No Surprise that 26" ATBs are Experiencing a Resurgence

My blinged-out Specialized Hard Rock and commuter/winter-ready Peugeot St. Laurent.

The resurgence of 26" ATB bikes has been dominating conversations and predictions in 2026. Due to the rising cost of new bikes, tariff-affected component prices, and weirdly complicated internal routing, electronic shifting - you name it - there's a distinct backlash against new bicycles. Combine that with a demographic shift to Gen Y and Z interest - buying used, like their preference for second-hand clothing - the buzz is centered around taking older bikes and converting them into usable, trendy transportation: think baskets, swoopy handlebars, colored grips, and wider/all-terrain tires. 

In fact, in 2026 there are more 26" tires available than five years ago. 1980-90s bicycles are still found in garage sales, your parents' basement, Ebay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. The steel rigid mountain bike is easy to work on, upgradeable, accepts fenders, and can be converted to a cargo bike. Bicycle co-ops recondition and resell them for a reason. Our local non-profit, Old Spokes Home, specializes in rigid mountain bikes and will even customize one for you from the frame up, if that's your thing.

This interest is not lost on me, of course. I've owned and toured extensively on a 1986 Trek Antelope, and despite owning several bicycles, I will always prefer the elongated comfort of a sturdy older bike for many types of riding. I now own two!

(And don't get me started on the fiddly Presta valve trend - wish that one would disappear in favor of Schraeder valves for their strength and ease of use.👍)

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - Great Utility, and Then Some!

1993 Specialized Hard Rock Ultra: unique pink and purple fade.

I didn't know I would replace my much loved Trek Antelope so soon! I have always admired 1980-1990s rigid mountain bikes for their relaxed geometry and utility - they make great all around bikes, whether that's commuting, touring, riding with family or, in colder climates are adept as winter beaters - add studded tires and don't worry too much because it's an old bike. Added bonus: frames are upgradeable with new components.

Amazing shape for a 30 year old frame! I feel very lucky.

Our youngest son is a bike mechanic at a shop that accepts bikes and parts donations - they rehab older bikes for resale or to help lower income folks get decent transportation at nominal cost. I happened to mention months ago that if he ever came across a certain model and color in my preferred 20" size, then give a holler, expecting it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Granola handle bars set a little higher than my seat. Stem is at maximum height. I expect there will be tweaks down the road like a taller stem or bars with more rise, non-traditional fenders, etc.

I got a text and photo while I was just starting a solitary mountain bike weekend. "Hey mom, look what I found." When he said it was in great shape, it didn't take long to give him the green light. I was ecstatic of course, thinking about the possibilities, then, if I'm honest, wondering how I could personally justify this new addition, bringing what I thought was a perfect number of bicycles from 4 back to 5.

From August to November we started collecting parts. I bought the VO Granola bars as an alternative, though aligning width-wise with much loved Soma Oxford and Ritchey Kyote bars. Had the VO Crazy bars been narrower, that would've been my first choice. I also chose a loved saddle - the Terry Topo - at least for starters. 

Between our son's knowhow, sourcing new and used parts, and my industry discount - I work for Terry Bicycles - we saved money, and honestly I wouldn't have considered this project on my own otherwise. 
 

He put together a 2X assortment of components that would play nice together. The only hiccup was configuring the V-Brake setup, necessitating ordering a top tube clamp to correctly guide the rear brake cable. He also added his signature two colored spoke nipples, bordering the valve, when building wheels.

Immediate riding impression: I felt at home! I've missed this kind of comfort, 2" plush tires, and diamond frame. I immediately transferred the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for needed utility, and more recently, repainted an older, discontinued Blackburn Mountain rack, installing it fairly easily - saved from the Trek Antelope, so that old beauty lives on through this recent reincarnation. And, I have now fulfilled a dream of owning a purple bike!

Rack and my commuter pannier makes this bike more useful.

And I shouldn't have worried about the Hard Rock's place in my collection. Shortly after acquiring the frame, my husband and I rode a rugged Northern Rail Trail where my Rachel, unfortunately in her current setup, wasn't the best choice. I kept thinking how the Hard Rock would be a perfect complement, lending comfort to rough terrain.

