Best 26-inch bike

Not all bikes are the same. Instead, interested buyers will find a large number of different types of bicycles in specialist shops, so the choice is not easy. The most widespread is the Citybike, also called city bike. It is characterized by a stable construction and offers all important safety features. In addition, many cycling fans appreciate the low entrance and the pleasant riding feeling of the Citybikes. The latter is mainly due to the upright sitting position and the relatively thick tyres that keep the wheel on track even on uneven surfaces. The city bike is not only suitable for everyday cyclists who travel a lot in the city with their 26-inch bike, but also for all those who are looking for a reliable bike for their leisure time. Those who like to make stony off-road rides in the great outdoors will make the right choice with a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have a coarse, very non-slip tread pattern and offer good suspension. If only the front wheel is suspended, the expert speaks of “Hardtail”. If the rear wheel has additional suspension, the product description contains the term “Fully”. A good compromise between city and mountain biking is the trekking bike. It is equally suitable for the city as for excursions into nature – as long as the ground is level and solid. The Trekkingbike is equipped with a slim frame and rather thin tires. In terms of comfort, it lies behind the Citybike, but the trekking bike also enables high speeds.

In addition to city, mountain and trekking bikes, specialist dealers also offer numerous other bike types. However, the racing bike is only for ambitious recreational athletes who want to undertake extensive, fast cycling tours. Racing bikes are very light and usually have many gears – bell, stand and lighting, however, you look in vain, so the bikes are not suitable for everyday traffic. The popular e-bikes, which are equipped with a battery-operated electric motor and have speeds of up to 25 km/h, are quite different. They are not only very popular with senior citizens, but also with recreational drivers and commuters.

When you buy a 26-inch bike, you have the choice between two different braking systems. With the rim brake, the brake rubbers are located directly on the rim. Although they have a lower braking force than disc brakes, they are particularly easy to maintain. Provided that the rim brakes are correctly adjusted, they also wear out only very slowly. Disc brakes heat up faster, so wear is higher. Repair and maintenance are also more costly as the brakes are difficult to access. Nevertheless, disc brakes have numerous advantages. They allow very powerful, sudden braking manoeuvres and do not lose any of their braking power even in the wet. At least as important as the question of the braking system is the type of shifting. The classic derailleur system is characterised by its low weight and its variety of gears. It is also possible to switch down quickly without any problems. Unfortunately, the derailleur is very susceptible to wear and tear and requires a lot of maintenance. The hub gears are completely different: they are low-wear and low-maintenance and are not affected by wetness.

It is worth taking care when buying a 26-inch bike and taking various criteria into account. The decision for or against a particular type of bicycle is just as important as the comparison of the various braking and shifting systems.