26 INCH BIKES
26 inch wheel bikes are hard to come by these days. The jump from 24 to 27.5 inch wheels can be big so its great that some companies have stayed the course and kept 26 alive. Here we take a look at those 26 inch bikes that rule trips to school, soccer practice and light trail use.
Prevelo Alpha 5 MkIII
The 2025 Prevelo Apha 24 inch bike is a perfect build for 9-13 year olds that want MTB optionality. So much has been refined in this re-design and they still managed to knock it down in weight! Promax hydraulic disc brakes, wider 1.95 inch tires (capable of 2.2 inch!), narrow-wide chain and chainring, sealed bearings everywhere, clutch derailleur, bottle/storage mounts, tubeless tire compatibility and new 11-38 cassette make this one of the best all round neighborhood/rigid mountain bikes.
Weight: 21.5 lbs | MSRP: $859 US | Min-Max inseam: 25"-30" | Where to buy: Prevelo
Guardian 26
The 26 inch wheel Guardian rounds out the line with the same Surestop braking system. Great for casual riders that want that one lever to actuate both the front and rear brake while limiting the over the bars scenrio. Steel frame, 7pds and great geometry make this a great pick for the 10-14 year old.
Weight: 26.8 lbs | MSRP: $549 | Min-Max Rider height: 54"-64" | Where to buy: Guardian
Trek Wahoo 26
Nice hybrid syle bike with 1X8 spd drivetrain (11-34T). The alloy frame and build is light weight and a nice geometry for multi-surface riding. Quality V-Brakes, 1.95 inch tires and 152 mm cranks...well done Trek.
Weight: 22 lbs | MSRP: $549 USD | Min-Max Rider height: 57"-63" | Where to buy: Trek
