A Realization in Yesterday's Bike Shop Hopping

Yesterday, I joined Onad, Bonnielee, and Eric in a bike shop tour around the Pasong Tamo (Chino Roces) and Cartimar areas. We dropped by Dan's Bike Shop to check out their sale. I was able to score a Fox 2XL shirt(which I discovered was too big for me) for less than P400.00. We also raided Goyo's Bike Town, the Specialized Concept Store, Lifecycle, and Sabak. After lunch, we drove to Cartimar and visited Paulina's, Ross, Velo City, and Cristy's.

In the end, I got a big shirt, Eric got a new Camelbak hydration bladder, and Onad was able to have his brother's Fox TALAS fork serviced (on the same day). Bonnielee was the winner. He bought a pair of DT Swiss 26-inch wheelsets on sale, the latest Shimano Deore XT gruppo sans the brakes, a pair of Kenda Nevegals, inner tubes, and skewers.

I haven't done bike shop hopping in a long time. It's great to see that there are more choices now.

My sad realization is that the 26-inch wheel is dying. I know a lot of people are still using it including myself, but the supplies are getting scarcer. The once glorious wheelsets are now placed at the back of the shop. The tires are now at the bottom of the pile, if there are still some left.

I know I don't need to upgrade. My bikes are fine the way they are. But in a few years, I may not have any choice.

:(

Comments

Sad truth that as time passes by, and with the introduction to the new wheel sizes such as the 29inch and 27.5s(650B)... parts and components for our beloved 26inch rigs start to get scarcer and lesser.

I agree, maybe in the next few years 26inch wheels will be totally gone, making our bike frame obsolete. The same thing with the slow extinction of straight steerer forks, especially in the higher-tier of suspension fork brands.
justin said…
Wow, I didn't know about that or maybe i just don't have some money to do shop hopping lol. thanks you for sharing i will save some money now to upgrade my mtb.
Unknown said…
I am a newbie bike owner I didnt know about change on tire sizes. Thanks, atleast now I could prepare myself.
Unknown said…
I am a newbie bike owner I didnt know about change on tire sizes. Thanks, atleast now I could prepare myself.