Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
Competition Winners Chris Rebecca
Earlier this year we ran a competition to send two people who donated towards Qhubeka to South Africa. Overall, the campaign raised over $10 000! This is the second major contribution from 99 Bikes to Qhubeka, following the $29,933 donated by 99 Bikes employees last financial year. For every $250 raised, Qhubeka is able to provide not only a new bike, but the surrounding incentive programs designed to improve educational, environmental, and social outcomes in South Africa. Chris and Rebecca Williams were the lucky winners of the competition and they were in South Africa to take up their prize in early May, which included return flights from Australia to Cape Town, six nights' luxury accommodation in Cape Town, and touring through game reserves and famous wine regions. Here are some thoughts from Chris and Rebecca on their experience: "My brother is a keen road and mountain biking enthusiast," says Chris. "He loaned me a road bike to see if I would also catch the biking bug. I needed a helmet and the guys at 99bikes Kawana were very helpful. My initial purchase put me onto the 99bikes email list, which is how I received notice of the competition." Having made a donation to Qhubeka, Chris was entered into the competition. "We love what Qhubeka is doing," he says, explaining why he chose to donate. "Bec and I have also seen firsthand, the impact of giving bikes to individuals and families in need. Giving bikes really can change lives!" Asked how he felt when he discovered he'd won the competition, Chris replies, "Shocked! Couldn't believe it! Even during the trip we would wake up and say to each other, 'Is this for real?'" One of the couple's highlights of their trip was a bicycle distribution in Paarl. "50 bikes were given to a neighbourhood watch patrol to more effectively keep crime down and keep the community safe," says Chris. "The joy on the faces of some of the older recipients some hadn't ridden a bike in 40 to 50 years was priceless. We all rode around on their new Qhubeka bikes and it was like everyone became a kid again. Some had never ridden a bike before. It was a delight to be a part of such a special day." He notes that eating sheep's head (known in South Africa as a 'smiley') with a local family in a very poor community will be hard to forget, as will their safari, seeing the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), and a personal encounter with cheetahs. "Cape Town is such a beautiful and amazing city," Chris says. "We are extremely grateful to 99 Bikes and Qhubeka for this prize. Special thanks to Wayne Patterson at 99 Bikes, Ian Mills at Qhubeka and Gareth Hardres-Williams of Mammoth Safaris." This article was originally posted by Qhubeka
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Customer Story Wade
What motivated you to start riding? I was 42 years old and 139kg. Morbidly obese with high blood pressure and suffering depression. I needed to change my life. Running was not much of an option for my knees and I'd always loved cycling. What positive impact has riding had on your life? On my first ride I literally fainted due to a lack of fitness and exhaustion. It was a ride of 30km. It took me two weeks to get back on the bike. The more I rode, the more the weight began to drop off, and the more weight I lost, the more I began to ride! I've now lost 30kg and ride upward of 140km per week. I used to get off and walk up the slighted incline. Now I get out of the saddle and power up them. I love using my bike to commute so much that I detest having to drive in traffic and I'm all about beating my PR's on my Strava segments now. As for the high blood pressure...well it has decreased along with my medication. I'm happier and bounce around the office all day when I ride. Why would you recommend riding to others? I recommend it every day and have convinced at least three (so far) of my friends to dust off or buy their bikes and join me on the bike paths. I even have my wife out every weekend for a loop around the Brisbane River and she loves it!
Cruiser Bikes Buying Guide
Cruiser bikes are classically styled, simple and comfortable - perfect options for around town riding and commuting. Cruiser bikes have a relaxed, upright riding position, which makes them comfortable and easy to ride (particularly at low speeds). Cruiser bikes often have only one or a few gears, making them very simple to ride and extremely easy to maintain. Cruiser Bikes They're available in a huge range of colours and styles. They feature wide, comfy tyres, and raised handlebars making them a cruisy option for getting around the neighbourhood. Available in single, 3, or 7 speeds if your legs or suburb require some extra gears. Their retro good-looks, low maintenance, easy riding and cheap price point has seen the cruiser become a popular option for trips to the park, beach, pub, shops and more. See All Cruiser Bikes Vintage cruisers are available in mens and womens specific frames. They typically look like the retro styled bikes one would typically associate with Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Beach cruisers typically have a different shaped frame, and much bigger, sweeping handle bars. Typically seen on flat paths running along the beach front, they are designed for easy handling with an ice cream in one hand or a surfboard hooked up to the side. See our range of great value cruiser bikes in a range of fun colours from brands such as Pedal, Merida, Schwinn, Radius, Apollo and more.