For those seeking build details...

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - a Surprise Find

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra, my new gravel tourer?

I didn't intend to add a Specialized Hard Rock to a perfect number of bicycles - four - all with distinct characteristics, but I have missed the Trek 830 Antelope's amazing utility, a bike I parted with in 2020 because of poor fit. 

I'd never seen this colorway until @Bobbinnsprocket on Instagram built one up for herself. Since then, it's been on my radar. The color and style also satisfied my goals to one day own a purple bike - half purple is close enough - and paired with pink is stunning.

Our younger son is a bike mechanic and spotted the bike soon after it arrived at his workplace. The rest is history. He stripped it, knowing (his way of insisting) I might like to build the Hard Rock from a blank slate.

The frame condition is remarkable for it's age - I believe it's a 1993 vintage. While the gorgeous frame would lend itself to a resto-mod build, I plan to reuse parts from my stash, triple crank set, and including a Blackburn rear rack with around-the-world patina. I also like the looks of Denham handlebars or VO Crazy Bars, but will attempt a DIY approach, perhaps using bar ends strategically and safely placed on a curved riser bar. It's the utility that matters the most to me.

Wide Gumwall tires should lend comfort on hand-built rims - our son's surprise gift. 

Since I'm not in a hurry, and with my son's guidance, I plan to put it together myself - first time for everything!

I envision this bicycle as a dirt road, rail trail, touring rig. Perhaps without fenders.

Cable guides need cleaning.

How to begin? Our son says he starts with wheels. In the meantime, I have specific grips and pedals in mind. I'd love to reuse the Shimano thumbshifters - so classy - but I know my hands won't tolerate the required strength to move them easily anymore. Easy to adjust V-brakes win out over cantilevers. The rest will sort itself out under the mechanic's tutelage.

Reimagining a Randor Terrain Buster Mountain Bike

 

Randor Terrain Buster, a tank in this condition.

Our son recently acquired his grandfather's bicycle, a Randor Terrain Buster. A Randor? Both my son and I Googled the brand, only coming up with several Randor BMX bikes, but there is a distinct lack of information on this particular model. We knew it was most likely some low end department store brand, possibly that didn't catch on in a sea of  better equipped Treks, Bridgestones, Marins, Gary Fishers, etc. What caught my son's eye, I presume, was the slack 80's geometry, square fork crown, and bullmoose handlebar. The clean frame - nary a scratch - made it all the more attractive for the bicycle's age. I'd been eyeballing the bike for years, and enough time has passed since my father left this world, that my brother was finally willing to part with it. 

Initial inspection in the basement, our son loved the head badge, "Randor Par Excellence". He removed the wide sprung saddle, composed of at least 20 small steel springs. It must've weighed 5 lbs.! He discovered the steel wheels, and at first glance liked the pattern stamped on the brakes. He noted the rack had to go. My son had a vision, but he's a man of few words.

I figured it would make a great simplified commuter bike for him - he already had 26" winter studded tires. I didn't doubt he would fix up the bike to his satisfaction; what I couldn't foresee was all the amazing details and effort he would put into his grandfather's bicycle to make it his own.

The gorgeous Terrain Buster! 

The bicycle disappeared for a month, stored at the shop where he's a bike mechanic. Without updates along the way - I think he wanted to surprise me - he'd come home late almost every evening. He stripped the bike to the frame and fork, in the end those were the only original parts - as he built wheels, had eyelets brazed by a coworker, set up a dynamo front wheel, added cantilever brakes, and red bling up the wazoo! His coworkers affectionately called it the "Terrain Buster" - one of those silly names for mountain bikes (like my Trek Antelope) that made you laugh. I never imagined the effort he would put into a seemingly low end frame, yet like his other bikes, he spares no expense.

I have to admit, the end result is sweet!

