Maxwell 26
On Sale!Sale on PRO and ELITE 12 speed builds for the month of September! Also FREE TUBELESS SETUP on all build levels for September!
You can build this bike 5 different ways – including *TWO* SRAM AXS electronic shifting build kits! Also new in March is our Pike/Flow SUPERBEAST Mode upgrade!
Chainring Selection:
26 Tooth- For easiest climbing in mountainous areas
28 Tooth- A good in-between gearing option for hilly terrain
30 Tooth- Better for some hills and more flat terrain
32 Tooth- Best for most flat terrain with limited hills
$2,499.00 – $4,799.00
Description
Description
Free tubeless setup on all build levels and a special price on some models for September!
The last thing your kid wants to do is ride with an extra 5 pounds. Especially if they plan on riding uphill! They may be at the age that a 27.5" wheel bike is just too unwieldy coming off a 24" bike. A Maxwell 26 is just the bike you need! 120mm travel. Boost front/rear. NOTHING to modify because we’ve made it super light and easy to assemble right out of the box.
We've created the ultimate trail shredding machine with our Maxwell 26. Dominate the trails going both down and up with this amazing bike - the name Maxwell comes from Maxwell trail in Fort Collins, Colorado where we love to ride. It’s a super technical, steep and rocky trail but the reward down is so nice. It can be done on a hardtail, but it is so much more fun on a full suspension bike! If your local riding area requires a climb to get to the really good stuff, then the Maxwell 26 is your next bike.
Our Maxwell 26 starts right around 26 pounds in our ELITE level build with best in category components. That's right, just 26 pounds and the PRO AXS level build is even lighter! Attention to detail with top shelf level components include lightweight wheels, 85 gram ultralight rotors, an extended range 10-51 cassette and 152 mm direct-mount cranks with aluminum spindle typically found on much more expensive bikes. We’ve built the best bike with the best components so you can spend more time riding and less time pushing a heavy bike uphill.
Ride some days at the park but also want an all-arounder type of bike for big trail/enduro style rides where you still need a bike to climb well? Click the 130mm travel PIKE UPGRADE checkbox!
This is a fun, playful, super flickable bike for all types of mountain bike riding. The Maxwell 26 is built for next level riding with some key geometry features designed specifically for riders of young and old! The Maxwell 26 features a Horst link suspension design which is active under braking and very plush over both small bumps and bigger hits. Short yet stable 420mm chainstay length and a 1082mm wheelbase is the perfect 26" trail bike for riders coming off a 24" bike.
ALL level bike builds get our new lightweight 152mm Trailcraft Cycles aluminum spindle direct mount cranks with your choice of 26, 28, 30 or 32 tooth narrow-wide style chainring. Choose 26 or 28 tooth if you are riding steep hills and lung burning mountain climbs. Lower elevation levels or flat areas are fine with a 30 or 32 tooth chainring selection. Most adult bikes don't even offer this level of configuration out of the box!
For more detailed information please click on Features, Specifications, and Geometry tabs
Want to go a bit more custom or full custom on this build? Contact us! We are a small family business focused on building the best kids mountain bikes possible. We truly geek out on this stuff, just see our Instagram page for some of what we are doing as well as our custom builds page. We bring our frames in from Taiwan (un-assembled/not built) and we build each bike per order in Fort Collins, Colorado with US labor. Since we don't import "complete bike in box from Asia" like pretty much everyone else does, we maintain a high quality control from installation of headset, bottom bracket, and even putting the derailleur hanger on frames here in the US. You can be proud to tell your kids they have a unique bike which was truly built to order from the frame up!
Fits riders with a 26.5” stand-over height, or about 4'7”-5’2”
Features
Features
The Maxwell 26 has high performance geometry, lightweight components and FIVE cool color options to choose and three different complete bike build level options. Our Maxwell 26 features a 120mm travel front and rear, with a 200mmx57mm Rock Shox Monarch RT specially tuned for light - but aggressive riders. A tapered headtube uses a 44mm upper and 57mm lower headset cup and each frame comes with a Trailcraft headset. Likely the most current in its class, we've designed the Maxwell 26 to be stealth dropper post compatible, 12x148 boost rear end, and a forged rear disc post mount.
All build levels have lightweight aluminum rims laced to a 12x148mm superlight boost hub in the rear, and 15x110mm boost superlight hub in the front.
We have FIVE complete bike build options!
Choose your frame color, drivetrain build level option and the configurator adjusts the price as you build. We also give you the opportunity to select tubeless tire setup and dropper post options.
For more detailed information please click Specifications and Geometry below the configurator.
