Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
Five Must Haves For Beginner Cyclists
The feeling of liberation that exudes through your bones whilst cycling passionately across the open road, hearing nothing but your tyres slide smoothly on the ground as you breathe in new air; oh, how nothing compares. Once you've carefully selected your gear, cycling becomes a sport orhobby you can cherish individually or with a large group, producing a wholesome personal and physical experience. Nevertheless, purchasing the right set doesn't mean choosing the same equipment as the rest of your cycling comrades, it's about finding the right attire you feel comfortable and safe in. If you're about to begin your pedaling journey, I've come up with five Aomust-havesAo to accompany you and your new bike; feel content, experience the freedom, your AorideAo of passage soon awaits! Road or Mountain bike helmet We're all born with a uniquely-sculpted head and if we're lucky, luscious locks of hair, thus a helmet that's worthy of crowning our skull is imperative for protection and looking fashionable. A road or mountain bike helmet with an adjustable fit and a well-rounded hard shell ensures a comfortable and safe ride. Reliable brands to invest in are Lazer, Met and Limar, which you can try at your local 99 Bikes store. Whilst shopping for the perfect helmet, you want to make sure that the fit isn't so tight that your brain feels like it's about to combust from no blood circulation, or too loose that it can easily fall and cause potential danger. Carefully move the helmet front to back, side to side, noticing how much exposed skin is covering your brow area; this will guarantee whether or not you have the perfect helmet for your head. See All Helmets Two-piece road or mountain attire The gravel roads and sloped mountains are a cyclist's runway; we should always attain a high standard of style, but simultaneously include safety and protection to the criteria. When looking for the perfect two-piece attire i.e. cycling jersey and shorts, make sure you look for a comfortable-fitted design made from polyester or nylon. Additional features to include in the jersey criteria are front or back zippers, added pockets and an elastic waist hem for comfort. In regards to the bike shorts, essential details are reduced seams in the crotch area and extra padding to decrease chaffing and discomfort. Once you've found these two pieces, don't be afraid to explore and add colour to your palate; it'll make you stand out from your budding cyclists. Road or mountain bike shoes The next piece to complete your cycling ensemble are a pair of trustworthy road shoes. Do you only see cycling as a hobby? Mountain biking with a pair of reliable running shoes are ideal for a short ride, however, shoes specifically designed for road or mountain bike riding will ensure your balance and safety. Road shoes are classified by their remarkably solid soles, creating versatile power distribution when pedalling, but aren't designed for long walking periods due to its lack of grip and flexibility. Shoes used for mountain biking however, have a relatively stiff sole made from rubber, allowing effective traction for long periods of walking and going over rocky and hazardous trails. Cycling glasses Although it may appear as an optional accessory, cycling glasses are vital for its clear vision when facing the harsh sun, protection from the danger of flying gravel and small materials, insects and unpredictable weather conditions. It may take a while for a cyclist to be comfortable wearing glasses on the road, however, they are sure to guard you whilst riding and effectively prevent watery eyes. Cycling gloves Wearing cycling gloves is an essential accessory, preventing the start of nasty blisters and defends you from harsh falls and injuries. You want to look for gloves that are resilient, perfectly-fitted, and light enough that you're able to feel the handlebar. Highly commendable cycling glove brands include AXIOM, TLD and Dakine which are all easily accessible at your local 99 Bikes store. When trying to find the correct glove, find material that's easily washable, moisture-resistant and includes a double-padded or stitched feature in vital areas. All these aspects is imperative to the control and ease of your cycling journey. See All Clothing and Apparel
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Announcing The Launch Of Our New Website
Monday, 19th March: We are currently experiencing a high level of password resets, and this has caused a slow to our system. We appreciate your patience and ask that you try again later. We have launched a new website and because we take security seriously, we couldn't bring your existing password with us. To access your account and reset your password simply visit use the Forgot Password feature. This will send you instructions on how to reset your password. We hope you enjoy the new shopping experience at 99 Bikes.
