Out of the loop for a while... where are all the rigid 26" MTBs?

[whoof]

Above post written with a tablet and may contain some gibberish and misplaced quotes

[Alan O]

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/5016343

This one has a rigid fork, is of about the same quality and is typical of what you would get in a new 26" wheel rigid mountain bike.

Argos bike, new for £150, I honestly wouldn't touch it myself. For that price, every component will have to be the cheapest that the Chinese factories can churn out - and I wouldn't ride a bike whose brake parts and gear parts probably cost around 50p per component at factory level.

[random37]

Above post written with a tablet and may contain some gibberish and misplaced quotes

Gibberish? On a forum? I don't believe a word.

I get your point. You can buy very low quality, or very high quality. The average cycling enthusiast is constantly being sold on ideas that aren't useful. When I was last buying bikes, it was going from 8 gears to 9. Personally, I think we could have stopped at 6!

I like smaller wheels on my mountain bike. I'd have a mini velo if they were affordable and had more tyres.

I'll keep looking. Thank you.

[Greystoke]

You try buying a good 26" wheel bike for sensible money now....I have an early welded tange frame MTB converted to tourer/commuter. It's fab and so comfy to ride.

[iandriver]

The Ridgeback MX2 looks like the same thing. 7 speed triple and 26inch wheels.

[random37]

The Ridgeback MX2 looks like the same thing. 7 speed triple and 26inch wheels.

Now, that IS interesting.

44mm bb drop. When you think it has 2" tyres, not far off a touring bike BB height.

I think that is an interesting machine, and I will try and find one to test it out.

[drobo]

I have 3 MTB's and none of them have suspension front or rear. Kind of spoils the fun, I think.
If you are interested I have a barely used 1991 Saracen Traverse Hydrotech for sale?

Do you still have the Saracen? Can you please PM me if you do?

[Nebulous]

I think the Subway Two 27.5" frameset is very underated. And because I enjoy the fettling aspect, everything on this has been upgraded to 3 x 9 speed SLX and XT (mostly as-new parts from eBay) except stem.
Original Kenda tyres on original wheels used when on-road, DT Swiss wheelset with Schwalbe or Maxxis tyres when touring or off-road.
N.B. BB shell width is 68mm so chainstays only allow for maximum rear tyre width of 2.25", front fork will take a 2.5".

I still have a full suspension 26" for the really rough stuff.

Both 26" parts and 9 speed componentry are now more expensive than 27.5", 10 speed!

BTW It's my bike, I like bar ends!

[scottg]

26ers are now called bike packing bikes or dirt road expedition bikes.
1950s style road bikes are called "gravel bikes"
Single front rings are back in style too, the 46t Williams chainset of fond memory
is now called a 1x, pronounced "1 by"
People are now converting cable operated front mechs to rod operation,
Simplex clangers are going for silly money on the ebay.

Here is nice new 26er.
https://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll

[peetee]

I have 3 MTB's and none of them have suspension front or rear. Kind of spoils the fun, I think.
If you are interested I have a barely used 1991 Saracen Traverse Hydrotech for sale?

Do you still have the Saracen? Can you please PM me if you do?

No, sorry. Long gone.