Twenty Six Inches. A Viable Means To Adventure
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2022
- "Understand" in no way does this video bash new bikes or new bike owners. I love new bikes. The whole intent of this video is to give ideas to those who simply do not wish to spend a lot of money for whatever reason.
In this video, I discuss why I rode my 26" Gary Fisher in 4 out of 5 of my last cycling videos. 26" bikes are a very affordable means to get out and enjoy a great adventure, whether bikepacking, touring, overnights, or extended days. I wanted folks to see what a great time there is to be had with one of these older and widely available bicycles that can be had with a minimal investment. I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I really do enjoy adventure cycling with this bike and actually plan to do much more with it.
Thanks for stopping by and all the best, Tony
(Correction) The Shimano Altus triple crank was $44
N.E.T.T. Gran Fondo • Northeast Texas Trail ...
Katy Trail Part 1 • 26 INCHES ON THE KATY ...
Part 2 • 26 Inches on Missouri'...
Part 3 • 26 Inches on Missouri'...
e-mail papathiker@gmail.com
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Interesting video Tony! You're knowledge of bikes is a very helpful resource for those looking to get into biking. I hope this video is presented to everyone!! My insides are feeling really good right now cuz I just watched this video outside while taking a little break. The weather here is SUPER, I hope you can say the same!! 🍻 ✌️
Thanks Jens I really appreciate that. We're still hovering around in the 90s by afternoon but the mornings are getting cooler so I feel some kind of trip coming up. Hopefully soon. I've been building Michelle's she shed when I feel up to it so I'm definitely ready. Lol. Take care my friend ✌
I love the points you are making on this video. I have been made to feel almost guilty for not having upgraded my bikes since the 1990’s. In 1996 I bought a Schwinn Badlands mountain bike for about $550. I have taken that bike on several 500+ mile tours and a lot of single overnight bike camping outings (including some stealth camping!). It is sturdy as a tank, reasonably comfortable, and carries quite a large load. Now that I am 65, I feel like I need to make a few modifications, and your video has been helpful in giving me some ideas. Thanks! And thanks for taking your viewers on some great adventures!
this man has knowledge.
recommend using an older bicycle, and learning how to get it running smooth. invest in tools and knowledge of how to fix your own bike whenever possible. buying an older used bike will:
1) not break the bank, so you can buy new tools
2) older bikes within a certain time period are easier to work on, and can actually be calming once you know more how to fix things on the bike.
I completely agree with this. Last year I did a 2,000 km tour on a $100 bike to prove this very point. It proved to be one of the most fun rides I ever did. The same holds true for 26" wheel bikes or any value bike. I still like getting the nice stuff too though. Sorry!!
Haha, nothing to be sorry about Jay. My hope was this demonstrated that you don't have to spend big money to get out there and have a great time. In 2020 I sold my Yeti mountain bike for $2500 and that was a really nice bike but as far as fun, I can have the same amount on just about any bike. I'm not sure about the $100 bike you rode in that series though. Lol
so true.... my classics are 26 inch I have an SE 29 inch BMX as well good to see you again
I have a 26" Diamondback Team Titanium that I got for cheap on craigslist. Built it up for next to nothing when I was working in bike shops. Some new parts but mostly leftovers that were just hanging out around the shop. It would easily cost several times what I have in it for a comparable modern build. Great message here! 👍 Also, Goat Mumbler sent me 😉
Very interested to see your mods and upgrades. I'll have to look especially at your seat and grips. Thanks for the great info.
Definitely true words of advice. I know someone who did 350 miles from Boston to just outside of Philadelphia on 12" tires on a brand called bike Friday.
I've never heard of that bike before but I love the thought of someone doing a Ride like that. Very cool! I love folks who aren't the cookie cutter cyclists.
That's really cool and awesome bike. Hope to see you more vidz my friend. Don't stop.
I've got a 1987 Ross Mt. Whitney mountain bike, steel, chrome plated. I got it right before I went to college. I have newer bikes now and you have inspired me to refurbish it and turn it into a bikepacking machine for when I can talk some poor sucker into going bikepacking with me. I like the idea of a porteur rack on the front, raising the handlebars up for more comfort, and a rear rack along with some new tires. It has a lot of trail so the porteur rack should work great. I paid $457.00 for that bike in August of 1985 and I'm not ready to part with it but It has also been sitting for many years unused. Time for it to feel the wind in its hair again.