Computer And Heart Rate Monitor Buying Guide
Whether it's riding for fun, fitness or competition, at the end you the day you're exercising. To make the most of any form of exercise, you need to be aware of the length, quality and intensity of your activity. Starting at less the $30, there's a great selection of bike computers suited to all styles of rider. Entry level A basic cycling computer is perfect for the avid leisure rider, as it records and displays trip distance and speed. This helps you know how far you're riding and when to service your bike. See All Entry Level Cycling Computers Mid Level As you move up in price, computers and watches are suited to riders with more specific training goals. Bike computers generally become wireless and offer additional functions. No cable means no wear-and-tear and a longer lifespan. More functions include average and max speeds, cadence etc. Cadence is your pedalling revolutions per minute, which aids effectiveness of both constant and interval training. See All Mid Level Cycling Computers Heart rate monitors provide an extra level of insight into your performance and training load. These models pair with computer software for the ability to download and conduct more detailed analysis of training data. Cadence sensors allow you to measure your pedalling rate, or the number of revolutions of the crank per minute. Cadence is related to, but separate to overall speed. Knowing your cadence can help you with gear selection, and generally working towards improved pedalling efficiency. A power meter is a device that measures power output of the rider at each pedal stroke. This provides feedback on actual physical output, and is used in training and racing by high performance cyclists. Whether it's riding for fun, fitness or competition, at the end you the day you're exercising. To make the most of any form of exercise, you need to be aware of the length, quality and intensity of your activity. Starting at less the $30, there's a great selection of bike computers suited to all styles of rider.
Car Racks Buying Guide
Forget trying to squeeze your muddy bike inside the car, if you want to explore beyond your local area, and bring your friends along for the ride, then you need a car rack. Usually capable of transporting between one and four bikes, car racks can be attached to your car in a range of different options. What type of bike rack do I need? There is a bike rack to suit every vehicle and every bike, as well as every budget. You'll need to consider how many bikes you need to transport and what type of bikes those are, but the first thing to check is what type of rack is suitable for your vehicle. The most common car racks are trunk mounted, towball or hitch mounted, roof racks and tailgate pads for utes. As a rough guide, the below car types are compatible with these types of racks. But it pays to double check the rack you are looking at against your specific vehicle before purchase. Car Type Mount Type Sedan Trunk Mounted / Roof Rack Hatchback Trunk Mounted SUV Hitch Mounted / Tow-ball / Roof Rack Van Tow-ball / Hitch Mounted Ute Tailgate Pad / Tow-ball / Hitch Mounted Towball & Hitch Mounted Racks Hitch mounted bike racks are built to fit in receiver hitches while tow ball mounted car racks sit on the actual tow ball. Your vehicle will already need to be fitted with a hitch receiver or towball to be compatible with one of these options. However they are usually the most stable of all rack types, provide the best weight distribution and are the easiest to load and offload. Simple Designs: These racks are available in simple sturdy designs such as the classic two prong design covered in foam to protect your frame and secured with bungee hooks, some options are fixed in place while others are able to be folded down when no bikes are mounted. Pro's: Simple and durable design, easy to lift bikes on and off. Easy to take rack on and off. Con's: Not compatible with bikes with low top tubes unless an adapter is purchased. No trunk access while mounted. Can limit rear visibility and obscure number plate. High Tech Designs: At the other end of the scale there are some hi-tech options available which offer individual sections for each bike, as well as individual straps and frame clamps so that you can fit any bike type perfectly, these racks also offer options such as tilting to access trunks and optional ramps so that you can roll a heavy ebike on without the need to lift. Pro's: Easiest option to mount and dismount bikes, compatible with almost any bike. Often has smart features like tilting to access trunk, folding to reduce space when not in use, spaces for temporary number plates and compatibility with lights. The best option for ebike riders. Often comes with locks to secure bikes when you are away. Con's: Often the heaviest and bulkiest racks, so removing and storing is more difficult. Can limit rear visibility for rear view cameras, increases length of vehicle so parking can be more difficult. View all Tow-Ball Racks | View all Hitch Racks Trunk Racks These racks are perfect for vehicles without