What have you done with your old 26" MTBs?
Discussion
I've ridden Morzine this last weekend on my Canyon Torque. It's been pure bike heaven at the lifts seeing all the lovely rigs queuing up and then I saw it. It just looked a bit different at first as it skimmed the last few berms to the lift run, then it looked very different as it came into focus and I saw it had 26" wheels, a front derailleur and much too upright geometry compared to the super slack modern stuff waiting for another run. It was an Orange Patriot from something like 2004. A bike I lusted after for years.
Chatting to the owner and seeing (after initially hearing) the Chris King hubs, hope tech levers and four pot brakes amongst other lovely bits It was obvious this bike had cost a not inconsiderable chunk of money and is now probably all but worthless even though it's still doing all the things it's always done. It's in a strange purgatory between being usable but completely unfashionable but once very desirable.
It got me thinking as I recently built a nice workshop and I'd love to have a couple of my old bikes just to pop on the wall and look at even if i'd never ride them. I have an old Orange P7 with very expensive but outdated everything that probably wouldn't even sell for £200 yet cost many multiples of that back when I built it. Should I refurbish it now while getting parts is hard but not completely impossible ready for it to be desirable again? What have you done with your old and outdated stuff?
Chatting to the owner and seeing (after initially hearing) the Chris King hubs, hope tech levers and four pot brakes amongst other lovely bits It was obvious this bike had cost a not inconsiderable chunk of money and is now probably all but worthless even though it's still doing all the things it's always done. It's in a strange purgatory between being usable but completely unfashionable but once very desirable.
It got me thinking as I recently built a nice workshop and I'd love to have a couple of my old bikes just to pop on the wall and look at even if i'd never ride them. I have an old Orange P7 with very expensive but outdated everything that probably wouldn't even sell for £200 yet cost many multiples of that back when I built it. Should I refurbish it now while getting parts is hard but not completely impossible ready for it to be desirable again? What have you done with your old and outdated stuff?
My mtb falls spot on into this bracket, frame is nothing special (Cube), but Marzocchi EMX Pro fork, full XT kit, Hope Mono Mini brakes, Mavic rims.
Not worth selling, but have no need for it. Stripping for parts is the best i've come up with so far!
Not worth selling, but have no need for it. Stripping for parts is the best i've come up with so far!
Edited by Miocene on Monday 10th July 13:22
Still got my 26" Cotic Soul. Gets ridden properly on horrible days in the winter, had some upgrades over time from original, dropper, tubeless and 2x10. But mostly to the Pub!
The Mrs still has a 26" Stumpy FSR, again dropper, tubules and now 1x11, that gets ridden by her and anyone visiting who fancys a ride but no bike.
The Mrs still has a 26" Stumpy FSR, again dropper, tubules and now 1x11, that gets ridden by her and anyone visiting who fancys a ride but no bike.
ts and giggles.
Still ride my 2011 Trek Fuel. Upgraded the brakes to Hopes and put better wheels on it after destroying the front one in north wales. Still works well for the riding I do. Feel very out of place when I go for group rides and everyone is on 29" wheels but I'm never the slowest and often quickest to the top of the hills so not fussed what anyone thinks. So unless I trash the frame I'll carry on riding it.
At some point I'd like to move to 29" but can't justify another bike when I already have 5 in the garage... just waiting for my son to be tall enough so that he can ride it and I have an excuse for n+1
At some point I'd like to move to 29" but can't justify another bike when I already have 5 in the garage... just waiting for my son to be tall enough so that he can ride it and I have an excuse for n+1
I've got a 2010 Stumpy FSR which still gets ridden - and has limited upgrades, it still has a triple front chainset.
While I still ride, it's infrequent so cannot justify a newer bike. Rode a few weeks ago and my bike looked a bit silly next to all the 29'ers with slack geometry and 12ft handlebars. I was still the fastest though so will probably carry on until something big breaks and I have a decision to make.
I also have 4 other late 80s / early 90s 26" bikes so unlikely I'll be without a 26" bike for a while yet! Depending on how old a 26" is, it could be worth good money. A early 90s GT Avalanche went for over £500 yesterday on eBay...
While I still ride, it's infrequent so cannot justify a newer bike. Rode a few weeks ago and my bike looked a bit silly next to all the 29'ers with slack geometry and 12ft handlebars. I was still the fastest though so will probably carry on until something big breaks and I have a decision to make.
I also have 4 other late 80s / early 90s 26" bikes so unlikely I'll be without a 26" bike for a while yet! Depending on how old a 26" is, it could be worth good money. A early 90s GT Avalanche went for over £500 yesterday on eBay...
Edited by Correvor on Monday 10th July 13:43
Some genuinely interesting bikes there! It seems a shame to strip them, especially as most of the bits will also be less desirable than they would have been. Just looked and the XT shadow rear mech on mine is all but worthless and has less than 1000km in it. I recall having to save up for it back in the day!