Baselayers Buying Guide
Base layers are thin shirts or pants that can be worn under a normal cycling jersey or some shorts. They are wonderful for keeping warmer in cooler temperatures but can also wick moisture away from you while riding in the heat. Base layers can have short or long sleeves and can be thick or thin. The right pair will depend on the riding conditions Base Layers Base layers can be worn layered to create thermal insulation, or worn separately to wick moisture from sweat. See All Base Layers
Easy Bike Maintenance Velo Academy
No matter how often you ride, it's well worth learning a few things about how to maintain and adjust your bike. 99 Bikes and Velo Academy have put together a series of videos to help you learn a few basic procedures to help you ride more comfortably, and possibly also get your out of a sticky situation (like failing brakes!) Adjust Seat and Handlebars In this video you'll learn how to adjust your bike seat and handlebars to make riding as comfortable as possible. For this, you'll need a torque wrench. Adjust Brakes In this one, you'll find out what to do if you notice your brakes aren't sitting quite right. You'll need an allen key or multi-tool. Clean and Lubricate a Chain In this video, you'll learn how to clean and re-lubricate your chain. You'll be needing citrus degreaser, chain cleaner, chain lubricant, water and a clean rag. Fix a Flat Tyre Finally, this video will show you how to change a flat tyre. For this, you'll need tyre levers, a new inner tubeC and a pump. See All Tools and Maintenance
Cycling Nutrition Buying Guide 2026: Fueling for Energy and Recovery
You’ve done the interval work. You’ve invested in the aero frame and the carbon wheels. But if you’re still hitting the "wall" at hour three or waking up with heavy legs before a back-to-back training day, the bottleneck isn't your fitness—it's your fuel. In 2026, cycling nutrition has evolved beyond "eating when you're hungry." We now treat the gut as a trainable organ, capable of processing higher workloads than ever before. This guide will walk you through the science of modern fueling, from dual-source carbohydrates to the "Big 5" performance boosters, ensuring you never "bonk" again. The Energy Phase: Fueling the Engine For beginners, the recommendation of 30–60g carbohydrates per hour still remains but for intermediate and advanced cyclists pushing 150+ watts, the 2026 gold standard is 60–90g of carbohydrates per hour, with some pro-level athletes even pushing toward 120g. Gels vs. Chews vs. Liquid Carbs Your choice of "vehicle" depends on the intensity of the ride and your personal preference for texture. Energy Gels (Quick Hits): Ideal for high-intensity sections or the final 30 minutes of a race. They require minimal chewing and enter the bloodstream rapidly. Chews & Blocks Portioned Fueling): Great for steady-state endurance rides. They provide a tactile "eating" experience, which can help curb hunger during long zone 2 blocks. Liquid Carbs (High-Capacity): The preferred method for many racers in 2026. High-carb drink mixes allow you to sip 80g of carbs over an hour, providing steady energy and hydration simultaneously. Pro Tip: Always test your "gut budget" during training. Start at 50g/hour and increase by 10g every week to train your stomach to handle higher carb loads. The Recovery Phase: The 3-R Rule Recovery isn't just a rest day; it's an active process that begins the second you unclip. To back up a hard Saturday with a quality Sunday, you must follow the 3-R Rule. 1. Refuel (Carbohydrates) You’ve just depleted your glycogen stores. Even if you aren't "hungry," your muscles are screaming for glucose to replenish energy levels. 2. Repair (Protein) Cycling creates micro-tears in the muscle fibers. You need high-quality protein (whey or a complete plant-based blend) to trigger muscle protein synthesis and rebuild tissue. 3. Rehydrate (Electrolytes) Water alone isn't enough. You need to replace the fluid volume lost through sweat and the minerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium) required for cellular function. The "Golden Window" and the 4:1 Ratio Timing is everything. Within the 30–60 minute "Golden Window" post-ride, your insulin sensitivity is peaked, and your muscles are primed to soak up nutrients. Aim for a recovery shake with a 4:1 Carb-to-Protein ratio. For a typical 75kg rider, this looks like roughly 60–80g of carbs paired with 15–20g of protein. This specific ratio has been shown to replenish glycogen faster than carbs alone. Hydration & Electrolyte Strategy Hydration is highly individual, but the "drink to thirst" method often fails in high-performance settings. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already 1–2% dehydrated, which can lead to a 10% drop in power output. Sodium is the lead actor here. For rides over 90 minutes, or in temperatures exceeding 25°C, you should aim for 500mg–1000mg of sodium per litre, depending on your sweat rate. Pro Tip: Do a "Sweat Test." Weigh yourself before and after a 1-hour ride. Every 1kg of weight lost equals roughly 1 litre of fluid that needs to be replaced. 🛒 Shop the Essentials Ready to upgrade your fuelling strategy? Explore our curated collections: Shop Energy Gels – High-carb, dual-source fuelling. Shop Recovery Nutrition – Recovery and muscle support. Shop Hydration – Precision sodium for heavy sweaters. The 2026 Buyer's Checklist Before you head out on your next century or race, run through this checklist to ensure your pantry is stocked for performance: ☐ Dual-Source Carbs: Do your gels or drink mixes feature a 1:0.8 Glucose-to-Fructose ratio? ☐ The 90g Target: Do you have enough fuel to hit at least 60–90g of carbs per hour for the duration of your ride? ☐ Recovery Proximity: Is your recovery tub sitting on the counter ready for that 30-minute post-ride window? ☐ Sodium Content: Does your hydration mix provide at least 500mg of sodium for hot days? ☐ The "Big 5" Check: Are you utilizing caffeine or nitrates for your "A" priority events? Conclusion Nutrition is the "fourth discipline" of cycling. You wouldn't ride with a dragging brake pad, so don't let a sub-optimal fuelling strategy hold back your power. By embracing high-carb intake and a structured recovery protocol, you’ll find that the "limitations" you thought were physical were actually just nutritional.