a towball or hitch rack and for users with less bikes to transport. The rack is mounted using a number of straps attached to the lip of the bumper/boot/hatchback of your car and can be adjusted to fit your vehicle. Trunk racks can sometimes be difficult to fit compared to other racks and need to be fitted properly to secure your bike, while they also run the risk of damaging the paintwork on your car. Not compatible with utes or vans, this rack is best suited to a casual rider who is not driving long distances and wants something that is lightweight and easy to remove and store when not in use. Pro's: Easy to remove and store. Compatible with sedans and most hatchbacks where most other racks are not. Con's: Harder to mount correctly, straps must be fitted correctly to prevent damage to your vehicle or bike. View all Trunk Racks Roof Racks Mounting your bikes on roof racks is one of the most secure and reliable ways to transport your bikes. They allow you to still have easy access to your boot and don’t limit your visibility while you drive. Some options need you to remove the front wheel to mount and others allow you to secure both wheels via straps. Options where you remove the front wheel are often cheaper and more secure, however you'll have the hassle of needing to remove your front wheel. Most people leave their roof rack mounts on when not in use making them very convenient. You'll also need to have roof racks installed to mount this type of rack. Pro's: Secure mounting without affecting trunk access or rear visibility. Many options come with locks to secure your bike while your away. Con's: You'll have to lift your bike up onto your roof with a bit of balancing while you secure, so this options is not compatible with any ebikes and heavier mountain bikes can be difficult to mount, especially after a long ride. If your vehicle is particularly tall this can also up the difficulty level. There is also the risk of forgetting about the rack and driving into a garage or low level carpark and going wile e coyote on your unsuspecting bike. View all Roof Racks Tailgate Pads A simple but perfect solution for transporting bikes in a ute. The tailgate pad attaches to your tailgate with straps and allows you to drape often up to 5 bikes over the tailgate. Coming with either integrated straps or loops to hook bungees to keep your bikes separated, the pad will also protect your paintwork. Pro's: Simple and easy design secures many bikes at once. Easy to space bikes to prevent them rubbing and damaging paint. Easy to mount and tailgate can still be used as normal when pad is mounted, so no need to even remove between rides. Con's: There is no locking mechanism so less safe than some options, purchasing a cable lock long enough to secure all bikes is a good idea if you plan on leaving them on the back while away. You'll need to be strong enough to lift the bikes over the tailgate. View all Tailgate Pads What type of bikes are you transporting? Second only to what vehicle you have, what type of bikes you need to carry is also an essential part of choosing the right rack for your needs. For example, for simple two prong towball racks some bikes such as smaller kid's bikes or bikes with low top tubes are often incompatible or harder to mount, while lifting a dual suspension bike onto a roof rack can be a backbreaking effort and ebikes are only compatible with certain bike racks rated to carry the extra weight. Best Racks for Kid's Bikes: Most racks are suitable for kid's bikes due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Just make sure if you're getting a simple towball or hitch rack that the bikes top tube is high enough to slip between the prongs, otherwise you'll need an adapter which creates a bar between the handlebar step and saddle. The best option is a higher tech towball or hitch rack that allows you to secure the bike with an adjustable frame clamp. Keep an eye on the roof racks specs before purchase as well, because some bikes are too small to clamp the wheels. Best Racks for Lighter Bikes: All racks are suitable for lighter bikes, roof racks are a great choice as bikes are out of the way allowing you trunk access. Trunk mounted racks are also a convenient choice that are compatible with a lot of vehicle options. Best Racks for Heavier Bikes: Towball and hitch mount racks are the best choice for heavier bikes as they are the most secure and durable designs, as well as being the easiest to load and offload. Best Racks for Electric Bikes: We highly recommend if you are transporting an ebike to only choose an ebike rated bike rack, this is because they are rated to carry the heavier weight and often come with optional accessories such as ramps to load your bike without the need to lift. Usually only available in towball and hitch mount options, keep an eye on the max load weight if you are transporting multiple ebikes at a time to make sure you choose one with a high enough capacity. Tailgate pads are also compatible with ebikes, just make sure you are comfortable lifting the ebike over the tailgate without injuring yourself.
