01/01/2026
Patrick Marshall siad it best: 26” bikes for 2026.
We couldn’t agree more.
Before mountain bikes splintered into multiple (read: larger) wheel sizes, dropper posts, disc brakes, and electronic drivetrains, they were just bikes—modified cruisers ridden hard by folks like Charlie Kelly, Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, and Wende Cragg bombing down mountains in Marin in the ’70s. Then in 1981, Specialized Bicycles lit the fuse with the Specialized Stumpjumper —and mountain biking went mainstream.
When our shop opened in 1988, all-terrain bikes were already in our DNA. That soft spot never left. (We’re building up an early Stumpjumper in the shop right now.)
Why 26”-wheeled bikes still matter: they’re quick, lively, and connected. They have easily adjustable rim brakes and serviceable bearings. They were built to be used—and many still are, decades later. Add the ’90s era flair—wild paint, anodized bits, component jewelry—and suddenly the hunt is half the fun.
For 2026, we’re making these bikes an intentional focus at Bayou. Think Ringlé, Kooka, Cook Brothers, Syncros, Salsa, Race Face… plus a serious stash of vintage Shimano XT and XTR. We’ll have it on display in the coming days. Come check it out.
And if you’ve got an old 26er gathering dust: all it may take are a few smart upgrades (grips, tires, saddle) and a proper tune to make it fun (and safe) again. Trade-ins welcome too—we need to be selective given our storage limitations, but always happy to help point you in the right direction.
Case in point: Patrick M. rolled in with a vintage Specialized in full Saved by the Bell paint glory. He bolted on some Nitto bullmoose bars, SimWorks tires and cables, a Brooks England saddle, Paul Component Engineering brake levers, XTR drivetrain components, and rode out grinning ear to ear. That’s exactly why we’re excited to stock these vintage parts that still have so much life in them.
So yes. 26” bikes for 2026.
We’re here for it. 🚲 And Happy New Year. 🤙