24" MUni vs. 26" MUni

[DavidHood]

@rob.northcott

do you just mean they’re hilly? Or do you mean lots of big drops and hopping up steps?

lots of hills. no drops bigger than a stair step. roots everywhere because trails are deep in the woods.

@rob.northcott

a 26 is more flexible because of tyre availability

I’ve done multiple searches and everyone else seems to agree with you.

@Nurse Ben

I have both sizes (26 x 2.6, 29 x 2.4) AND a 26 x 4 Oregon. I previously rode a 26 x 3 as well. I have ridden a 3" Gazz, 3" Duro, 3" Intense, 2.6 Gazz Jr.

Last I heard you preferred 26 x 2.4 for weight (the lighter the better for me) but I can see why you would switch back to 2.6 with a 2.4 available on your 29er

@Nurse Ben

90% of the riding I do is rocky, rooty, with moderately steep climbs and descents.

same here in Kentucky

@Nurse Ben

I can’t stand riding a 24", it feels like a toy unicycle, it’s too slow and twitchy

this was my brief experience with a 24" as well. I did enjoy the safety of being able to step right off it and while I’ve never ridden a 26er being 2" higher off the ground can’t make that much difference to elevate that “timber” feeling you get coming off a 36er. I’m old (fully padded and extremely cautious) but my kids are just now getting big enough to take to the trail which is why I’m back in the market.

@Nurse Ben

If you are trying to decide which wheel size works best for you, part of the equation is your skill level, also how big you are, and finally the kind of riding you are doing now. If you are a learner, then your preference will change with time, so you’ll just need to keep an open mind and see where your riding takes you. Two years ago I couldn’t ride a 29er on tech muni, now it’s often my first choice.

I’m 5’10" 170lbs. My skill level on the geared 36er is above average riding big distance on the road but I’m definitely a beginner at MUni. Still, I think I might be able to cheat and skip the whole fat, heavy 24" stage of learning and start out on a 26".

@Nurse Ben

The newer tires like the Ardent 2.4/2.6 have the casing and volume to support a wider range of muni use than the skinny tires of a few years ago, which is why many DH mountain bikers ditched the fat tires; even KH is ridding skinny tires now.

As you said, I have been reading too many old threads. Perhaps my question would have been better asked in the “official” MUni Tyre thread. UDC has always just stocked the 3" Duro on the 26" MUni. I hope that changes or I’m going to have to go custom to get an Ardent 26x2.4 with folding bead as it’s beginning to sound like my Oracle will be of the 26" variety.