26-inch MTB bike: features and varieties

The 26-inch MTB bike is one of the best two-wheeled transport options. It can be used on almost any terrain. However, it is important to understand correctly what kind of bike it is, how to choose it and which companies' products should be preferred.

"Mysterious" abbreviation MTB is derived from the words mountain bike, which literally translates as "mountain bike". The advantages of these bikes are:

• phenomenally high cross-country ability (even the SUVs featured on Top Gear are far from comparable);
• amazing ergonomics;
• the opportunity to experience a unique experience.

But - and this is also an important advantage - mountain bikes are available to anyone who can afford a bicycle at all. But where and when exactly this type of transport appeared is no longer known for certain. Various regions of the world, inventors and corporations are trying to win glory over to themselves. Therefore, it is only worth mentioning the most popular version: according to it, mountain bikes were created to compensate partially for the simple ski resorts in the summer. Anyway, whichever assumption is correct, these devices appeared at the turn of the 1970-1980s and were originally intended to conquer any route in general.

Classic wheels measuring 26 inches and 2 inches wide are used for a reason: they are best suited for overcoming a variety of obstacles. The frame is designed for maximum pedal lift.

The difference between mountain bikes is expressed primarily in the type of suspension. Rigids, or free-standing devices, do not swing and provide very easy movement. This property is very valuable for professional athletes, especially racers.

But for novice cyclists and those who do not want to ride professionally, you need to choose other suspension formats. A hardtail is a bicycle with a single front suspension.

According to its characteristics, such transport will suit any riders. It differs in:

• cheapness;
• ease;
• ease of management.

But the double suspension is not very good. It has too strong cushioning, because of which the frame sways a lot. As a result, pedal control is difficult and the bike chain wears out unnecessarily quickly.

Two-suspensions of a more or less decent class are distinguished by their high weight (from 20 to 23 kg). The cost of such bikes is also high. Rather, there are cheaper versions, but the quality of the metal is not very high. Sometimes the material breaks down after being dropped several times. Therefore, double suspension is an expensive and expensive option.

The type of brakes is decisive. The Vi-break is lightweight and costs relatively little. This brake is easy to repair as the correct parts are sold in all cities. but the negative aspects of V-brake are the lack of durability and the risk of damage to the rim. Choosing brakes for bicycles with 26 "wheels is easy.

It should be borne in mind that V-brake is not suitable for extreme driving. However, judging by the reviews, these braking systems will appeal to fans of quiet exits on the highway and on areas with light off-road.

Disc brakes will be completely opposite in characteristics. You will have to pay more for them, and the braking system itself is heavy, as a result of which it is not easy to control it.... But all these disadvantages are completely covered by exceptional reliability.

It is the disc brake that performs well on hilly and wooded areas.

As for transmissions, then unambiguous preference should be given to products of the brands Sram, Shimano. For lovers of just driving, 12 speeds are enough. Bikes with 21-27 speeds are needed mainly by extreme sportsmen and professional athletes.

Everyone should choose the dimensions of the bike for themselves. Corto Suv is deservedly considered a good model. This mountain bike is designed for adult riders only and is suitable for cross-country riding. The frame is made of high quality aluminum alloy. Its size ranges from 15.5 to 21 inches.

The travel of the spring-elastomer fork is 0.08 m. For the manufacture of the rim, an aluminum alloy is used. The front V-brake is of the walking type. The rear brake works in the same way. The cassette contains 7 stars, and a step is also provided.

The Stels Navigator 600 V is pretty good too... The weight of this bike is 15.4 kg. The drive is made on a chain type, and the damping corresponds to the hardtail class. The travel of the Zoom 386 elastomer spring forks is 0.06 m. The detached steering column is threaded and the bead cord is made of metal.

Other parameters are as follows:

• 18 speeds;
• starting shifters in the form of a rotating handle;
• non-integrated walking carriages;
• 6 stars in the cassette;
• classic type pedals.

Desna 2610 MD also deserves attention. This mountain bike is also good for XC. The frame is made of selected strong steel. The FSD has a travel of 0.06m and the tires are 1.95 inches wide. Provided with a double rim and front brake 0.16 m.

For information on how to choose a mountain bike, see the next video.