He is not stopping there, it seems. There are and will be more improvements. He's since swapped the brakes for ones with more efficient braking. He's considering a handle bar extension to lift the bars a bit higher. Technically, the frame is too small for him. He's continually learning and experimenting.

I know my father would've been proud of his grandson.

2020 Rewind

Rolling into 2020, I knew our lives would change - plans were underway to relocate to a new home by May/June, which eventually happened, so it has been a bittersweet year. In fact, for most of 2020 I've been full of gratitude.

I spent January and February bike commuting to work, per usual, not minding the cold but wary and careful of slick surfaces. Looking down the road, I was mentally and physically prepared for a future double-the-length commute, and in fact I applauded a challenge, primarily because of cycling on a flat, car-free path with Lake Champlain views.

"Furloughed" in March, I busied myself with old and new home tasks and regularly checked in with my mother's household. I exchanged regular commuting miles for bicycle challenges to keep the wheels turning - a savior in an upside down year: Burlington Historical signs, Visit Little Free Libraries, visit Burlington Parks, and my annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. 

2020 was also full of wrenching, getting to projects earlier than anticipated. In April I upgraded my Clementine, swapping handle bars and tires, and a bit later dismantled the Trek Antelope, plus swapped the Peugeot commuter's bars for a more swept back version.

Along with new home sewing projects, I took a deep dive into more creative bikey things. I researched and figured out how to repair old panniers, added a custom bar bag to the Dahon, sewed 3 stem bags, and had fun with a pink reflective vest.

Bicycles and the freedom they provide took on special meaning in a socially distant, brave new world. I was thankful to ride the folding bike for transportation and exercise - or any bike at all - due to a thumb injury, but the Dahon's grip shifters allowed me carefree miles. After a wonderful staycation, quite unexpectedly, I purchased my first hardtail mountain bike, a Trek Marlin 7, in September. The bike added a new dimension to fall foliage rides and avoiding crowded MUPs: meandering in nearby wooded trails alone or with my new dirt-loving, live-in buddy. I'm dreaming of future adventures aboard the Trek. It's bizarre (fortuitous?) that I replaced one Trek bicycle with another in the same year! I have the desire to keep on trucking throughout a Vermont winter - even without a regular commute - recently adding studded shoes on my Peugeot St. Laurent.

For so many, 2020 has been tough, We're fortunate to have secure housing and plenty of food. But it has taught us to be humble, to be giving, and be thankful. Though I'm still seeking a safe employment situation, learning and creativity has been my salvation on top of regular cycling. I've completed an intro to Excel class and have started a personal project, tailored to track my bicycle mileage and specific statistics. 

And, somewhere amidst all the life changes, I almost overlooked two milestones: I've been blogging for 10 years and surpassed 3000+ riding miles in 2020. 

Be well friends.

Dedicated Winter Bike 2.0

A dusting of snow has already coated our cycling paths. It has melted, but it's got me thinking about riding throughout the winter again because, at some point, snow will be here to stay - if we're lucky and I hope we are - it also means enough coverage to ski in local parks.

After getting rid of a too small Trek Antelope earlier in 2020 that served for two years as a practice winter bike, (never tried studded tires) I'm ready - I think - for the next step.

I've spent some time pondering exactly what that next bike should be: Do I want a lean maintenance-free machine, converting my step-through Peugeot into a 365 Bike and use currently owned 26" studded tires? I also have an extra wheelset, which means I could swap wheels when needed, though in reality the hassle wouldn't be worth it. Or, I could purchase a cheap single speed fat bike - I've always loved the comfort of cushiony 4" tires. But the coolest thing ever - to be honest I'm dreaming big - would be a 20" fatter tired bike like the Velo Orange Neutrino. which might cone in handy for multimodal commuting, using our local bus service. 

After all my internal ramblings, I've decided to slap the studded tires on the Peugeot St. Laurent and try it out for the snow season. If that's successful, then eventually I might have Old Spokes Home convert the bike into a 365 bike - the model is a perfect candidate.

