A few of our employees (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 just a little trendy aptitude and a effectively deserved love (and a a lot wanted service in fact)!

Let’s begin by looking at some ‘bikespiration’, right here’s a few of Merlin Cycles’ employees 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 extremely cozy experience and the huge 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 traditional roots of Merlin Cycles and the Rock Lobster vary from the 90s! Attributable to too many bikes in his assortment (if that’s actually doable) he’s trying to promote it someday quickly… Drop us a message if you wish to make him a suggestion (don’t wait too lengthy, a Lobster on this gorgeous situation is snapped up rapidly)!

On this information, we’ll discover the best way to obtain the same transformation, from including distinctive options like “Billy Bonkers” tyres and huge trendy handlebars to optimizing your bike for city adventures. Prepare to show heads as you cruise by the streets in model! In fact you’ll be able to add as little or many upgrades to your bike as you want…

1. Improve Your Tires: “Billy Bonkers” All of the Means:

Begin your transformation by swapping out your conventional mountain bike tires for the distinctive Billy Bonkers tyres. These quick rolling, grime bounce bike tyres not solely add a playful retro vibe but in addition present glorious traction and stability, making them excellent for city driving. Accessible in each black and tan wall!

2. Large Handlebars and Grips for Consolation:

Exchange your slim mountain bike handlebars with wider ones to create a extra comfy and upright driving place. Pair them with ergonomic grips that provide 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 huge bar cruiser bike really feel. The grips additionally wanted a refresh as they’d 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 previous Motorcycle within the storage! So that you don’t all the time need to spend additional to get that distinctive flare of a certainly one of a form cruiser bike! It is perhaps value asking round or seeing what previous 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 achieve. This alteration simplifies your bike’s drivetrain, lowering upkeep and making a cleaner aesthetic. You’ll recognize the convenience of shifting and the improved chain retention.

Discover our full vary of MTB chainrings right here.

4. Puncture-Resistant Interior Tubes for Peace of Thoughts:

To your city adventures, set up puncture-resistant inside tubes to scale back the probability of flats. These tubes are designed to resist city or gravel particles and provide added peace of thoughts throughout your commutes. With weight not being a precedence on a cruiser bike you needn’t fear about a couple of additional 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 matches 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 smooth look…

6. Go for a Comfy Saddle:

In case your present saddle isn’t as comfy as you’d like or has seen higher days… Take into account upgrading to a brand new, extra cushioned possibility. A cushty saddle is essential for fulfilling rides, whether or not you’re heading to the pub or cruising to work.

My saddle was loads comfy sufficient however Rob solely beginning along with his GT body determined to go together with a Cloth saddle and he’s more than happy with the assist it provides on the each day commute “It’s mega cozy!”. At an inexpensive value and unparalleled consolation you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with a Cloth Scoop Sport Saddle.

To discover our full vary of MTB Saddles click on right here.

Your Fashionable 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’ll be able to decide to customize your bike as little or a lot as you’d like. Merely including Billy Bonkers tyres to your previous MTB is a sport changer which can prevent shopping for a hybrid bike.

Will you embrace the fusion of retro aptitude and trendy practicality? If that’s the case, get able to make cruise in true model while giving your previous 26er the adore it deserves…