I'm currently riding a 1995 Kona Lava Dome with 26 inch wheels that I picked up for $100 in decent condition, I've swapped out a lot of the parts to new and updated the drivetrain for touring, I've probably put $500 into it. I've had it since June (Intended to only ride it for a June riding challenge) and since I've put over 1000 miles on it. It's become my commuter and way to explore my city and local rail trails. I've got an old Gary Fisher Zebrano (94 I think) with 700c tires that I'm rebuilding.
I have an old K2 Attack 26" that i still ride and it still does a great job too! I may be old, but it still works for me! Good video Tony!
I remember your K2. I don't see many of them but when I do I think about you. I hope y'all are doing good. Take care Chris
26" will never die. Many custom touring bikes still use 26" wheels.
That's why I buy "simple". Simple and easy running gear, brakes, components etc. Much easier and cheaper maintenance.
There are a few actually very expensive boutique bike manufacturers who will still build a nicw 26" but they are spendy. Take care Ian ✌
I ride a cro moly rigid MTB 26in here in Australia. I can go anywhere on it, touring or gravel or around town. Honestly they are the best invention ever. All the best from Australia mate.👍
Thanks Mark and yeah, I think people have forgotten how versatile these bikes are. And fun! Atb, Tony ✌
Hey Tony, looks like I have some catching up to do with your channel!
I feel the same way about my skis; I'm similarly still enjoying my Rossi B2s from circa 2005. Makes sense that certain bikes would have the same staying power. I'm glad you're continuing with your channel my friend and thanks for sharing.
Hi Amos. I've been pretty hit and miss with the channel and honestly sometimes I don't know if I will continue but thanks for the comment ✌
I always buy used. Great Video And Thanks For Sharing My Friend!
Thanks Rex. I can have just as much fun on a used bike as I have on my new bikes. Besides I like tinkering with the older stuff to bring it up to par. ✌
Good to see you back.
Thank you very much. I appreciate it✌
Been waiting for this video! Thanks Tony!
Thanks HMK. I appreciate you always being there and commenting. That's what it's all about for me. Take care. ✌
Having dabbled in advertising back in my college days, I see through the hype ads often pitch. A little over a decade back, I decided to start biking again to lose some lbs. Picked up a cheap department store mountain bike that I cannot even remember the name of. It was a 26" that cost around $200. Weighed a lot, and made weird noises over bumps. Terrible seat I swapped out for a Bell with extra padding. Rode it locally every weekend and sometimes at night. Worked reliably for a couple years until my wife upgraded my ride one Xmas, and I gave it away. It is still getting occasional use by the new owner.
I would bet that bike you gave away was silver in color and you probably even gave away some kind of safety kit or something. 😁
Man what an awesome video with great information! I've already looked at some bikes on Ebay and they are very affordable. Unfortunately as we talked about my Duplex is shot and so is my sleeping bag so I have make a significant investment before I can even go backpacking again. This is solid information and at some point it's going to happen!!! Thanks for the great video!!
Thanks Paul. I definitely understand about the Duplex and bag. My Duplex is getting pretty rough but I'll keep patching for a while. That's a big investment.
I just bought a 26 inch surly disk trucker it replaced the LHT but it still has the chrome molly frame
For sure don’t have to spend a ton of $$$ to get out and have a great time. This was another great video.
Thank you. Sometimes I think people get to caught up in what's trending now and forget there are lots of ways to have a great adventure. Thanks for the comment ✌
Trek 820 is still 26”. I have an old Trek Antelope I think 700. It is 26” 1990 year model. I might rebuild it but the headset is not standard. It is “drugstore bike” size which is smaller. Standard won’t press in. Also the rear spacing is narrower than standard. It has hung in the garage so long a few components need replaced. One day I will get it up and running though. Love the rigid fork and steel frame. Take care brother!