We invite you to custom build your dream Maxwell 26 bike!!
Specs
Specs
| MODEL | Special Build | Pro Build | Elite Build | GX AXS Build | X01 AXS Build |
| FRAME | Maxwell 26 Aluminum 7005 Series | Maxwell 26 Aluminum 7005 Series | Maxwell 26 Aluminum 7005 Series | Maxwell 26 Aluminum 7005 Series | Maxwell 26 Aluminum 7005 Series |
| REAR SHOCK | Rock Shox Monarch RL - 120mm travel | Rock Shox Monarch RL - 120mm travel | Rock Shox Monarch RL - 120mm travel | Rock Shox Monarch RL - 120mm travel | Rock Shox Monarch RL - 120mm travel |
| FORK | Rock Shox JUDY RL 27.5" 120mm - Boost | Rock Shox Reba RL 27.5" 120mm - Boost | Rock Shox Reba RL 27.5" 120mm - Boost | Rock Shox Reba RL 27.5" 120mm - Boost | Rock Shox REBA RL 27.5" 120mm - Boost |
| HEADSET | Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge | Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge | Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge | Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge | Trailcraft Precision Sealed Cartridge |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | Shimano Deore 4100 10 Speed | Shimano Deore 6100 12 Speed | Shimano XT 8100 12 Speed | Sram GX AXS 12 Speed Wireless | Sram X01 AXS 12 Speed Wireless |
| SHIFTER | Shimano Deore 10 Speed | Shimano Deore 6100 12 Speed | Shimano XT 8100 12 Speed | Sram GX AXS Wireless | Sram X01 AXS Wireless |
| BRAKES | Shimano MT201 Hydraulic | Shimano Deore M6100 Hydraulic | Shimano XT 8100 Hydraulic | Shimano Deore M6100 Hydraulic | Shimano XT 8100 Hydraulic |
| CRANKS | Trailcraft Direct Mount 152mm, Alloy Spindle, 26,28,30,32t Option | Trailcraft Direct Mount 152mm, Alloy Spindle, 26,28,30,32t Option | Trailcraft Direct Mount 152mm, Alloy Spindle, 26,28,30,32t Option | Trailcraft Direct Mount 152mm, Alloy Spindle, 26,28,30,32t Option | Trailcraft Direct Mount 152mm, Alloy Spindle, 26,28,30,32t Option |
| BAR | Trailcraft Carbon Riser | Trailcraft Carbon Riser | Trailcraft Carbon Riser | Trailcraft Carbon Riser | Trailcraft Carbon Riser |
| GRIPS | Trailcraft Lock-On | Trailcraft Lock-On | Trailcraft Lock-On | Trailcraft Lock-On | Trailcraft Lock-On |
| STEM | Trailcraft, Length: 50mm | Trailcraft, Length: 50mm | Trailcraft Superlight Length: 50mm | Trailcraft, Length: 50mm | Trailcraft Superlight Length: 50mm |
| POST | Trailcraft Alloy Rigid | Trailcraft Alloy Rigid | Trailcraft Alloy Rigid | Trailcraft Alloy Rigid | Trailcraft Alloy Rigid |
| SADDLE | Trailcraft | Trailcraft | Trailcraft | Trailcraft | Trailcraft |
| PEDALS | VP Composite with metal pins | VP Composite with metal pins | VP Composite with metal pins | VP Composite with metal pins | VP Composite with metal pins |
| CASSETTE | Sunrace 11-46 Steel 10 speed | Shimano Deore M6100 10-51 12-speed | Shimano XT M8100 10-51 - 12 speed | Sram GX 10-52 12 speed | Sram XX1 10-52 12 speed rainbow |
| WHEELSET | Trailcraft,/Chosen12x148 Boost hubs | Trailcraft rims laced to BOOST 12x148 hubs | Trailcraft CARBON rims laced to BOOST 12x148 hubs (April PROMO!) | Trailcraft,/Chosen12x148 Boost hubs | Trailcraft,/Chosen12x148 Boost hubs |
| TIRES | Kenda Regolith 2.2 | Kenda Regolith 2.2 | Kenda Regolith 2.2 | Kenda Regolith 2.2 | Kenda Regolith 2.2 |
| MSRP | $2999 | $3899 | $4299 | $4499 | $4999 |
| Estimated Weight | 28 pounds | 27.2 pounds | 26.9 pounds | 25.8 pounds |
*COVID parts availability advisory: The bike industry is currently having trouble keeping up with demand in these strange times. Standard builds purchased from the website might include unavailable parts at which point we will replace them with equivalent parts (and upgraded parts in some cases) due to supplier availability. Please reach out to us directly if you have any questions or would like to ensure your build includes any specific parts.