Bmx Gear Buying Guide
Having the right parts and gear on your BMX bike can make all the difference, whether you're at the skatepark or riding street or other terrain. They can also be a way to add your personal style in your bike, with parts available in a rainbow of colours. Grips Grips for bmx bikes are usually long and ribbed to make sure your hands don't slip off when you're ripping tricks in the bowl. They often come in lots of funky colours and have a rubber bit around the end closest to the center of the handlebars to keep your hands in place. Shop BMX Grips Pegs Pegs are hard metal tubes that bolt onto each side of either the front or the back wheel. They are great for doing tricks like stalling, and also for giving friends a lift on the bike (with a helmet of course). Shop BMX Pegs
Health Benefits Riding Ebikes
Electric bikes are fast, fun and help us ride for longer distances than ever before. It's no surprise their popularity is going through the roof! However, a niggling doubt may remain for some: is riding an electric bike really cycling? If you really want to improve your fitness, should you just stick to a regular bike? An electric bike, also known as an ebike, gives you extra power when you're cycling by assisting you with an electric motor. And this is where possible misconceptions arise. After all, if the motor is doing the hard work, then riding an electric bike surely can't be considered physical activity and healthy living. Right? Science has the definitive answer. After examining the physical, cardiorespiratory, metabolic and psychological effects associated with electrically-assisted pedalling, some studies have reached a clear conclusion: riding an electric bike does improve your fitness. But to what extent? Studies conclude that riding ebikes is a beneficial physical activity of at least moderate intensity. This means that the physical activity that you do while riding an electric bike may be lower than when riding a conventional bike, but is still beneficial for your health and more intense exercise than, for example, just walking. Other health benefits of the electric bike are: Reduces Inactivity Many people, given the choice, will always take the car instead of riding a bike. Some people, for a number of different reasons, are not keen or not able to ride a regular bike. An electric bike can help change that, as it makes it easier than ever for a physically inactive person to start riding and therefore improving their cardiorespiratory fitness. Reduces Impact The pedal-assist system of an electric bike can reduce the impact and the stress on certain areas of the body. This is especially beneficial for people who have troublesome knees or thighs. Great For All Ages & Level Of Training No matter what age you are or how much you've trained before, an electric bike has that amazing power-boosting capability that can help you conquer challenging terrains and inclines with ease. Longer Rides You know your electric bike will be there for you when you need it most! It can encourage you to go for longer rides with new found confidence, and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors for longer periods of time. Mental Health Benefits "Mens sana in corpore sano" (healthy mind in healthy body). Being outdoors, moving your body, enjoying an activity with friends or family, or even joining a cycling club. These are only some of the reasons why riding an electric bike has great benefits for your mental health. Eco Friendly Ebikes are not just beneficial for your health, but for the health of our planet! All bikes are a fantastic ecological means of transport, but electric bikes have become a real alternative for replacing the car on the daily commute. There are other benefits of electric bikes that are not directly related to your health, but are still very important, like saving money! In the long term, riding an electric bike will save you money, especially if you use it to replace public transport and reduce use of your car. The great news is the range of electric bikes available in the market is only increasing, which means it's easier to find ebikes and batteries that offer great value for money. Almost every aspect related to electric bikes, from the frame to the battery and motor , has evolved greatly. The modern electric batteries have way more power than even just a couple of years ago, and, at the same time, are smaller and lighter. Charging them is also faster and easier. The frames of the ebikes are also lighter but still strong enough to withstand the weight of the typical components of an electric bike. Check out our huge range of electric bikes to find a fun electric mountain bike , a practical electric hybrid bike or a beautiful electric cruiser bike , and start enjoying great health benefits! Shop Electric Mountain Bikes Shop Electric Hybrid Bikes Shop Electric Cruiser Bikes
Creams And Oils Buying Guide
Cycling cream can be somewhat of a delicate subject not often discussed among peers, however if you're riding on a regular basis then applying cream before a ride is definitely something you should consider. Cycling cream reduces friction between your Knicks and your skin which can prevent abrasions and nasty bacterial / fungal infections that can lead to unpleasant saddle sore. Creams When buying cycling cream look for a product that is made from natural ingredients like Tea Tree Oil to avoid any adverse reactions. See All Creams & Oils
Bodyarmour Buying Guide
Body armour is tough but flexible padding that can be worn on your chest, arms, legs/shins, and even neck that spreads and absorbs the impact of a crash while riding. Body armour is a good idea for mountain bike riders and BMX riders who want to push their limits. Body Armour Many trail riders use knee pads for general mountain biking, but it is always important to ensure you get the right size as too much movement can cause friction and chafing, while too small of padding can be constricting. See All Body Armour