I think I'm set, I'm going to do mine up (it's only the cheap reba fork that lets it down) and enjoy it. I did take it to coed y brenin last year and I was surprised at how well it rode but also how much more challenging a 26" hard tail can be. I'm off to look for a decent air fork! I'm definitely a convert to larger wheels but still really enjoy how silly you can be on smaller wheels and that's basically all my riding is. I honestly think that those gnarly old guys I used to see on the trails in 1998 on single speed rigid forks will essentially now be made up of 40 somethings who have their skills honed on unforgiving 26" hardtails on a downhill slope! I'm going to try to be that guy.
I think I'm set, I'm going to do mine up (it's only the cheap reba fork that lets it down) and enjoy it. I did take it to coed y brenin last year and I was surprised at how well it rode but also how much more challenging a 26" hard tail can be. I'm off to look for a decent air fork! I'm definitely a convert to larger wheels but still really enjoy how silly you can be on smaller wheels and that's basically all my riding is. I honestly think that those gnarly old guys I used to see on the trails in 1998 on single speed rigid forks will essentially now be made up of 40 somethings who have their skills honed on unforgiving 26" hardtails on a downhill slope! I'm going to try to be that guy.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 10th July 13:50
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 10th July 13:51
Still got my Trek Fuel EX7, and my On One Inbred Slot Dropout, both 26" with 3x8 drivetrains. I am now primarily a roadie and live in the east of England, which is devoid of mountains and trail centres so for me there's just no point in having a decent MTB which is very much a one trick pony and will almost never get ridden. I'm sure one day there will be more of a market for this older stuff but TBH I really don't care.
I also have a Dolan GXT gravel bike, and I recently did the Chilterns Ridge event. I thought I was going to be on totally the wrong bike, but TBH the gravel bike coped so well and was way quicker than an MTB on all but the "gnarliest" descents.
I also have a Dolan GXT gravel bike, and I recently did the Chilterns Ridge event. I thought I was going to be on totally the wrong bike, but TBH the gravel bike coped so well and was way quicker than an MTB on all but the "gnarliest" descents.
I've got an 07 Turner RFX running 08 Fox 36's that's been tweaked and 'modernised' by running a shorter shock with offset bushes to slacken it off.
I've just yesterday stripped the wheels down as I want some wider tubeless rims lacing onto the old Pro 2's so the LBS are getting those and telling to stick some Reverse Black One rims on them.
It's a bit too small for me and feels weird being old school geo with a short reach and higher BB than what we're used to riding now but it's a cool thing to have and it's not cost me much to build up.
Biggest downside of older bikes is not being compatible with dropper posts. I did make one work but being 27.2 you're limited in drop height which was too compromised and so I've gone back to a quick release.
I've just yesterday stripped the wheels down as I want some wider tubeless rims lacing onto the old Pro 2's so the LBS are getting those and telling to stick some Reverse Black One rims on them.
It's a bit too small for me and feels weird being old school geo with a short reach and higher BB than what we're used to riding now but it's a cool thing to have and it's not cost me much to build up.
Biggest downside of older bikes is not being compatible with dropper posts. I did make one work but being 27.2 you're limited in drop height which was too compromised and so I've gone back to a quick release.
I’ve got a 26” Cotic that still gets used. To be honest I’m not convinced it makes that much difference, I have a 1992 Trek 8000 which I rebuilt from NOS parts as it was my first proper mountain bike.
I reckon over the years certain bikes will gain a following and others will be donors for parts.
It’s strange how unfashionable they look now but it’s the same as when you see an old car, some of them were desirable but now the wheels look too small, the windows look too big and the bumpers look too bumper-ish.
I reckon over the years certain bikes will gain a following and others will be donors for parts.
It’s strange how unfashionable they look now but it’s the same as when you see an old car, some of them were desirable but now the wheels look too small, the windows look too big and the bumpers look too bumper-ish.
Built up my wife a MTB with a small frame and the old Pikes (shortened), Hope wheels, brakes, drivetrain, etc from my last 26" wheel bike. She's not used it much but it probably won't be that long until my daughter moves up from 24".
Anything XS/S sized tends to be in demand for that reason, they make a great last step from kids bikes to adult ones.
If it's a bike with great sentimental value to you then it's nice to have it built up and usable like a retro/classic car. Don't expect to do it and hope they become really valuable and sought after. I don't find them great to ride these days either, but then I like brakes, tyres and suspension that works.
Anything XS/S sized tends to be in demand for that reason, they make a great last step from kids bikes to adult ones.
If it's a bike with great sentimental value to you then it's nice to have it built up and usable like a retro/classic car. Don't expect to do it and hope they become really valuable and sought after. I don't find them great to ride these days either, but then I like brakes, tyres and suspension that works.