Dedicating the Peugeot to winter duty still allows a range of perfectly suitable bikes for the rest of the year: skinny-tired fender-less Peugeot UO 14 for fair weather rides, Dahon Boardwalk, and with safe bike parking, the Rivendell Clem could also work. All are unique bicycles that would be efficient commuters (plus give me a variety of riding styles).

I think I answered my own question.

After another snowfall that has lingered for days, I was ready to get out there. Today I mounted the studded tires and rode in more fresh snow that started the moment I left home and continued for the entire 8 miles I was outside! To be honest, it's helpful that I primarily ride on flat trails.

I had so much fun. I can do this!  

Le Peug with studded tires. I removed the front basket for better visibility while using a front mounted light, and sporting an older set of small panniers.

Burlington Parks Challenge

Potvin Park

On the heels of completing Burlington's Little Free Libraries quest, I vowed to visit all 31 designated Burlington city parks. Nothing like a prepared list to follow! The adventure sparked interest in our family: my son and his girlfriend are nearing completion. My husband also wanted to join so we began our own quest together, took a breather in June-July while we moved, and finished in late August.

Our first day, I took the opportunity to also test recently installed albatross handle bars on my Clementine (keepers!). We visited 10 parks. Highlights included tiny Potvin Park with it's local art and colorful Adirondack chair, Quarry Natural Area with very vocal frogs, and Crescent Woods, a ravine type park - never knew this park existed!

Crescent Woods

Quarry Natural Area.

Quarry Natural Area frogs.

For a while, because I had the inclination to keep moving, I visited a few parks on my own. Thankfully, my husband found renewed interest in early August, as we rode together, revisiting places I had soloed. I was delighted to be pedaling together again, carrying on meaningful conversation that only cycling or outdoor exercise lends itself to.

Recently renovated Roundhouse Park.

,

Ledge Road Overlook, an odd underused space tucked between neighborhoods. I can't locate any historical info online.

Our last day was comprised of strategic planning to finish visiting the last 7 of 31 total city parks. From lake shore to hillside visits, to river bottom land, I was pretty tired later when we arrived home at dusk. Of special note, Ledge Road Overlook Park appeared to be an old homestead with remaining standing fireplace. A tucked away plot - maybe donated to the city once upon a time - but I cannot locate any information online. 

Now that this challenge is behind me, my husband asked me what my next goal is. Would I now ride to all Cochester's parks? Truth is, it seems I'm content with this limbo we've found ourselves in for the foreseeable future. Stasis in any other time could be a recipe for unhappiness -  I used to scheme vacations a year ahead. Now it feels okay to live in the present: I'm looking forward to a upcoming in-state adventure with my husband, to creating another bicycle bag, to refurbishing some furniture for our new home, all the while slowly looking for a new work position. And, before we know it, coffeeneuring will be upon us, so there's that outdoor adventure to look forward to.

It never ends...

And why oh why am I searching Craigslist, drawn to find a pink/purple Specialized Hardrock Ultra or a GT frame of the same era? I've certainly gravitated to step through bicycles, but on some level I miss the utility and lightness of my Trek Antelope, or is it because I want another bike to fix up to keep my unemployed self busier?

Bye Bye Trek 830 Antelope

Too small frame, no longer fitting anyone in our family.

Over several sessions, I broke down my once beloved Trek 830 Antelope, kept parts that might come in handy on our other old mountain bikes, and donated the frame to Old Spokes Home, where magic happens and they will rebuild it back up again for someone to use as transportation. 

I haven't seen this bike without a rack since 1985.

 Deore LX derailleur looks to still be in good shape.

Letting the crank and sprockets go with the bike.

In 1994 all the original Suntour components were replaced with the recommended Shimano group set, in preparation for our around the world journey.  As I lovingly dismantled the bike, I noted that the only thing still original were the stem and handlebars - a testament to how long these old mountain bikes can last and why they still make wonderful commuter bikes.

I have no regrets - how liberating to part with an ill fitting bicycle!

I'm now down to a manageable 4 bicycles.

Ideas for 2020

Until a month ago, our focus in 2020 was moving in May, adjusting to a longer bike commute, and life situation, with my husband transitioning to part-time work. We presume events will still happen - just a little later than expected.

