"For the last decade, mountain-bike geometry largely followed the same script. It seemed like every year bikes got longer and slacker and we all got told that somehow a couple millimeters here and a couple of degrees there were supposed to be enough to render the bike you bought two years ago virtually obsolete. But in 2025 and looking ahead into 2026, the story is shifting. The wild experimentation phase is slowing down, and a quieter, smarter evolution is taking over."
"But it doesn't seem like they will be making the hostile takeover that some people might fear. While they will be UCI legal in 2026, don't expect them to be the norm on the bike shop floor next year. Prototypes are already circulating from some of our favorite brands, and with the UCI announcing that there will be no limit to wheel size for 2026, at the very least it means that we will likely see riders experimenting with this supposed new wheel standard."
Mountain-bike geometry is moving away from constant radical change toward measured, practical refinements that prioritize real-world performance. Reach measurements are stabilizing while stack height and seat-tube angles evolve to improve comfort and fit. Adjustability and size-specific features are becoming standard, placing rider intent over extreme specifications. Wheel-size experimentation is increasing, with 32-inch wheels emerging and UCI removing wheel-size limits for 2026, which will encourage trials. Larger wheels may resolve geometry challenges for taller riders but are unlikely to become the dominant choice for the majority of riders in the near term.
Read at BikeMag
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