Rear wheels are a great component for your bikes. Now we will give you an in-depth introduction to 26 single speed rear wheel. We will also talk about the types, advantages, price point, the frame material, wheel size, and a complete buying guide as your guide.
- Part 1: A Detailed Introduction to 26″ Single Speed Wheels
- Part 2: Different Types of Single Speed Wheels
- Part 3: What Are the Advantages of Single Speed Rear Wheels
- Part 4: Buying Guide of Single Speed Rear Wheels
Part 1: A Detailed Introduction to 26″ Single Speed Wheels
A bike is made of many components, and while beginners need to learn all about their bikes, it is also essential for them to learn a little about their bikes’ components as well. One such component is the wheel. Wheels play an integral role in the smoothness of rides. Wheels affect the speed and efficiency of your bike and how it feels to ride.
There are several kinds of wheels, and we will be breaking down all the types later in the article. But first, let’s talk about 26 single speed rare wheels. These wheels are now found in mountain bikes for beginners or older mountain bikes with a small frame. Other than that, these single speed wheels can also be seen on bikes for dirt jumping. These wheels go way back in the history of biking. Approximately a hundred years ago, they were supposed to be the standard for American made cruisers, but as time passed and things evolved, they became the most famous wheels for mountain bikes and are to date.
These wheels are ideal for mountain bikes. They are full sized wheels and can very efficiently work with folding bikes too. As the name suggests, these wheels have been named 26 inch single speed wheels because of the approximate outer diameter (2″ by width) of the tire that perfectly fits the size of the wheel. Single speed wheels provide an exceptional proportion between swift rolling and increased resilience. On off-road adventures, your wheels are more susceptible to damage. You will be crashing because there will be roots, rocks, and all kinds of obstacles out there on the trails, so make sure you choose the right size and right type of wheel which is not easily punctured and not hard to maintain.
Part 2: Different Types of Single Speed Wheels
You can find the Single speed wheels in any bike, be it a gravel bike, a mountain bike, or even a road bike. These wheels can have different sizes, but the standard for a mountain bike has been 26″ for decades. However, 29er and 650b wheels have somewhat taken their place now, but 26″ single-speed wheels remain the best. These single speed wheels come in different types. We will discuss all those in detail below.
You can transform your bike into a single speed by yourself, or you can buy already built wheels. Hand-built Single speed wheels can be heavy on the pocket, but we will get to that later in the article.
Notorious 50mm Carbon:
The first type of single speed wheels that we will talk about are called Notorious 50mm Carbon. This wheelset is very common. You will find people using them everywhere. It does not matter if it is a skinny tube steel cruiser or an aluminium race machine. These wheels make every bike look awesome. They come with sealed bearing hubs. You might want to get your hands on this bike if you are looking for something faster. With its carbon fiber rims, you will be able to cut through the air and save energy.
Track Disc:
The next wheel on our list is the Track Disc and it does not come in a pair. You might have seen a lot of big names using this rear disc wheel. The only reason is that this wheel is fast and is the best choice for those who want to race against the wind. The disc of this wheel is made out of carbon fiber, and its weight is approximately 1300 grams which is lighter than other wheels. Track disc wheels are also available in a tubular model. If you are someone who wants more comfort, then go for the tubular version. It will provide that cushioning effect.
5 Spoke:
Now that we have talked about the rear wheel, it is time to talk about the front wheel. This 5 spoke wheel is perfect to compliment your Track Disc rear wheel because it is equally fast. Using a disc wheel on the front is not a good idea as it will make steering difficult for you. They come with ceramic bearings as well. The only issue with these wheels is that they are not suitable for bad weather so you might want to buy them only if you live somewhere where the weather is nice.
86mm Carbon Wheels:
Next up, we have 86mm wheels. These wheels are specially designing for track racing. These wheels are stiff, and because they are 86mm deep, you will not feel like you are riding the bike. The bike flows itself. These wheels are made up of T700 Carbon fiber, and that makes them pretty light weight for their aero rim. Their weight is quite similar to that of Aluminum wheels.
The Lo Pro Classic:
The last one on our list is these classic wheels. They have 32 spokes that make it easier for them to glide above the potholes on the trails. These wheels work great with steel tube fixed gear bikes and are a perfect upgrade for an off-shelf fixed gear bike. They also have sealed bearings, which make them solid and long lasting that too in less amount of money. These wheels are perfect for commuter bikes. They are great for the long run. You won’t have to do their servicing every other month.
