A few of our workers (myself included), have been reigniting our love for the 26″ Mountain Bike. With most riders now choosing a 29er or Gravel bike for off street driving or commuting, it’s a rarer sight to see a 26″ these days… We determined to mud the cobwebs off ours and provides them slightly fashionable aptitude and a effectively deserved love (and a a lot wanted service in fact)!
Let’s begin by having a look at some ‘bikespiration’, right here’s a few of Merlin Cycles’ workers owned 26″ commuters.
Pictured Above: Rob’s 90s GT with Moto Bars, Cloth Saddle, Billy Bonkers 26″ Tyres, Carbon Forks, 1x Chainring. Rob created this ‘Frankenbike’ after being given the body by Mike in our returns division. He now makes use of it as a commuter and weekend bike, having fun with rides alongside the Guild Wheel in Preston! “It’s a pleasure to experience and I’ve actually had a blast placing this bike collectively.”
Pictured Above: My Merlin Malt 2, that includes Cannondale Carbon Bars, Raceface Stem, 1x Chainring and Billy Bonkers 26″ Tyres. This bike was given to me by my dad and I made a decision to make it right into a commuter/cruiser for my leisurely ‘restoration’ rides and journeys to the espresso store. It’s a very comfortable experience and the extensive bars I added simply really feel refreshing in comparison with my drop bars on the gravel bike I normally gravitate to.
Pictured Above: Joe’s US Made (very uncommon) Rock Lobster 26″, that includes Chris King Headset, Kenda Tyres (excellent for gravelling), 1x Chainring, Thomson Syncros bars and Thomson Elite Stem, XT Groupset. Joe purchased this bike to make use of for gravel adventures and paying homage to the basic roots of Merlin Cycles and the Rock Lobster vary from the 90s! Resulting from too many bikes in his assortment (if that’s actually potential) he’s seeking to promote it someday quickly… Drop us a message if you wish to make him a proposal (don’t wait too lengthy, a Lobster on this gorgeous situation is snapped up shortly)!
On this information, we’ll discover how one can obtain the same transformation, from including distinctive options like “Billy Bonkers” tyres and extensive fashionable handlebars to optimizing your bike for city adventures. Prepare to show heads as you cruise by way of the streets in model! After all you possibly can add as little or many upgrades to your bike as you want…
1. Improve Your Tires: “Billy Bonkers” All of the Manner:
Begin your transformation by swapping out your conventional mountain bike tires for the distinctive Billy Bonkers tyres. These quick rolling, dust leap bike tyres not solely add a playful retro vibe but additionally present glorious traction and stability, making them excellent for city driving. Accessible in each black and tan wall!
2. Broad Handlebars and Grips for Consolation:
Change your slender mountain bike handlebars with wider ones to create a extra comfy and upright driving place. Pair them with ergonomic grips that supply a cushty and safe maintain throughout your rides.
My Merlin Malt 2 has Cannondale HollowGram SAVE Carbon Riser Handlebars which I really feel actually replace the look of the bike and simply add to that extensive bar cruiser bike really feel. The grips additionally wanted a refresh as that they had seen much better days, so I opted for a pair of Token Lock on Grips in gold.
Rob’s purple bars have been taken from an outdated Motorcycle within the storage! So that you don’t at all times must spend further to get that distinctive flare of a one in all a sort cruiser bike! It is perhaps value asking round or seeing what outdated bikes relations or mates have tucked away of their backyard shed…
3. Embrace the Simplicity of a 1x Chainring:
Swap to a 1x chainring setup with a chainring of your alternative to fit your desired driving model and your elevation acquire. This alteration simplifies your bike’s drivetrain, decreasing upkeep and making a cleaner aesthetic. You’ll admire the convenience of shifting and the improved chain retention.
Discover our full vary of MTB chainrings right here.
4. Puncture-Resistant Internal Tubes for Peace of Thoughts:
In your city adventures, set up puncture-resistant internal tubes to cut back the chance of flats. These tubes are designed to resist city or gravel particles and supply added peace of thoughts throughout your commutes. With weight not being a precedence on a cruiser bike you needn’t fear about a number of further grams for the added safety.
5. Refresh Your Cockpit: New Stem and Prime Cap:
Give your bike a contemporary contact by changing the stem with a brand new one that enhances and suits your wider or up to date handlebars. Select a stem size that fits your driving model and enhances your consolation. Full the improve with a recent prime cap for a refined look. The stem featured right here is the Race Face Aeffect 35.
I added a gold prime cap to my Malt 2 simply to match the remainder of the gold improve color scheme. It’s an affordable addition that simply finishes off the glossy look…
6. Go for a Snug Saddle:
In case your present saddle isn’t as comfy as you’d like or has seen higher days… Think about upgrading to a brand new, extra cushioned possibility. A snug saddle is essential for pleasurable rides, whether or not you’re heading to the pub or cruising to work.
My saddle was lots comfy sufficient however Rob solely beginning together with his GT body determined to go along with a Cloth saddle and he’s very happy with the assist it gives on the day by day commute “It’s mega comfortable!”. At an reasonably priced worth and unparalleled consolation you possibly can’t go unsuitable with a Cloth Scoop Sport Saddle.
To discover our full vary of MTB Saddles click on right here.
Your Trendy Retro Pub and Commuter Companion…
With every improve, your 26″ mountain bike transforms right into a one-of-a-kind retro pub and commuter bike that captures consideration wherever you go. You may decide to customize your bike as little or a lot as you’d like. Merely including Billy Bonkers tyres to your outdated MTB is a sport changer which can prevent shopping for a hybrid bike.
Will you embrace the fusion of retro aptitude and fashionable practicality? In that case, get able to make cruise in true model while giving your outdated 26er the adore it deserves…
