wheeled constructions have a lot of obvious advantages: they are much cheaper than a car, a bicycle does not have to stand for hours in traffic jams, and, most importantly, the owner of such a vehicle will always be in good physical shape. That's why, When choosing a bike model for yourself, you need to decide which one you need: just for moving around the city or for extreme riding.

Choosing the right bike depends on the following criteria: the age and gender of the rider. It is clear that all designs will differ from each other depending on who will ride the bike: a man, a woman or a child.

Any bicycle can be conditionally divided into only two components: the frame and the rest of the attachments, which include wheels, speed switches, pedals and chains. Experts recommend paying special attention to the wheel diameter.

A couple of years ago, 26-inch bicycles were the most popular and in demand. Thousands of these designs have proven to be excellent walking models, including versatile, mountain and walking.

These are sturdy, professional designs that have their fans to this day. Consider an example of a quality bottom diameter mountain bike. To make it clearer, the diameter in centimeters of such a wheel is 66.04. With such wheels you will be able to overcome mountain paths, it is easier to endure various irregularities. Smaller bicycles cannot guarantee such a comfortable ride.

In general, size is not always an accurate thing: for example, if you are using a high performance tire on a 26 "wheel, you can experience the same sensations as with wider wheels at 27.5". It is due to the considerable circumference of the bicycle wheel that the structure itself becomes more stable and rolls better on uneven roads. The developers claim that the wider the diameter of the bicycle wheel, the greater its surface contact with the road surface (grip patch) and ensures high-quality movement.

For several years now, there has been a debate among fans of cycling - which is better to choose, is a 26-inch model of higher quality than a 29-inch one? New design standards have appeared relatively recently, but have already won a lot of fans who believe that it is the latest model that surpasses the previous ones in all respects.

Of course, times are changing, the preferences and requirements of athletes and lovers of a healthy lifestyle are changing.

Consider the benefits of standards proven over the years.

Pros of 26-inch tires:

• shorter and stiffer wheel spokes give guaranteed rigidity to this model;
• you can always find broken parts for such a bike - for many years the component market has been filled with parts - from the most budgetary to the most expensive;
• those who have ridden such a model can confidently say that it is easier to maneuver on it than on 28 or 29 inches wheels;
• Precisely because the circumference is smaller than the competition, a bicycle with 26-inch wheels accelerates faster.

Disadvantages of the model:

• If we compare with 28-inch tires, then a bicycle with 26-inch wheels absorbs shallow shaking and significant impacts worse;
• the grip is inferior to the 29-inch model.

Summing up the pros and cons of the 26 model and comparisons with others, it must be admitted that "29" wheels are ideal when you need high speed, long marathon or competition in difficult mountainous terrain. Bicycles with 27.5-inch wheels are more maneuverable.

In order not to be mistaken in choosing a model and to independently select the required tire size, you must put the bike in an upright position. Using a tape measure, we measure the distance from the center, that is, the axis of the bicycle to the floor. Divide this number by 2.54 to get the wheel radius in inches. To get the diameter, multiply the radius by 2 and don't forget about rounding. For example, a wheel diameter of 40 cm is divided by 2.54 to give a tire size of 16 inches.

According to this principle, it is clear that The 26-inch wheels have a wheel diameter of just over 66 cm. This bike is perfect suitable for both adults and teenagers 13-14 years old, whose height is approximately 164 cm. But mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels, the so-called niners, are suitable for people with a height of at least 180 cm. Riders below it will be inconvenient to control the steering wheel.

Consider the top of the best mountain bikes, as they can not only travel up steep hills, but also quickly get to the desired place, for example, to work.

• Model Giant Rincon LTD 26 Suitable for beginners who have recently mastered mountain trail riding techniques. The price is quite budgetary, up to 19 thousand rubles. The bike frame is made of aluminum, the brakes are mechanical, which is not quite ideal for mountain slopes, but just right for rough terrain and the city.

• Bike TREK 820 (2018) intended for adults.The light weight (15 kilograms) provides an ideal ride on dirt roads, the ergonomic seat does not cause discomfort when driving. The frame is made of aluminum, 21 travel speeds, the wheels are reinforced with aluminum rims and tires. The brakes are of high quality, the speed is released instantly.

• Forward Apache 2.0 Disc 2016 - model for beginners. Firstly, due to the aluminum frame, the weight of the bike is acceptable - up to 13 kilograms, the budget price is 11 thousand rubles. The steering wheel is made using a special technology that prevents it from skewing. The brakes are disc brakes, the speed mode is 21, they are switched using special levers.

• Universal model Forward Sporting 1.0 (weight - 16.5 kg) ideal for both men and women. The wheel frame is made of steel, the saddle and steering wheel are positioned very well, while driving over bumps, there is no discomfort. Perfect braking system and presentable appearance.

• GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc - an interesting and technically perfect design. It is convenient to ride on both dirt roads and city streets. The frame is made of aluminum, the pedals are made of plastic. If necessary, the suspension can be adjusted to the desired position.

Choosing the right model for yourself from a huge assortment, decide how you will use it - for sporting achievements or just for the convenience of getting around the city.

Pay attention to the suspension, suspension forks, frame and wheels. The frame is better to choose from steel, it is stronger and more wear-resistant. There are options for aluminum frames, titanium and several alloys at the same time. The aluminum alloy significantly reduces the weight of the structure, which is important for long trips.

Suspension forks are:

• spring oil, it is quite expensive, but universal for mountain trails;
• oil-air, good for damper;
• spring-elastomeric, are more often present in inexpensive models.

An overview of the Aspect Stimul MD bicycle with 26-inch wheels is presented below.