I’ve been reading past posts on 26x3" Munis, and the consensus seemed to be that they are a good, but specialist, machine with weight and manourerability issues.
I was wondering if those of you still riding them had any new insights, especially in comparison with 24x3".
Also, how does it compare to 29"-er, the effective diameter would seem to be the same.
I like it alot. I’ve got a 26" Hunter with the 3" Gazz. It is heavy (I think it weighs over three pounds) but it’s a fast ride and is actually quite manuverable. Although not as nimble as a 24 X 3, it covers more ground.
Though for the type of trails I ride on, if I had to choose only one MUni, it would be a 24 X 3 but I’m glad I don’t have to choose ( I’ve got both).
I feel more tired after a long technical ride on the 26 than the same ride on a 24 and I can’t hop it as well or throw it around so much. There is a reason that more people ride the 24.
Personally, I enjoy the 26 X 3 more than the 29er for off-road. The 26 X 3 Gazz measures 28" in daim.
Frank
I have both a 24x3 and a 26x3 and I ride the 24x3 a lot more than the 26x3. But it would depnd on your style of riding and your local trails.
If you want to do some jumping to get over logs and such then the 24x3 is better because it’s lighter and jumps better. If you plan on doing big drops (stuff in the 4+ foot range) then a 24x3 would be better because the 24" wheel is stronger than the 26" wheel (much less likely to taco a 24" rim than a 26" rim).
If you’re looking to cover distance then the 26x3 is a good choice. If your goal with a 26x3 is to cover distance then I’d also give serious thought to crank length. I’ve got 175mm cranks on my 26x3 which doesn’t make the 26x3 especially fast. If the terrain allows, shorter cranks would make the 26x3 faster.
Cheers for the info, at present I’m on a 24x3 budget rim and I’m wondering whether to get 26 or 24 when I upgrade.
Frank A. I like it alot. I’ve got a 26" Hunter with the 3" Gazz. It is heavy (I think it weighs over three pounds) but it’s a fast ride and is actually quite manuverable. Although not as nimble as a 24 X 3, it covers more ground.
Though for the type of trails I ride on, if I had to choose only one MUni, it would be a 24 X 3 but I’m glad I don’t have to choose ( I’ve got both).
I feel more tired after a long technical ride on the 26 than the same ride on a 24 and I can’t hop it as well or throw it around so much. There is a reason that more people ride the 24.
Personally, I enjoy the 26 X 3 more than the 29er for off-road. The 26 X 3 Gazz measures 28" in daim. -----
What is it about the 26x3 that you enjoy more than the 29-er?
john_childs
I have both a 24x3 and a 26x3 and I ride the 24x3 a lot more than the 26x3. But it would depnd on your style of riding and your local trails.
If you want to do some jumping to get over logs and such then the 24x3 is better because it’s lighter and jumps better. If you plan on doing big drops (stuff in the 4+ foot range) then a 24x3 would be better because the 24" wheel is stronger than the 26" wheel (much less likely to taco a 24" rim than a 26" rim).
If you’re looking to cover distance then the 26x3 is a good choice. If your goal with a 26x3 is to cover distance then I’d also give serious thought to crank length. I’ve got 175mm cranks on my 26x3 which doesn’t make the 26x3 especially fast. If the terrain allows, shorter cranks would make the 26x3 faster.
Does it go faster with 175’s than your 24"?
I have never done any speed measurements or a time trial on my 24x3 and my 26x3 to compare them.
I have 170’s on my 24x3 and 175’s on my 26x3 so I suspect that my pedal cadance is about the same on both cycles.
The 29er is a 2.1 wide tire and the rim is on the narrow side. They work fine off-road and lots of riders like them very much. I am just partial to the fat tires, I feel more grounded with it while off road. As I said, it’s 28" in daim, so it’s not too far off the 29er.
It’s probably that I’m more used to it and don’t spend as much time on the 29er.
I’m in the process of trying shorter cranks on my 26 and if things work out the way I think they will, it will become more of an off-road “cruiser” while my 24" wil be the MUni of choice for the technical and tougher trails.
Like John Childs, I have never timed any rides between the two sizes, but I "feel" as though I'm faster and covering more ground on the 26, even with the 175's.My MUni’s a 26 with a Tioga Factory Downhill 2.3 tire. I love it. While it’s not as cushy as a 3 incher, it does measure out an honest 2.3 inches and it’s a whole lot lighter. My friend’s 24x3 feels heavier to me. My 26 rolls over stuff great, and the Tioga tire has wonderful traction. The greater diameter vs 24 means I’m slightly less maneuverable in a “sudden twist / tweak your line” sense, but it gets caught on fewer bumps, so there’s some trade-off. Out here in San Diego, the trails are very rocky, usually quite rutty, and with lots of ups and downs. I ride mostly intermediate terrain, but don’t do huge drops and jumps.
So my advice is to consider the terrain you’ll ride, your prospective riding style (how aggressive / punishing) and what ride characteristics are most important to YOU. If you’re determined on a 3 incher, then I’d say go for the 24 because the 26 will be way heavy. If you’re really interested in the advantages of a 26, then maybe consider a 2.3 or 2.6 tire to keep the weight down.
Whatever you choose, ride the hell out of it and have a blast!
Jerry
That’s been my favorite tyre for 4 years (I’ve got a rear one).
Roger Davies rides a 2.1 on his 26.
Anyone tried the new 2.5 version dubbed Tioga White Tiger ?
Leo
P.S. I’m about to try out a Gazz 26x3 in my 29er frame - just as an alternaive wheel for a 24 hour (relay) race.
I ride a 26x2.3, and I prefer it to my Dad’s 24x3. It covers more distance and can turn much nicer, but it is still a little too hard for some things. I’m thinking of upgrading to 2.6, any feedback on how squishy it can be??
Thanks 
Sam