Choosing the Right Bike


The first step is to decide what your requirements are and the type of riding you will be doing. This will dictate the type of bike you buy. There are many types of bikes available for day-to-day use, recreational leisure or specific enthusiasts’ disciplines.

 All Terrain Bikes
This category covers many products and styles of riding but it is split into two main groups – hard tails and full suspension. Hard tails benefit from a rigid frame and front suspension forks and a full suspension bikes incorporate rear suspension as well.

An all-terrain bike is a versatile bike that can handle off road conditions ranging from rough rocky terrain and descents to tow paths and bridleways.


Hard tail bikes
The majority use aluminium frames such as the AIRLite frames used on our Freeride AT series. With a rigid frame, all the power you push through the pedals gets transferred into momentum. The front suspension fork will help smooth out bumps and lumps!



Full suspension bikes
Built to handle rougher descents and absorb the impacts and maintain traction. Good for down hills but some of your power on flatter terrain will be lost due to the rear suspension. Higher end full suspension bikes offer adjustable dampening to give better flexibility of use.


You need to look at the specification of the bikes carefully to ensure the important components are of a level suitable for the riding you are planning – gear set and shifters, front forks, wheelset, saddle, grips,tyre tread, etc. Not all all-terrain bikes are designed for serious off road use and are equipped for a more comfortable leisurely ride such as our Town & Comfort range. These have a more relaxed riding position removing the pressure from the base of the back, comfort saddle and grips and easy rolling all terrain tyres.



Road and Sport Bikes
Drop-handlebar bikes are designed for speed so the riding position is lower for aerodynamics. The bikes give an exciting experience and allow for rapid acceleration, aggressive climbing and responsive handling. We have AIRLite road bikes suitable for the novice to the serious team rider.


Town & Comfort
This category is a hybrid off road and all-terrain bikes. These bikes are designed for tarmac riding with occasional off road riding on towpaths, bridleways or a cycle trail. A key feature is the sleeker designed frames with slimmer 700C wheels and tyres for faster rolling. Some are fully equipped like our Pioneer Metro range with mudguards and carriers others are more sports comfort bikes such as our Raleigh Town & Comfort “TC” series and the Diamondback Quantum. Ideal for commuters and recreational riders.


Other Bikes

Sizing & Fit
You must ensure that when sitting on the bike you feel comfortable and able to touch the ground easily with your feet. The best method to judge which frame size is best for you is to use your inside leg length. Size is important but, big is not always best!
Obviously, the finer adjustment can be made by raising or lowering the seat post but, the best option, is to sit on the actual bike as frame geometry is critical and can affect the reach which will in turn determine how far you have to reach forward whilst riding. The angle of your back whilst riding will influence the pressure placed on your lower back. A more upright position removes some of this pressure plus improves your visibility. Other components such as suspension seat posts can add comfort but add to the height of the riding position.

BMX
BMX Bicycles are smaller bikes, typically with 20" wheels compared to average mountain bike wheels at 26" and traditional road bikes at 700cc (27"). They have no gears and no suspension. Their uses include racing, jumping, and freestyle.

 

Mountain Bikes
 Mountain bikes is a general term for some very specific types of bike - freeride, off-road, downhill, slalom, trials or cross country. The heart of the bike is the frame and materials used range from steel, aluminium, carbon and latterly magnesium and may have optional front suspension, aka "hardtail" or front and rear suspension aka "full" or "dual" suspension. Likened to a car, suspension keeps the wheels on the ground to increase traction and therefore control but also cushions the rider from the sudden impact of obstacles such as tree roots on a forest path or rocks ona mountain path. Technically, suspension makes the bike easier to control, reduces fatigue and usually make the ride more comfortable. Braking is achieved by one of 3 main methods, drum brakes, disc brakes, hydraulic or mechanical - cable or the use of pads eg 'v' brakes, caliper or cantilever.