You know a new wheel size has made it when you start to find them in local department stores. Remember the first WalMart 29ers? Fixed Gears? Fat Bikes? Being able to pick up your newest bicycle along with a 24 pack of white tube socks, some lawn furniture, and a box of Twinkies doesn’t have to be reserved for your run of the mill 26″ wheels any more. Now you can find bikes of all types in the sporting goods section (next to the toys) – even plus size bikes thanks to a new range from Huffy.
In all seriousness, we’ve heard from many sources that plus size tires could be the future of mountain bikes for beginner and intermediate riders. If that’s the case, then the new Huffys are probably just the beginning…
You gotta hand it to Huffy – not only are they offering plus size tires, but they are offering them in 26, 27.5, and 29″ wheels. Of course, that seems to be their only sizing mechanism with a one-size-fits-most frame on each of the models, but it is interesting to see all the tire sizes represented.
The 29×3.0 bikes are available in both the top end Warhawk 3.0 with disc brakes for $249, and the rim brake Torch 3.0 for $199. Both feature a steel frame, though the Warhawk’s is at least hydroformed, a “suspension fork” and a Shimano 21 speed drivetrain.
The 26×3.0 Tyrant sells for $179.99, and the 27.5×3.0 Vantage bumps that up to $189.99. Both are rim brake only and use a steel frame with a suspensions fork. No mention is made of rim width, just that these will all come with 3.0″ tires.
We’re not exactly sure what the angle is for the “Be the Motor” video, but it would seem they are either referring to dirt bikes, E-bikes, or both. Realistically they are probably just trying to make the bikes seem cool by adding the sound effects of a motor and pretend throttles, but we’ll let you be the judge…
H/T to Mikey
