26 Ain't Dead - Build A Killer Ride For Less Than You Think 22

26-inch wheel aficionados may be some luckiest riders right now because their wallet can stay fat while their bikes stay dialed. Thanks to the help of a friend of Vital, we've been turned on to some screaming deals on brand new parts to create a sub $3,000 trail bike that's worthy of a beating. Our builds feature 160mm of travel, an adjustable post and some legit wheels, too.

*Online sales and bargains come and go, so we can't guarantee how long these deals will last. Colors and styles may change as well. Prices and options listed below were available at the time of writing. If you find a bargain, post it in the comments! Happy shopping.

Frame

Yeti SB66 - Competitive Cyclist - $999.00 - was $2000.00

Santa Cruz Blur TR Alloy - Competitive Cyclist - $999.00 - was $1950

Nukeproof Mega AM with Monarch+ - Chain Reaction - $1026.00 - was $2021

Rear Shock

- Included

Fork

We went with 20mm thru-axle options because they were the least expensive and most of you not wanting to give up 26-inch wheels probably despise 15mm axles. Just beware that the biggest risk with going 20mm is finding compatible wheels at retail outlets. There were some $450-500 15mm fork options which would open up the wheel selection quite a bit.

RockShox Lyrik 160mm RC2L 20mm with U-Turn - Bike Wagon - $399.00 - was $705

or Marzocchi 55 CR with 20mm - Jenson USA - $399.00 - was $679

Cranks

Going single ring with the Narrow/Wide setup means no front derailleur or chainguide (if you dare). Ring prices may vary with tooth count and there are crank/ring combos that you could create yourself. We went with the existing Race Face combo that includes bottom bracket, too.

Race Face Evolve with 34t N/W - Bike Bling -ย  $138.00 - was $180

Bottom Bracket

- Included

Chain Ring

- Included

Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT Shadow+ - Chain Reaction - $61.99 - was $99.99

Shifters

Shimano Zee - Chain Reaction - $20.99 - was $34.99

Cassette

Shimano XT - Chain Reaction - $47.99 - was $84.99

Chain

Shimano Deore HG54 10-speed - Chain Reaction - $15.99 - was $23.49

Brakes

Shimano Deore M615 Disc Brakes - Chain Reaction - $47.49 x 2 (front/rear) - was $112.99 x 2

Brake Rotors

Shimano SLX RT66 6-bolt 180mm - Jenson USA - $19.99 x 2 (front/rear) - was $24.99 x 2

Headset

Gravity DX Pro Tapered - Random Bike - $32.97 - was $89.99

Handlebar

Race Face Evolve Low Rise 750mm OE - Jenson USA - $24.99 - was $47.99

Stem

Race Face Ride Stem (we'd choose the 60mm) - Jenson USA - $25.49 - was $29.99

Seat Post

RockShox Reverb - Chain Reaction - $260-ish (price varies with drop length, size etc) - was $459

Seat Post Clamp

- Included

Grips

Clarks CLO 275 Lock-ons - Chain Reaction - $5.99 - was $9.49

Saddle

Crank Brothers Iodine 2 - Chain Reaction - $19.49 - was $93.49

Wheels

Spank Spike RACE28 Enduro Wheelset - Jenson USA - $599.99

Tires

Go to town and choose for yourself. Chain Reaction has a bunch of 26-inch tire choices that are 2.35 or 2.4-inches wide.ย  We're budgeting $90 total.

Total cost:ย  $2875.85

Total savings: $1997.52 off full retail which is $4873.37

(Online price if you choose the Nukeproof is $3002.85)

Go shop around, have fun and buy 2 bikes for the price of one and rally!
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