Get Fit For Summer
Try something new One of the best ways to get motivated is to try something new and exciting. Never hit the road in lycra? Never gotten dirty on the trails? Never ridden in to work? You can keep it simple by finding a few new loops to ride or people to ride with, or take it to another level by entering in a race you've never done. Multi-task There's a lot of the day that you could be using to get fitness. Swapping your car for a bike is easy for a lot of the short trips you do, particularly on the weekend. Riding down to the shops, park or pub is both great fun in the summer weather, as well as exercise you won't even notice you're doing. Products like Garmin Vivofit can also monitor the incidental exercise you do (or don't do), tracking all your movements on a stylish, discreet bracelet. Track your progress There's heaps of great products to help maximise your workout using technology. Quad Lock and Wahoo help harness your smartphone and free fitness apps to track, analyse and share your training. Sports watches and cycling computers can give you more detailed analysis on your performance, heart rate and other key metrics.
Cyclocross Bikes Buying Guide
Cyclocross bikes are designed specifically for cyclocross racing, a hybrid event that takes cues from both road cycling and mountain biking. Cyclocross bikes look similar to road bikes, with the main differences being the knobbed, off-road tyres; strong wheelsets; and braking systems that allow for better clearance of mud and debris. Cyclocross Bikes Cyclocross racers need to constantly dismount and carry their bikes in order to clear obstacles, so naturally bikes must be lightweight aluminium or carbon fibre to make this easier. They generally operate with cantilever brakes, have a wider set up allowing for mud to clear easily. Disc brakes have recently been permitted in pro racing, meaning some models are taking on their slightly heavier weight, in favour for the greater braking power they offer. See All Cyclocross Bikes Due to their robust nature, cyclocross bikes in Australia have risen to popularity with commuters, as they offer an efficient, all weather option for riding to work. The road bike style riding position makes the cyclocross bike fast and efficient for longer, on-road rides. The off-road tyres gives superior traction in poor weather, or varied surfaces such as loose gravel roads. Likewise, the addition of disc brakes improves stopping power on wet days. An emerging sub-genre of the cyclocross bike is the adventure road bike. These bikes take some cues from cyclocross, but are made for leisure riding rather than cyclocross racing. This means they typically have more relaxed riding positions, and start of with more entry level components. Adventure road bikes can hold their own on a dirt track just as well as they do on a sealed road, making them perfect for the rider that wants to do a bit of everything.