Thanks for the info Bryan. I didn't know Trek still put out a 26". If I continue to ride this bike a rigid fork would be next. Take care ✌
I agree that 26" bikes are still very capable bikes. My wife and I both own older Specialized MTB bikes. I bought a 1999 Specialized FSR Sport and she bought a Specialized Myka not sure what year it is. We use them to keep up with our kids around town and at the bike park. I installed a PNW Gen 3 Range handlebar with ergonomic grips, 50mm stem with 30 degree rise, new middle chain ring and Cloud 9 seat. The previous owner had the LBS install Michelin Country Rock gravel tires with new tubes, serviced the suspension and drive train. I paid $250 for a bike that looks gently used and rides better than any new bike I have ever owned. I will keep it and upgrade the suspension when the time comes for replacement. The V brakes stop so, hard they will literally put you over the handle bars if you aren't holding on tight. I love the older bikes because they are from my Era. I grew up in the 70's and 80's. Great video!
Hi Gregory. It sounds like your Specialized is a great bike. Thanks for sharing. ✌
I never thought of you as a Pink Floyd guy Tony. 😀
Good old 70s music.
Hey Tony, that is one sweet looking bicycle. Thanks for the very informative video. I agree that marketing has taken over the world. A lot of what we see on bicycles today is nothing more than a money grab by the industry to make the public think newer is better and faster. Take hydraulic disk brakes for an example. They are more expensive, complex, harder too repair, and the pads wear out quicker than rim brakes. Never have a problem stopping on my 1985 Fuji Opus 3 (even in the rain). I will do a video on that beautiful bike some day. Excellent video Tony. Take care and stay safe my friend, Steve
PS. I'll never forget sitting in an outdoor restaurant in Vienna with a group of business people including one gentleman from Bordeaux France. He considered himself to be a wine expert because of where he was born. I guess that would make me a doctor since I was born in a hospital. Of course he was the one to approve (or not) a fresh bottle of very expensive wine. After the waiter popped open the bottle, handed him the cork for his close examination. Poured the gentleman a sample of the wine, Pierre held the glass up, swished the dark red liquid around the glass. Took a small sample of the liquid into his mouth. With a heavy french accent, he then proclaimed, "This wine need good marketing". He sent the expensive bottle back and ordered the cheaper house Red which we all enjoyed. This has nothing to do with bicycles other than more expensive is not always better.
Oh yeah! I'm not a big fan of hydraulic brakes. I owned a Yeti mountain bike that had Sram 4 piston hydraulic brakes that were a pain in the back side! Pistons sticking all the time in the calipers and levers and bleeding them was a nightmare. Now the Shimano brakes on my fatty have been worry free except for pad changes but I'm usually not fast enough to worry about my manual brakes on my other bikes. Marketing is a strong mental tool that people want to deny effects them.....but it does. Now go have a glass of wine 😉
Great advice from a sensible and experienced adventurer. I'm having a ball sorting out an old Mongoose 450 Crossway that l picked up for next to nothing.. amazing how smooth a ride it is. Certainly rivals my expensive touring bike. 🚴
It's surprising how good the ride quality is in some of the older bikes. I hope the Mongoose turns out like you have it visioned. Thanks and take care. ✌
Great video Tony where can I find those handle bars cold a windy on the katy trail yesterday was marlin a company
You should be able to find these handlebars on Ebay, Amazon, or Modern Bike.
Sunlight 5" rise handlebars
It is pretty inexpensive but a great handlebar that helps you sit more upright than most.
Marlin is one Treks line of mountain bikes. Sounds a lot like Merlin bikes who first developed the titanium frame bime.
Couple of older bikes in my garage. Barely used. Funny, I have not seen a lot of adult bikes at the yard sales this year. Thank you for the video, Tony. Stay safe and stay cool
Maybe folks are hanging on to those older bikes Sean with anticipation of getting on out there. I appreciate it buddy. ✌
Dear friend your bike looks beautiful and strong. Like you say some bikes too.much expensive. Is really necesary use too much money to buy a bike? Use that money to have drinks and good foods with friends and family. Enjoy riding, be happy 🇺🇸🙋🏽♂️🇦🇷
gracias sergio Muy sabias palabras amigo
Nice background
I've been waiting for this video! Glad to see you back to making videos! I have an old Trek mountain bike, 820 I believe, that I bought a few years ago. I ran the serial number down and according to the website that I found, the frame was manufactured in September 1986! I love riding that thing. It is in such good shape that I hate to tear it apart to build an adventure bike out of it, though! I kinda want to just leave it all original!
