26 and 28 inches - differences, advantages and disadvantages of both solutions

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by our customers – why are your bikes based on 28-inch wheels? As a small manufacturer, we can't afford to produce frames for both wheel sizes, so we chose those we believe are better suited for urban use. These are the two most popular sizes in the cycling world (although 26 inches is slowly dying out – it's usually considered a youth size these days), and in the case of city bikes, practically the only ones. It's worth noting that we're talking about the most popular standards – 622 mm (28 inches) and 559 mm (26 inches). Avoid all innovations like 27, 26 x 1 3/8, etc. like this. Why? Difficulty accessing the most basic parts (tires and tubes) and rims. Women's bikes with different wheels also exist. 24 inches is a children's size – even for very short people, it will be too small. For 28-inch wheels with very wide tires, the term 29-inch is also used – however, the rims have the same diameter. A rare but noteworthy variation is women's bikes with 27.5-inch wheels. This typical MTB size allows for the creation of interesting bikes for recreational riding that perform well off-road and on dirt roads. How to choose the right wheel size for a women's bike? You'll find the answer below!

Smaller circle - what does it give?

For many years, the 26-inch standard was primarily the basis for all mountain bikes (now replaced by 29-inch wheels). Such wheels were and still are found on women's bikes – both city bikes and those designed for off-road riding. You can also find them on women's pseudo-mountain bikes from the turn of the century. However, they belong to a chapter of cycling history we'd rather forget. Is a women's bike with 26-inch wheels a good idea anyway? In some cases, yes – especially for teenagers, as a bridge between a child's size 24 and an adult size 28.

Advantages

A bike with smaller wheels can be smaller. This is especially important for shorter women. If you're under 155 cm tall, this is practically the only way to have a comfortable and proportionate bike. Furthermore, such a bike is lighter and more maneuverable, making it easier for a smaller person to control. Smaller wheels also mean less rotating mass, which translates to less effort required to accelerate the bike. Such wheels are also more resistant to direct damage, especially with wider tires.

Defects

26-inch wheels don't absorb bumps well and are more prone to getting stuck in potholes. While they're easier to accelerate, maintaining speed requires more energy. This makes the ride less relaxing in the long run than with larger wheels. For this reason, most city bikes have 28-inch wheels.

Ladies' bike on 28-inch wheels

For a hundred years, it's been the most popular wheel size on women's bikes. You'll find it on women's cross, trekking, and city bikes. Both heavy Dutch bikes and our lightweight women's bikes. This size is found on everything from cheap wheels costing a few dozen złoty to carbon models priced in the high fives. It's the most universal standard in the cycling world. But why?

Advantages of 28-inch wheels in a women's car

The biggest advantage of this solution is better bump absorption. Although they are less stiff than comparable 26-inch wheels, they are more reliable in practice. How is this possible? Here's an example. When hitting a curb, the wheel engages at a shallower angle, reducing the impact force. The same happens with all types of bumps – the bike overcomes them more gently and smoothly. Longer wheel life means greater ride comfort. Furthermore, you can achieve higher speeds and maintain them more easily. This is why our ladies' bike is equipped with 28-inch wheels. It's also worth noting that the selection of tires for 28-inch wheels is much wider, especially when it comes to asphalt models.

Do 28-inch wheels have any disadvantages?

Of course. It takes a bit more effort to "swing" the wheels at higher speeds. The bike is longer, and therefore less maneuverable. Furthermore, longer spokes are more susceptible to breakage and rims to warping, which is especially noticeable with inexpensive, machine-made models. Fortunately, an experienced wheelbuilder will ensure that these problems don't occur.

What is better?

28-inch wheels. They allow for a more dynamic ride and provide greater comfort. The answer would be absolutely clear if everyone were the same height. However, that's not the case. So if you feel insecure on larger wheels, it's worth trying 26-inch models. After all, it's not worth straining yourself for advantages you won't be able to utilize. That's why sometimes (thankfully, rarely) we regretfully can't provide the right frame – in such cases, we try to help you find a suitable model from another manufacturer, or... we can order a custom frame :)