Exercise Improves Work Performance
This year 99 Bikes participated in Tour de Office to raise money for Diabetes QLD. Our staff took turns to ride for fun in the Brisbane office to clock-up as many kilometres as possible. It has been shown that 30 minutes of exercise a day can significantly improve your health, well being, and productivity at work. Our staff are all passionate about health and fitness, especially cycling, so it was an easy project to be a part of. We find our staff are happier and more productive due to being encouraged to participate in daily exercise with our ride to work bonus. Michael, featured in the photo, is our new Parts Category Manager, and is having a morning spin before work. He recently got a promotion from being a sales consultant at our Indooroopilly store showing everyone what's possible with our philosophy of "Brightness of Future". -Tom 99 Bikes Careers
Brads Transition From Traffic Jams To Bikeways
Written by Brad, one of our four sponsored riders in the Commuter Challenge. "It was very easy for me to fall into the pattern of driving to and from work" As this is my first blog I would like to start by saying a big public thank you to 99 Bikes for selecting me to be a sponsored commuter. The people at 99 Bikes have gone out of their way to create a create team of the 4 of us and already we are in full swing of encouraging each other to push on and rack up the km’s on the way to and from work. So why have I decided to commute by bike? I have always enjoyed driving, and it was very easy for me to fall into the pattern of driving to and from work as I have a secure car park at each end. But I realised that I was spending a lot of time sitting in traffic, especially on the way home. There were times that the heavy traffic provided entertainment. Namely when the Gabba had cricket finishing on a summer afternoon and I got to watch heavily inebriated people try to make their way home. But for the most part I felt like everyone else in slow traffic. Frustrated. It was certainly not the best way to finish a day. I have always been an avid cyclist. In the past my bikes have all been mountain bikes. Currently I have an All Mountain bike, with 140mm front and rear suspension it is really too heavy for commuting, but the gearing for hills is great and punctures are not a problem. It also allowed me a 50minute bike commute all the time. My usual drive was 45minutes – 1 ½ hours traffic dependant. Once I knew that I enjoyed the commute I gave the Commuter Challenge a shot. And to my surprise and luck I was provided this bike from 99 Bikes. The Cube Touring Hybrid 400. Cube Touring Hybrid Active 400 For me it is the perfect bike. I can fit all my work gear each day, it rides like a mountain bike but it certainly is not as taxing to ride as the big all mountain bike was each day. So now my morning ride is along some of Brisbane’s brilliant bike way system. And it is a really pleasant way to travel. I do have segments of my rides that are alongside cars, but the majority of my journey is either bike path or suburban roads. The following photos are some of the views taken on my usual morning route into the city. Taken from the Riverside Expressway looking to Southbank on the ride home. Taken from Eagle Street Pier on the ride home. So far I am finding I much prefer the cycle-commute to driving in, despite having no choice to drive some days. I am looking forward to commuting through winter and the crisp mornings, and am really liking that the summer heat has started to drop off. And really enjoying time on the Cube which is turning out to be a brilliant bike to ride. – Brad
Inspiring Young Mechanics With Traction
On Sunday 16 July 2017, 12 bike mechanics and staff from 99 Bikes took part in TRACTION's mentoring program at Capalaba and West End. The young people that attended learnt about specific technical and mechanical topics, and what it's like to work in the bicycle industry. TRACTION aims to help young people develop practical skills, communication, and life skills through it's Bicycle Build Programs, among others. It is also one of the organisations supported through 99 Bikes' Earning to Give program. At the end of each financial year, each employee of 99 Bikes contributes 1% of their earnings to a charity of their choice. In 2016, TRACTION received 84 new bicycles through the program, equivalent to approximately $10,000 in value. TRACTION has been selected as a beneficiary of Earning to Give again this year, and the Technical Sessions lead by some of the company's specialist Bike Mechanics was appreciated by all that attended.
Customer Story Hel
What motivated you to start riding? When I was pregnant with my 2nd child I found a lump in my breast. I was told it was ok. Some years later I was diagnosed with severe depression. With a young family it was crucial that life must go on but it was never easy. The month after my 40th birthday I started another journey of operations and cancer treatment. Not just one cancer. I reminded myself to keep breathing. My family reminded me that we stick together and look for the light at the end of the tunnel. After all the surgery, poking and probing was over I had so much to do in life! I embarked on a journey to appreciate my family, the world and make my body strong and healthy. The perfect sport was riding my bike! I can ride with my family and friends. I started out ever so slowly on a mountain bike and enjoyed the challenges it presented. Trees in the way, powerful men trying to get around me on skinny trails, hills that seem to go on forever, drops that try and fling me over my bars. What positive impact has riding had on your life? I thought riding a mountain bike would be easy. I bought a bike and I turned up for my first ride in a forest. Oh and did I say, it was also a race?!... I got through that challenge. Next challenge was to try bike shoes that clip to my pedals. No point in mucking around I waited for another race of course! After so many falls I could no longer feel my swollen knees, I knew I was hooked. My self esteem started to pick up off the ground and fitness started to appear in my life. So did laughter, tumbles, bruises and fabulous friends. I love the sound of the air rushing in my ears, I love the feel of my bike back tyre skidding as I arc around a berm. I love the feel of my heart beat as I stand up off the seat and tackle a hill. Oh and of course I love the satisfaction of passing a male rider who only a couple of years ago would wait patiently for a passing point around me. Most importantly I love that cycling is a family sport. It's terrific to see young dirtmasters out on the tracks with their little bikes and its ever so inspiring to see older retired folk staying active and enjoying the wonderful outdoors that we have. My training has taken another step forward with the purchase of a road bike last month. This was to replace my youngest daughter leaving home. To help with that terrible empty nest feeling. To remind me that I am only as old as I feel. I love how I can ride fast and so lightly. I have another group of terrific friends in my life now. They are called the Friday Morning Town Bunch. It's worth it to get up at 5am on a Friday and push out 45km before the world's best coffee and then off to work for the day! And the others in my family? Well, in two weeks my youngest daughter will head to Switzerland for a mountain bike training camp and then onto Norway for the World Champs. Me proud? YOU BET! Why would you recommend riding to others? How can I answer this in less than the length of a paperback book?! Riding is the most exhilarating sport! It's terrific for those with bad hips and knees. It's perfect for young children and their families. Australia has the best environment. Plenty of open roads and roaming forests. You can start off slow and build up your fitness. You can start off with lots of wobbly bits and if you persevere you will have the hottest body! If you enjoy friendship, the outdoors, mild exercise, laughter and perhaps need a boost to your enjoyment of life, your self esteem and your physique, then you'd better go buy a bike. There will be a friend waiting just around the corner ready to join you... BE WARNED. It's totally addictive."