Brads Bike Review Of The Cube Touring Hybrid Active 400
Takes care of the worst of it and leaves just the pure enjoyment or riding. "I have done my test rides of this bike around Brisbane over a good amount of both flat and hills (some quite steep) and I am totally blown away by how good this bike is." "When I first started setting it up, moving it around the house the 25kg of bike felt heavy and seemed like it could be unbalanced on the ride, but this is far from reality." "When in the road the bike just feels right. The balance of the bike is brilliant, possibly because the weight is kept down low. I come from a mountain bike background and the wide front flat bars and riding position made for a very comfortable ride and provided very secure handling whilst still maintaining the nippy feel that a commuter should have." "And as far as the motor goes, many would consider electric bikes as a cheat's option, but you still need to put in the work. The difference is with the help on the hills you don't have that heavy muscle fatigue that comes with climbing, but because there is no dual front chain ring the 9 speeds you have at your disposal means you have to ride at a higher cadence on the flats. This provides a higher rate of cardio work but without the fatigue." "When you change down a gear the motor does too and based on the power input meter you can see that is in fluctuating assistance where it thinks you need it. And it is very clever the way it matches your input. The different levels of power are great too as you can select how much help you want at any moment." "The result (for me anyway) was the most enjoyable ride I have had in a long time. Fun, fast and left ready for more afterwards." "If you are into cycling purely for fitness, and you like road bikes then this might not be the bike for you. But if you enjoy bikes that handle well and enjoy riding for what it is then this is worth a test ride. My bike is set up with dual rear panniers, and the commute to work this morning was with a full set of work clothes and shoes, plus my lunch and tool kit + tubes. And the weight was not even noticed during the ride. Plus, it was so nice to be without the sweaty backpack the whole way. " "Very happy with the bike and would have no problem recommending it to others." See All Cube E-bikes
Bike Grips Buying Guide
The grips on your Mountain or BMX bike play an important role in reducing the impact felt when going over uneven terrain. Poor fitting, or heavily worn grips can lead to discomfort and long term pain if not replaced so if your grips have seen better days, here's what you'll need to know: Mountain bike & BMX grips come in 3 common types; Traditional Grips - Straightforward rubber sleeves that simply slide onto the end of the bars. These are the most cost effective option but can be tricky to remove when the time comes to replace them Ergonomic Grips - As the name suggests these grips are shaped to fit the contours of your hand and provide a greater level of comfort. Lock-on Grips - These feature metallic rings at either end of the grip meaning you can tighten them into place with a small allen key. This makes them quite easy to remove and replace compared to other types of grips. See All Grips
Best Beginner Road Bikes For Under 1500 In 2021
Road bikes under $1500 make capable commuters or an easy transition from a flat-bar road bike, while remaining more than capable of hanging with a bunch ride. As technology gets better and trickles down through the models, the bikes in this price range have improved over the years. Starting with the basics, you can expect an alloy frame which combines strength and durability for a capable ride, which is used on a lot of higher end bikes as well. Some bikes will come with a vibration damping carbon fork for a smooth and reliable ride. They will typically have a slightly more relaxed and comfortable geometry than some of the more speed oriented road bikes. While the groupsets will differ from bike to bike, most will be provided by SRAM or Shimano and they are likely to be 2x setups on the front and 7 to 11 speeds at the back. Road bikes in this price range will usually feature traditional rim brakes which are light, simple and reliable. While disc brakes are certainly gaining popularity, you'll be hard pressed to find a bike under $1500 with disc brakes as the cheapest will usually sit around $1600. When buying on a budget it's best to keep it simple and make sure the bike ticks the right boxes, without paying for any unnecessary extras that you won't utilise. 1) Cube Attain The Cube Attain brings sleek and well thought-out design concepts from German brand Cube. It starts with the double-butted High Performance Alloy frame which is light and stiff, matched with a Cube Race Full Carbon Fork which smoothes out the ride. The 2x8 Shimano Claris Drivetrain is serviceable for the weekend warrior and more than capable for most riders out there. The Continental tyres are matched with a reliable Cube wheelset that is solid and good enough to get the job done. Overall this bike fuses pace with easy handling and comfort which is something any ride will be happy with. 2) Merida Scultura Rim 100 The Scultura 100 is a versatile road bike that comes in male and female sizes to maximise comfort and performance. The alloy frame is designed with aero profiled tubing for added efficiency, while the carbon fork offers precise steering and smoothes out the bumps. As with the Attain, theis bikes also rolls with a 2x8 Shimano Claris Drivetrain for dynamic performance on every climb or descent. The Maxxis Pursuer tyres offer a combination of speed and traction, which you can control with the reliable rim brakes. The 100 does the basics well and ticks a lot of boxes for the recreational riders, the main reason to step up would be for disc brakes and a slightly better drivetrain which might appeal to the more serious riders. 