I put bar ends and smoother tyres in it planning to use it as a gravel type bike. But now the fork's oozing oil and the BB is creaking. Slightly annoyed as I sorted out the hubs and got some new pads. 
I think I'm going to sell my fat bike and get an actual gravel bike, so it's not all bad!
I think I'm going to sell my fat bike and get an actual gravel bike, so it's not all bad!They make MTBS with bigger wheels than 26"? Huh?
But seriously, I still ride a Boardman hardtail from sometime arounds 2005, maybe 2008. It's all I've got. It sees a lot of action year round in the South Downs< every now and then I have to bung a couple of hundred quid at it to keep it going, but it does keep going. I might be able to get £50 for it, but it's worth more than that to me to be able to get up onto the Downs.
I've ridden a Trek Fuel something or other, 29" full suss, maybe a year old. Felt very different, also felt like it may not have hurled me off at 20 mph onto the unforgiving South Downs terrain last year, costing me a broken scapula.
I am looking at maybe a Mason Raw or something along those lines in the next year. I still think hard tails are the sweet spot for South Downs riding, especially if you don't go looking for jumps and too much drama.
But seriously, I still ride a Boardman hardtail from sometime arounds 2005, maybe 2008. It's all I've got. It sees a lot of action year round in the South Downs< every now and then I have to bung a couple of hundred quid at it to keep it going, but it does keep going. I might be able to get £50 for it, but it's worth more than that to me to be able to get up onto the Downs.
I've ridden a Trek Fuel something or other, 29" full suss, maybe a year old. Felt very different, also felt like it may not have hurled me off at 20 mph onto the unforgiving South Downs terrain last year, costing me a broken scapula.
I am looking at maybe a Mason Raw or something along those lines in the next year. I still think hard tails are the sweet spot for South Downs riding, especially if you don't go looking for jumps and too much drama.
Daveyraveygravey said:
They make MTBS with bigger wheels than 26"? Huh?
But seriously, I still ride a Boardman hardtail from sometime arounds 2005, maybe 2008. It's all I've got. It sees a lot of action year round in the South Downs< every now and then I have to bung a couple of hundred quid at it to keep it going, but it does keep going. I might be able to get £50 for it, but it's worth more than that to me to be able to get up onto the Downs.
I've ridden a Trek Fuel something or other, 29" full suss, maybe a year old. Felt very different, also felt like it may not have hurled me off at 20 mph onto the unforgiving South Downs terrain last year, costing me a broken scapula.
I am looking at maybe a Mason Raw or something along those lines in the next year. I still think hard tails are the sweet spot for South Downs riding, especially if you don't go looking for jumps and too much drama.
I agree, even if you are looking for jumps and drama a hard tail is often the answer. Most of us are hugely overbiked now compared to 15-20 years ago. That has loads of benefits but it had plenty of negatives too. I also agree that 29” wouldn’t have bucked you as easily But seriously, I still ride a Boardman hardtail from sometime arounds 2005, maybe 2008. It's all I've got. It sees a lot of action year round in the South Downs< every now and then I have to bung a couple of hundred quid at it to keep it going, but it does keep going. I might be able to get £50 for it, but it's worth more than that to me to be able to get up onto the Downs.
I've ridden a Trek Fuel something or other, 29" full suss, maybe a year old. Felt very different, also felt like it may not have hurled me off at 20 mph onto the unforgiving South Downs terrain last year, costing me a broken scapula.
I am looking at maybe a Mason Raw or something along those lines in the next year. I still think hard tails are the sweet spot for South Downs riding, especially if you don't go looking for jumps and too much drama.
it comes down to what you find fun. I still get plenty of pleasure from an old, steel hardcore hard tail but that’s because I enjoy the challenge it brings from some features my 650b wouldn’t even notice. Another old Stumpy here. 2011 FSR Comp, the one with orange wheels.
Had to replace the brakes a few years ago after the stock Avids shat themselves and leaked fluid everywhere, but other than that it's all original. Shabby, but original.
I'm mostly a road monkey now, but it still gets ridden a few times a year.
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Adding to the Cotic club, I've got the penultimate Cotic Soul (2017) which is 27.5. The product line is no more and 27.5 was a slow flop, so it's very much out of fashion. Oh and to add to the indignity I specced it as 2x11 because 1x is stupid if you ever have to ride on the road at any speed.
I don't really feel great about having poured so much cash into an evolutionary dead end at pretty much the exact wrong time - but I'm old and unfashionable myself so I don't worry too much. The best bike is the one you have and actually ride. Until someone stole it, I clocked up 25,000 miles including some epic treks on my 26" GT and I thought that was perfectly good at the time.
I don't really feel great about having poured so much cash into an evolutionary dead end at pretty much the exact wrong time - but I'm old and unfashionable myself so I don't worry too much. The best bike is the one you have and actually ride. Until someone stole it, I clocked up 25,000 miles including some epic treks on my 26" GT and I thought that was perfectly good at the time.
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