converting 26 hardtail to 27,5?

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Zak
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by Zak

Hi,

I have an 26 inch hardtail where the fork needs replacement. I thought about buying an 27,5 fork and then later buy some 27,5 inch wheels. There is enough room in the frame for 27,5 inch wheels.

I want to make this convertion to have the advantage of bigger rooling wheels. But what will happen with the handling of the bike? And are there any disadvantages making this conversion when the frame is intended for 26 inch?

I'm not that tall (1.72m) and the bike is therefore a size small, if that influences anyting.

by Weenie


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numberSix
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by numberSix

Been there, done that. Please don’t waste the money. Save for a proper 29er with short chainstays (<=430mm).

I first converted the fork and front wheel. I thought it rolled over obstacles better and had more cornering traction. So I built a 27.5 rear wheel, and found a 2.2” tire that would fit. Again I thought it was better.

Then I put the 26er wheels back on, and realized the 27.5” difference was so small that it didn’t make up for the raised bottom bracket’s effect on cornering.

Then I rode a proper 29er and realized 27.5” is nowhere close in performance.

I presently have a Canyon Exceed, sized down to use a non-fashionable 120mm stem. Very impressed with modern geo, strongly recommend you go this route.

biky
Posts: 495
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by biky

Don´t do it.
Get a propper 29er!!
Tarmac SL2
Epic 2009

Marin
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by Marin

Stick with 26", 28" is for CX.

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Zak
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by Zak

Thanks for the inputs!!!

Ok, so I skipped the idea of going full 27,5 with wheels and fork on my 26 hardtail. But I still desperately need a new fork. For the same price I can get a 26 inch Rock Shox Reba 2017 fork or a 27,5 inch Fox Racing Shox 32 Float FIT4 Factory 2017 fork. The Fox fork is better, but when I run 26 inch wheels in it and fitting it on a 26 inch bike will it then mess up the handling of the bike?

Marin
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by Marin

Can you get a 26" Epicon? They aren't bad an can easily be changed from 80 to 140mm in 20mm increments. I run one on my hardtail.

Achraf
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by Achraf

Why not look for a second hand fork? 26" forks should be a bargain now... And if you buy a Bos fork, you could upgrade later to 27.5 (Bos forks are the same in 26 and 27.5)

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F45
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by F45

If you're riding for fun I'd stick with 26. And please don't think the Fox 32 is a "better" fork. It's a noodle and has poor small bump characteristics. I see lots of 26 options on the German websites.

by Weenie


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