2

The reason I am asking this question is I have pre-ordered a "Switch e-bike Conversion Kit for my new Huffy Rock Creek Mountain Bike that has 29 inch tires. The Swytch system will ship with a replacement 29 inch tire including a front hub mounted motor. If I want to later mount this same Swytch kit on my Giant Sedona that has 26 inch tires at present is there enough space on the Giant Sedona to accomodate the larger 29 inch tire size?

Improve this question
1
  • I think you mean "wheels" instead of "tires"?
    – njzk2
    Sep 24, 2022 at 20:22

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
8

You cannot just mount a larger tyre, even if you had the clearance. The larger tyres need also need larger rims, that usually means you need complete new wheels.

It is unlikely that a frame for a 26er would have clearance for 29 inch wheels and tyres even if you bought them. Unless it is a 29er Giant Sedona just used with 26 inch wheels, but I consider that unlikely.

Improve this answer
3
  • It's very unlikely that it was initially a 29er. If it was and someone put 26" wheels on it, pedal strike would likely be a problem.
    – jimchristie ♦
    Sep 22, 2022 at 16:51
  • 11
    The question is confused on terminology, but appears to be asking if they can put a 29-inch front-hub wheel on their 26-inch bike, not actually about mounting tires.
    – RLH
    Sep 22, 2022 at 17:08
  • 1
    @RLH if the kit really ships with a hub and tire (but possibly without rim and spokes), not a prebuilt wheel, the OP is in trouble anyway.
    – ojs
    Sep 23, 2022 at 7:27
5

If they are disk wheels, it may be remotely possible. If not, no, the rim brakes in the wrong location. 29" is much larger than 26". Being the front fork, its possible, but unlikely a 29er will fit (Unless the fork is for a 29er).

You could try putting the existing 29" Huffy wheel on the Sedona . If it fits, then you would likely be good to go with the new wheel (however width of the new wheel and tire might be bigger is its not certain).

If this does not work, you can potentially change the fork to a 29" and "Mullet" the bike (29 front, 26 rear), but the bigger front wheel changes geometry and affects the bikes handling (could be good, bad or indifferent - details require another question), and a fork swap on a MTB is expensive.

Improve this answer
5

If I want to later mount this same Swytch kit on my Giant Sedona that has 26 inch tires at present is there enough space on the Giant Sedona to accomodate the larger 29 inch tire size?

Almost certainly not.

The cheapest way to adapt an ebike kit to a 26 inch bike would be to take off the spokes and 29 in rim and rebuild the front wheel with a 26 inch rim and spokes. Though considering the low pricepoint of Swytch kits, it may make sense just to buy another one for the another bike.

Improve this answer
3

I cannot comment on the resulting dynamics and riding quality of such a bicycle, but yes you can (however I feel the question is "if I can, should I?")

You can change the fork on your bike, creating a so called "29/26 frankenbike". With the right fork, the geometry will somehow work, avoiding issues like footstrike on the wheel or (too) awkward riding positions.

In fact, such a set up was considered to be a viable option, there was actually at least one commercial sold bike with this set-up, the Trek 69er. However, there are plenty of exotic commercially sold bikes that looked like a good idea, but they weren't.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.