Cycling Without Age
Each Year at 99 Bikes we donate the equivalent of 1% of employees wages to a charity of their choice. The donation amount is on top of wages, not deducted from, that way every hour our team works is money towards a charity they care about. Since 2016 we are proud to have donated over $2.8 million to charities of our team's choice across Australia and New Zealand. Cycling Without Age is a charity that aims to help seniors & people with disabilities experience the freedom of riding on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and it was nominated to receive a donation in 2024. This particular Cycling Without Age group started in late 2024 and families that experience their service say that their loved ones experience improved moods and joy. For some people, the ride with Cycling with Age may be their only outing they have that week and the relationships built between passengers and volunteers foster an uplifting and inclusive community. There's a feeling of freedom that a bike ride gives people. We were stoked to hear that with our team's donation they were able to purchase supplies to help operations such as: two-way radios, spare tyres, inner tubes, bike accessories, new seats, loading ramps, first aid kits, tarps, ratchet straps, ropes, blankets, volunteer supplies & more! Tracey, a volunteer for the charity said that these purchases "have enhanced the safety, comfort & sustainability of the service, ensuring they can continue bringing joy, freedom, connection & inclusivity to the community." With a mission so closely aligned to our own we couldn't be prouder to be supporting more people to experience the freedom of riding.
Brakes Buying Guide
There are four main types of brakes on the market, and they all offer great stopping power for different types of riding. V-Brakes have long arms that bolt to the fork, disc brakes are discs that attach to the hub, while Caliper brakes use the rim as the contact point for the brake pads. V-Brakes V-Brakes are often found on older mountain and road bikes, but many newer bikes still use them as they are inexpensive compared to some other types of brakes but still offer excellent stopping power. V-Brakes are characterized by their long arms that bolt to the fork and use cable leverage between them. They perform very well in wet, muddy conditions and are easy to install and set up. Many are also designed so that you can remove a small pin and slide out the old pads for replacement. See All Brake Parts Disc Brakes Disc Brakes are excellent because of their unparalleled stopping power in all weather and terrain. They are usually found on mountain bikes for this reason, but increasingly cyclocross bikes as well as some road bikes have begun to be produced with disc brakes. Disc brakes must be used with special wheels as they rely on a rotor that is bolted onto the wheel as their braking surface. Disc brakes come in two main types, mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical discs use a cable to stop, and hydraulic use fluid. Hydraulic disc brakes have incredible control and stopping abilities, but mechanical are less expensive and easier to maintain yourself. See All Brake Parts Caliper Brakes Caliper Brakes are most often found on road bikes. They are lightweight and use a single bolt on the fork for installation. Caliper brakes use the rim as the contact point for the brake pads, and the pads are easy to install and remove. When removing wheels from Caliper brakes many Calipers have a small switch you can flip up to widen the space between the pads making it easier to take the wheel off. They you just flip it back down again when the wheel is back on.Cantilever Brakes are similar to V-Brakes but share the force of the cable between them. They are most popular with cyclocross riders because due to the design of the arms and cable system, they don't get as much mud build up as some other types of brakes and still have excellent stopping power. The pads are usually cartridge style making them easy to remove and replace. See All Brake Parts