Reviews (8)
8 reviews for Maxwell 26
You must be logged in to post a review.
Geometry
Geometry
| Geometry - Maxwell 26 | (millimeters) |
| Seat Tube Length-Center to Top | 380 |
| Top Tube Length(Horizontal) | 550 |
| Top Tube Length(Actual) | 520 |
| Chainstay Length | 420 |
| Bottom Bracket Height (approx) | 320 |
| Seat Tube Angle(Actual) | 74 Degrees |
| Head Tube Angle (120mm travel fork..140mm puts it at 65 degrees) | 66 Degrees |
| Wheel Base | 1082 |
| Standover Height | 675 |
| Reach | 389.6 |
| Stack | 559.4 |
Size Chart
Size Chart
| Approximate Age | 9 years+ |
| Minimum Inseam | 27.5 inches |
| Height Range | 4'7"-5'2" |
Video
Customer Rides
River shows us his backyard trails in Sedona, AZ aboard his custom sub-23 pound Maxwell 26"
Carson ripping his local eastern Washington state dirt jumps aboard his custom Maxwell 26
Blake Hemming –
I personally think that the Maxwell 26 is a amazing bike! It climbs really well and is a phenomenal descender. We chose a custom build with Crest wheelset and Maxxis Aggressor tires, because I use it to race enduro in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and California. I won the Gunnison Enduro on this bike! It goes down like a champ and it rides back up the stage transfers like a boss. If you are looking for a bike that is really light weight and has lot of travel I think that this is an awesome bike for you!
gblack –
This bike is outstanding! The Trailcraft folks designed a very thoughtful frame design for kids who pedal more than use gravity. But the bike can also rip on downhills The bike just works. And works very well. XC race on Saturday and shuttle runs on Sunday – no problem. We ordered 2 custom Maxwells last fall and the trail possibilities opened WAY UP from their 24″ hard tail trail bikes. If you’re on the fence, just do it. You won’t regret it. Brett was fantastic to deal with and we have two very happy 10yr old girl rippers! Thanks for making awesome bikes!
bryanrides –
We purchased this bike for my 10YO son after he outgrew his 24” hardtail. I’m super impressed with the quality of the frame and the care that went into the bike’s assembly and packing. My son is beyond stoked! Brett was really great to work with, and went out of his way to get a bike built for us in short order. Wildfires this season notwithstanding, we can’t wait to get this beautiful bike dirty!
Trailcraft –
Hi Bryan, Thanks so much for the thoughtful review! Have fun getting that bike dirty!! Cheers, Ginger and Brett
Benjamin Okin –
Pandemic and no bikes for my nine year old available. My wife found this site and a head of the local mountain bike association gave Trailcraft a thumbs up. Purchased the Maxwell 26 Nothing but positives to report. Aside from being a great quality product, he has the lightest bikes by far of all his friends. Just ordered a Maxwell 24 for my daughter.
Alejo Beleta (verified owner) –
It’s obvious that this bike is amazing. It has a perfect frame and top components, but what impressed me the most is what a game changer it has become. Before the Maxwell 26, riding with my son was more like a “cute family thing”. Now he has progressed so much and so fast that it is more like “shredding with the guys”. At this pace, it won’t be long till he doesn’t want to ride with me anymore….. but for the time being I am enjoying every ride with him. Thanks!
Jordan Barnett (verified owner) –
Game changer for my 9 year old. On his first real ride, hit some jumps he’s been scared of, climbed technical hills he’s never come close to doing before, and has increased his love of biking. Phenomenal bike with adult capabilities in a kid size. Trailcraft team was top notch.
David Sinclair (verified owner) –
This bike is rad! My son is 9 and 4’8”, about 75lbs. He’s been ripping the trails on this like never before. He fly’s with confidence off the jumps, so he’s riding faster. He can actually climb most of the spots to earn it too. He absolutely loves this bike and now he asks to go ride every day, even in 30 degrees he didn’t care. Little dude can ride with dad now on real trails, doing real jumps.. it may be expensive, but the hours of laughs and fun are absolutely priceless. You won’t regret this bike for your kid.
bryanrides (verified owner) –
Just purchased a second Maxwell 26 for our younger son (10YO). This one is as perfect as the one we bought 2 years ago for our older boy (now 12). Both kids are so stoked on their rides and it’s just so fun to have them on bikes that allow them to go as fast as they want – up OR down. Thanks again Brett and Ginger!