I debated about doing this with my Gary Fisher but I felt there was a need for this. I kept all of the original parts and it can easily be converted back to original with an hours worth of work. I haven't decided what to do with it yet because it really is fun to ride like it is. I'll figure it out soon or later. Lol ✌
@@BluecollarBackcountry I’d leave it as is and enjoy it! I have two old Trek frame sets that I have picked up for a song that I am thinking about completely redoing, Old Shovel style, and making them “all mine.” I thought about making a series out of building each one for a special trip, then taking it on that trip. Time & money have been the limiting factors so far.
That sounds like a fun series but trust me......being retired I definitely am on a tight budget.
Great Topic.
I loved my old 26 inch bikes especially my 90's Marin. Im currently on a Hybrid with 700c tires I don't off road much seeing I live in the concrete canyons of a city, at 60 years old I'm not going to be trying to be fast on a road bike (Although the 30 year old in me still wants to try😆)
I bought my bike new its a Felt Verza Speed 50 with a 8 speed its not high end and now I see lots of nice used bikes on the various sites actually my next bike was going to be a e-bike -pedal assist, but I'm getting fitter than I thought, so I might put that on hold for now I also walk-run 5k's
I don't think I would have a problem riding some longer distances on my Felt it has mounts for racks front and back, LOL the few times I need a rack I got one of those kind that clamps around the seat post, good enough for taking packages to the post office and bringing a bag or two of groceries home.
I might look into those 5 inch bars I wouldn't mind a little higher bar I imagine I would have to fit longer cables for them.
My bike and my feet are my Transportation so I do get in a lot of riding time, funny thing my part time job is delivery auto parts.
I gave up the thought of being fast a long time ago Donald. Especially with knee, neck, and back problems but the truth is I really enjoy my pace and I have a wonderful time. Thanks for your comment. Atb, Tony ✌
@@BluecollarBackcountry
I got a bit of arthritis myself but the walking and bicycling helps a lot.
Forgot love the Pink Floyd Music 👍
HEY IT MY LIME MINDED FUN LOVING FRIEND TONY !!!! 🤩🤗🥰
Howie Cohen 😉
I love the ride of a Trek, even though I only have owned 1 and resold it because it was just too large a frame for me to ride comfortably. I rode a Trek that was a friends for a couple weeks while animal sitting for him and fell in love with it. Actually planned on purchasing one ( had to be used because they don’t manufacture that model anymore in same style). Life has had me on such a flipping roller coaster 🎢 just hasn’t happened yet.
My last acquisition of the Giant is a bust. I did a couple mod’s to it and just not satisfied for me. Of course not spending a fortune is a plus as you can just resell it and try out another.
My most favorite ride for the last several years is my 1997 Specialized Hard Rock. I named him Johnny Cash as I rebuilt him in ALL black 😂
Hey Donna. I hope all is well up there. I bet it's cooling off a bit
Ironic. Years ago i had the same model of Hard rock in black
@@BluecollarBackcountry that’s pretty cool Tony.
My first Specialized was a 26” Rock Hopper, it was nice but a bit small frame. Just didn’t fit me right
I love watching you and seeing your bike finds, bike rides and bike info.
I can’t wait to get back out there. My Sister in Law is even in on wanting to give it a go since my Brother passed last year.
Hi, I'm David, Happy New Year. Really enjoy the review of your channel and look forward to your reply to our emails, thanks.😀
I enjoy your channel, hope I can grow mine like yours
It seems like growth for us older folks is a slow grind. I've been at it for 7 1/2 years. If I had any advice it would be;
#1 Be yourself
#2 Have fun with it, don't try to make a job out of it.
I subbed by the way. All the best, Tony ✌
@@BluecollarBackcountry I started the channel when my dad passed. I love bikepacking and your advice is sound. I will keep producing videos and hope my content gets better and better. Thanks for the advice.