Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but there is no forum for 26 inch bikes or just XC riding. Anyway, my buddy wants an XC oriented full suspension 26 inch bike. Are there any good options still being produced or does he have to go used? The local shops around here really like to push 29ers, but he want to go 26. Hoping not to have a 26 vs 29 thread, it's just what he wants. Thanks for any suggestions.
I ran into this same issue a couple years ago. I wanted a lightweight HT XC 26'' race bike and there weren't many options and nobody had them in stock for me to test ride. Everything was a special order so I ended up buying one online. I also bought my 26'' Camber last year as a built up show that a local shop couldn't sell so I got it for cheap.
I totally agree with finding something used but in good condition. 26'' bikes are out of fashion now and people are dumping them for next to nothing. Added bonus is 26'' parts are stupid cheap so maintaining the bikes is easy on the wallet.
Just picked up a new carbon 2012 Rocky Mountain Element RSL frame off E-bay (2012 Rocky Mountain Element Team RSL Frame 18" W FOX RP23 Kashima NEW | eBay) for $1100 or so (bought directly, not through this auction) and built it up with XT etc. to sub 24lbs with a mixture of existing components and some upgraded ones (mostly chainreaction.com and other opportunistic deals I've found). 26er parts are much cheaper for sure. While not easy to build up a bike from scratch, it can be done. Otherwise, there are some used Elements around for $2500 with XT/XTR etc.
My relative found barely used Giant Anthem X Advanced SL 0 for dirt cheap. Local pro's "old 26er" race bike. Super light, stiff, highend and with awesome Giant Maestro. Fits perfectly and is not a disadvantage anywhere for his riding/racing needs. Sold the xtr wheels and purchased lighter wider carbon wheels. I'd estimate it's a 22.5 pound rocket: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anthem.x.advanced.sl/9026/48886/
I am still racing on a 26er and don't see any need to change - I rode plenty of bikes at outerbike last year and nothing was better than mine. Used 26ers are cheap, and some wheels and tires can be found cheap too. However, I have already noticed that there is a lack of 26er xc tires in the LBS' so it will be good to have extras on hand. If you buy a used bike though, make sure you check the chain for wear - a lot of xc bikes have a lot of miles on them and most people never change their chain until it breaks. If a well worn chain breaks then you will need a new chain and cassette and rings - which isn't cheap.
I still race my Trek Top Fuel 9.9. It is light, 21.5 pounds with pedals and sealant. Will probably get a 29'er later this year but the Fuel will always be in my arsenal.
I just picked a carbon blur trc. Its a 130 front and back so little more that pure xc but i am building it up light with a talas and some bushings l have itvset up 120 front and back fro race mode.
If u want pure xc look at the used carbon blur xc. Seen em built up at 20lbs and they have ablittle less travel than the trc.
The other posters are right. lightly used 26 inch wheel bikes are the best deal you can get. A 2011 epic would be a good option 11 was close to the last year of 26 and they made a carbon frame with 2X10. Lots of options out there from 2011-2012 for a steal with smaller wheels
Get an Anthem X. Dirt cheap and easy to build into a sub 9.5kg XC race weapon esp. if you can get away with 1x10. My daughter's bike is 9.32kg with flat pedals, heavy seat and a zee RD. Total spend to build this bike was less than $1k. Second hand 26" parts and frames are absurdly cheap.
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