Priorities may look different, of course, with travel likely postponed. Instead, I'm planning to focus my energy on Miss Clementine's makeover this year.

• Explore a new upright bar setup, possibly using a removable face plate (that I bought last year and is shorter reach). I love the svelte look of Albatross bars, but I'm also considering Velo Orange Curvy or Granola bars. Alternative hand positions are just as important as bars with less rise (or no rise) than Rivendell's Boscos currently fixed on Clementine. After 3 years, I need to make a change. With two stems  and 2 types of bars (Curvy One and Granola?), I will have options and may put the unused bar on my Peugeot St. Laurent commuter bike. I've found whatbars.com to be very helpful.
• I've been having discomfort using thumbshifters on my winter bike, but once I transitioned to the Peugeot for spring commutes, shifting has been easier/smoother, so for now I'll leave thumbies on the Clem. 
• I need to redo racks! After the Racktime Topit failed on a WTF adventure, I'm rethinking how best to setup the Clem for tours by shifting racks between bikes, hopefully saving another expense.  
• Less of a priority is switching tires. Although current 2" wide tires are functional and perform well on dirt, they are sluggish on paved roads. Visually, I dislike black tires. I may replace them with 1.75" gumwall Paselas.

I plan to also dismantle the Trek Antelope this year as it no longer fits me well. I will save many of her accessories and components to be used as back-up for the Peugeot commuter, including the wheels that will live on as extra wheel set with studded tires, making safe winter riding on the Peugeot as easy as swapping wheels!

What's on your bike agenda in 2020?

Thankful for QCBC Wrench Series

How to work on your bike in good company? Attend a weekly Queen City Bike Club Maintenance Night! New this winter, when it's too cold or snowy to hold the usual club ride and later gathering at Zero Gravity, you can attend an open session at Old Spokes Home to address any bike issues. Guided by a lady staff mechanic, I showed up to clean my Trek Antelope's drive train, popping the chain into an ultrasonic cleaner, plus replaced the right shifting cable and housing. The next session is in another week or so and with scarily soft brakes, that's the next item on my agenda.

It's great to have dedicated time to get some much needed maintenance done.

If Money Were No Object - Optimal Bike Setups

What would you do if you had endless resources to upgrade a current bike versus purchasing a new one?

I was thinking the other day, what would my dream setups consist of and if I could replace my existing bike, what would I choose? I've already figured I could get by with only three bikes *.

Dahon Boardwalk
The Dahon is almost there in terms of commuting and touring abilities on flat terrain. After a couple 30 miles rides, and recent updates to crank, adding new tires and chain, I feel confident in the folder's abilities for more travel aboard this small-wheel wonder. For hauling gear, however, I'd like compact rear panniers, but they must be very narrow to avoid heal-strike. I recently bought two sling bags, which when sewn together, should provide exactly what I'm looking for, in addition to a small duffel bag that I currently use for commuting. Plus, when possible, I prefer to use items on hand. A second wish: a wee bit lower-geared freewheel for more effortless climbing - though that's splitting hairs so-to-speak.

Dream folding bicycle: I'd happily buy a new Boardwalk because a steel frame provides comfort, plus, in my opinion, the round tubing of this particular model is timeless! But if money were no object, I'd select a Brompton because of its reputation and build quality coming out of England - as opposed to Asia. With the ability to fold and fly without hassle and expense, I'd tour overseas. Brompton's are cute and come in cool colors, like purple!

Peugeot St. Laurent
Ideally, I'd swap the current Panaracer Pasela tires for the Tour Guard/flat protected version. Otherwise, my bombproof, scuffed Peugeot continues to function well as an all-weather commuter. I'd love to have 1x gearing for simplicity - I fell in love with the easy-shifting of a rented 1x11 mountain bike recently... My Blackburn pannier continues to be a perfect complement and has held up well after my practical retrofits.

