Which bike is better - 26 "or 29" wheels

A bicycle is not just a means of transportation, it is a tool for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Interest in cycling is growing every year. People buy bicycles on purpose to keep their bodies in shape. After all, this is a real simulator for maintaining muscle tone, heart performance and burning excess calories. The actual question that buyers ask is which bike is better - 26 or 29 inch wheels.

Naturally, there are bicycles with intermediate sizes (24, 27.5, 28 inches). But the largest number of proposals comes down to the 26th and 29th wheels. And we will briefly tell you what is the difference between them, and what is better to buy.

 

Which bike is better - 26 "or 29" wheels

 

There is no clear answer, which is more effective. It's like asking which shoe is better to take, with a thin platform like "sneakers" or with a cushioned padded sole. It all depends on the operating conditions. Therefore, it is better to start from the end - to identify the conditions in which the bike will be used:

• 26 inches is the smaller gear-to-wheel ratio. This is explosive power, a sharp start, the ability to more effectively overcome the obstacle course. Accordingly, wheels with a diameter of 26 inches will perform better on rough terrain - sand, mud, vegetation.
• 29 inches is a large pedaling-to-wheel ratio. With minimal physical effort, it is easier to pick up speed and better roll forward (free movement of the bike due to inertia). Wheels with a diameter of 29 inches are best used for driving on hard, level surfaces.

 

The cross-country ability of a bicycle is not decided by the diameter of the wheels, but by the type of tire.

 

In part, this statement is true. The better the grip (the higher the tread), the easier the bike's cross-country ability. But there are limitations here. If you do not go into the entire list of tires, but single out 3 basic types, then you can understand which is better. And immediately select the correct wheel diameter for the bike.

 

• Slick. This is an extremely smooth surface of the tire with a small tread pattern. Due to their high hardness, these wheels have the best roll on dry asphalt road. Slicks can be purchased for bicycles with 26 and 29 wheels. There are limitations for both types of transport. For example, a complete lack of cross-country ability on sand or creating problems when driving on a wet road. Not to mention driving in winter - slicks are not meant for that.
• Standard wheels. Tire width up to 2 inches, tread pattern, no spikes. This is an intermediate option for driving on asphalt (concrete) roads and rough terrain. In the latter case, we mean grass, solid layers of chernozem, clay, small sand embankments. All bicycles of the middle segment and above are equipped with standard wheels.
• Wheels with high cross-country ability. Wide side, the presence of rubber or metal lugs. Such wheels are used for driving over rough terrain, mud, snow, sand mounds. Typically, studded tires are sold separately as tires. Many manufacturers of budget bicycles put these "jeeps" on their products. It's better not to buy them. Such "beautiful" bicycles have low quality parts and will not last long in use.

 

Bottom line - which is better to buy a bike with 26 or 29 wheels

 

Focus on the offers of sellers in your area. Both types of bicycles have different sizes - that is, they are suitable for both children and adults. Do not forget that there is a fashion for certain types of bicycles. From 2000 to 2016, it was fashionable to drive 26 wheels. Now - the 29th wheels are in trend. It is not known what will happen next. You don't have to follow fashion. Look for a bike that suits your needs. There is not much difference in price. But there is a difference in the filling. And these differences greatly affect the price.

Bicycles with 26 wheels are still considered classics on the market. They are lighter, smaller, and demonstrate better cross-country ability. They always have spare parts and many offers from well-known brands. But, if you plan to ride on the highway for long distances (over 30 km one way), then it is better to take a bike with 29 wheels. Less physical travel costs. And don't forget the type of tire. The lower the tread, the greater the roll. And this is a plus to saving your own strength.