Part 3: What Are the Advantages of Single Speed Rear Wheels
Strength is one of the biggest advantages of the 26 rear wheels Single speed. They have wider spokes spacing with a symmetrical hub which makes them stronger.
Another advantage is speed. On average if you combine your morning and evening commutes, you will see that a single speed bike covers a distance of 19 km at an average speed of 21.05 km/h in 54 minutes and 19 seconds, which is pretty good.
These wheels are ideal for women riders as well. You find 26 single speed rear wheels in purple and black mtb, which especially designs for women, and it looks super cool as well.
Part 4: Buying Guide of Single Speed Rear Wheels
If you are a beginner, you must worry about buying nice single-speed wheels for your bike. This buying guide will help you understand what you need and what will work best for you. We have made this guide easy for you by breaking it down into three parts. Part one will explain the frame material for your bike. The next part will describe the size of your bike’s wheels, and the last part is most important and will explain the price points. It will focus on all the aspects of single speed and the advantages they bring. So, let us begin!
Frame Material:
The first thing that comes to mind while looking for a bike is, “which frame material should you choose?” So, we have four types of frame materials for mountain bikes. Aluminum, carbon, titanium, and steel. The frame is the backbone of a bike, and your selection of frame material should depend upon its relative attributes and strengths. First of all, let’s talk about steel frames. Steel is quite infamous because of its density. Steel frames are the heaviest (per cubic inch) out of these four materials. But nowadays, manufacturers have started fabricating lighter steel frames with the same strength and quality. Steel frames are cost-effective and reliable. Steel frames are the right fit for your bike if you are looking for better tube design, frame longevity, and professional welding at lower prices.
Aluminum
Next up, we have Aluminum. Aluminum is the lightest material (per cubic inch) after carbon. In the biking industry, there is a high demand for Aluminum frames. They are stiff in design. Aluminum frames are solid. Aluminum lacks natural stretch, which means manufacturers use more material to make the tubes enduring. But because Aluminum is so light, the extra material does not add up to the weight. However, the added material stiffens the frame making it much more durable. Aluminum does not cost much, so these frames are pretty affordable as well. Buying an Aluminum frame will leave you with enough money to invest in other higher quality components.
Carbon
Carbon is not a metal. Rather it is a combination of fibers and epoxy. Most of the World Cup Racers are seen riding these Carbon bikes. Carbon is the lightest material of all four. Its fabrication is complicated, which makes it the most expensive bike frame. Carbon does not stretch naturally and lacks elongation, and that is the biggest flaw of Carbon frames. Nowadays, Carbon frames are all the rage because they are the strongest and the lightest. But, with increasing fame, their prices are increasing as well. Carbon frames are here to stay! If you are a newbie, they might not interest you but if you are an advanced level biker and looking for something good to invest in, in the long run then you should definitely get carbon frame as they are beneficial for you.
Titanium
Lastly, we have Titanium Frames. Only a few manufacturers used the titanium . It is the lightest of all four materials but the processing of Titanium frames requires advanced welding methods, which makes them the most expensive and heavy frames. Although titanium is available in abundance on the earth’s crust, its extraction is an expensive method. That also adds up to the price. The only advantage of Titanium frames is that they provide a smooth, vibration-damped ride. If money is not the problem, you can go for the Titanium frames.
Wheel Size:
Today MTBs are available in three sizes as, we have formerly discussed. 26″, 27.5″, and 29″. Now we will discuss the benefits, feel, and characteristics of these wheel sizes.
27.5 inches is suitable for those who want a bike that can get off the ground without any problem. It will provide you with speed and a playful feel. You will be able to glide through the obstacles quickly. They are the better choice for smaller riders.
29 inches is suitable for those who prefer speedy bikes, which are versatile. These wheels are more stable and provide your rides with a feeling of confidence. They have better momentum and will hold speed for longer. They can roll over obstacles smoothly and are a better option for beginners.
26 inches are lighter in comparison to the other two sizes. Because of being smaller, they provide fast reaction time on difficult trails. They also provide better strength.
Price Point:
Many factors affect the prices of these wheels. As we discussed the frames above, we saw how materials cause an increase in the price of bikes. The same goes for the wheels. The prices depend upon the material and company. Then there is hand-built wheels and machine-made wheels situation. Hand-built wheels cost more because they are fine products, while machine-made wheels are much more economical. It mainly depends upon the kind of bike you have. So, the final verdict is that these wheels could cost anywhere from $25 to $2000.
We hope this article was helpful and cleared everything about 26 inch single speed rear wheel.