Dream commuting bicycle: For a US option, I've always admired the looks and practical functionality of the Breezer Uptown & Downtown series of step-through styles. They are more lightweight with v-brakes. I'd sacrifice a rougher ride on an aluminum frame because the metal would hold up better against salted New England roads.

Rivendell Clementine
For my step-through touring rig, I'd like to explore narrower tires, curvier handlebars, and a splash of color to complement the blue frame, plus a different rack setup. On the other hand, low gears, plush ride, finally a comfortable saddle (4th one), and adequate, unique - if a bit awkward (click through friction) - shifting all make the Clementine a beautiful build. A great base for upgrades. No problem in the pannier department - I have multiple panniers that fit normal-sized racks.

Dream touring bicycle:  With above-noted tweaks, I think Clementine is it, unless a future U.S. market handles more options for step through tourers. I'd always wondered about a built-up SOMA Buena Vista mixte and whether that set-up would've been lighter, and yet, it's still not a loop frame. I love Clementine's ease of use and isn't something I would sacrifice on a whim.

*I've purposely left out the Peugeot UO14 and Trek Antelope from the discussion. Both bikes duplicate functions and if something were to happen to either one - heaven forbid - I wouldn't replace them.

Coffeeneuring 2018 - Sixth Cup, a 2-fer on a Blustery Afternoon

Snow-filled clouds and strong winds howl and stir up Lake Champlain.

Early to mid November can be rainy or snowy or extremely blustery. Sometimes it can be all of the above. This year November is chilly, below average, I figure, just to make up for July and August's record heatwave. But the lure of the lake is strong, and spinning wheels the perfect instrument to sing rhythmic solitude, so I bundle up in down parka and my warmest mittens and set off on my folder, just because I can't get enough of my brilliant little bike - time is limited before I trade it for the chunky tired Trek Antelope. 

A thermos of tea can heal the grumpies, and with a historical venue in mind (to keep with my theme), I set off to explore one of the Burlington Traction Company's buildings. The former trolley maintenance building was built about 1900 with four large bays, then re-purposed as a Vermont Translines bus facility until 1999.

Vermont Translines' logo is prominently displayed on the building.

In recent times, the bay doors were glassed in and the building converted for commercial use. Fortunately, it still retains enough original architecture, and fits Burlington's historic character of mostly brick construction, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

I liked the rusty decoration, which turned out to be a fire alarm cover. Since this discovery, I've located one other example on the side of a downtown building.

I balance a cup of tea on the seat and snap photos. Interesting to later see my reflection in the windows! After quickly downing the tea - cooling off in the chill - my bike falls over in the breeze. I rescued Miss Dahon - no harm done - and decide to keep riding, heading for the waterfront.

Oh how I enjoy being by the lake!

I automatically include lights on any ride these days, which lends comfort, and I can stay out as long as I want.

Adjacent to the waterfront path is Lakewood Cemetery. With abundant trees, winding paths, 200+ year old oak trees, and sweeping views of the water, this place was once on the outskirts of the city and built in the late 1800s when the fashion was to enjoy burial grounds like parks. Previous to 1830 only small family plots existed, until Mt Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts changed how people view burial grounds. It was also a time when there weren't many city parks, thus cemeteries functioned as picnic grounds. I think Lakewood Cemetery is one of the prettiest places in Burlington.

It's also the resting place of my father's family and many of my husband's relatives, including his parents who we recently laid to rest. I discovered beach stones lovingly placed on my mother-in-law's gravestone, a perfect spot to enjoy my remaining tea, and contemplate those wishing stones which came from their camp's rocky shore, a place she dearly loved. The visit was short-lived however, as the wind continued it's blustery howl. I packed up and rode north a few more miles before turning back towards home, toasty and satiated and full of family warm-fuzzies.

The Place:  Burlington Traction Company & Lake View Cemetery
Date: Sunday, November 11
Drink: Chai tea in a thermos
Observation:  I know that Burlington is steeped with history but it's fun to learn about one place at a time. Each year Preservation Burlington holds a history tour in Lakewood Cemetery. I hope to make next year's event.
Total Miles: 15