3) Pedal Pursuit The Pedal Pursuit comes at the bargain end of the price range, for under $700 you get a capable road bike with drop bars and a can do attitude. The 6061 Alloy frame is similar to the frames previously mentioned however this bike does have Hi- Ten steel fork to keep the price down and probably means this bike is best for fast commuting and first timers. The 2x7 speed drivetrain made up of mostly Shimano components is sturdy and reliable without the efficiency or frills of a higher end drivetrain. The alloy Dual Pivot Caliper rim brakes are simple and trusty, while the double wall alloy rims are tough and light for a smooth ride in combination with the 700c tyres. If you expect to race the Tour de France on this bike you might be disappointed, but when it comes to value and reliability this bike does a great job of giving you a comfortable and smooth ride that is great for fitness or transport. 4) BONUS: Merida Scultura 400 This bike is a bit over the $1500 mark so we'll count this as a bonus as it is hard to go past a road bike with hydraulic disc brakes in 2021. This will give you an insight into the more expensive road bikes as disc brakes are now standard on the Scultura range for 2021 models, with rim brakes existing as an alternate model. This bike will fit right in the sweet spot for a lot of riders, quality across the board that won't break the bank. You get a great alloy frame which is optimised to combine comfort geometry with speed, add in the CF2 Carbon fork for excellent steering and a great riding experience. The 2x11 speed Shimano 105 Drivetrain is crisp and fast, perfect for dropping your mates while you ride. While the 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes give you responsive and powerful control in the dry and the wet, a real difference maker. All in all the Scultura 400 is an outstanding bike, it maybe be over $1500, but with 2x11 speed 105 and hydraulic disc brakes it's hard to argue. Shop Road Bikes Shop Road Helmets Shop Lights Shop Water Bottles & Cages Shop Gloves Shop Locks Shop Computers
Best Beginner Mountain Bikes For Under $1000
If you're after an entry-level mountain bike that won't break the bank, look no further than a hardtail mountain bike. A hardtail mountain bike is built with a front suspension fork, while a dual-suspension mountain bike is also equipped with a rear shock which adds to the price of the bike and the weight, in reality you're unlikely to find a reliable dual-suspension mountain bike for under $1000 so a hardtail is clearly your best option. When you're looking at a hardtail in this price range almost all bikes will be built with an alloy frame which is durable enough for trail riding but not too heavy that is has a sluggish feel which you can't control. The alloy frame is paired with a suspension fork from a range of brands, but most usually from brands such as FOX, RockShox or Suntour for entry-level bikes. These bikes are usually built for relatively straightforward trail riding and for that reason they will usually have 100mm travel or 120mm at most. The next most important component is your brakes, mountain bikes come with either mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes. Otherwise known as cable disc brakes, mechanical disc brakes are a cheaper option which use a steel cable to apply the braking pressure. While Hydraulic brakes use hydraulic fluid to transfer the braking power and offer a much smoother and reliable feel, meaning that you should always make hydraulic disc brakes your preference on a mountain bike. Most bikes in this range will have mixed groupset from the lower end of the range, it's best to look for a bike with the majority of componentry provided by SRAM or Shimano to ensure that you get the most reliable ride possible. Groupsets in this range will run a double or triple chainset for a range of gears to handle a variety of climbs and descents. As mountain bikes get more expensive they are usually outfitted with anything from a 1x10 speed to 1x12 speed drivetrain which requires less maintenance as there are less moving parts. When it comes to wheels, you'll get a mix of 27.5" and 29" wheels with some brands changing the size of the wheel for the same model depending on the frame size. The smaller 27.5" wheels are lighter and stronger, typically offering a more agile ride and a lower standover height. While the 29" wheels give you better traction and comfort which is something a lot of entry-level riders look for. This usually comes down to personal preference and your size, if you're a smaller rider you might just feel more comfortable on a smaller wheel. Cube Aim Pro The Cube Aim Pro brings advanced German design and technology at an affordable price which doesn't compromise quality. The Aim Pro is built with an Aluminium Lite frame with internal cable routing and a Suntour XCT Disc fork with 100mm travel for agile and snappy performance. One of the highlight are the powerful Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 160mm rotors and incredibly crisp braking performance so that you can ride with confidence on the dirt. The 3x9 speed Shimano drivetrain and Shimano Rapidfire-Plus Shifters are more than up to the task when it comes to taming trials with the range of gears to tackle any climb or descent. The Aim Pro comes in both 27.5" and 29" wheels with Cube's size split system which gives you the perfect fit. The bike really earns the Pro tag, built to be super light and perform like a boss without the high price tag, ideal for the entry-level rider who wants to grow into an adventurous rider Shop Cube Aim SL Range Merida Big Nine 20 Coming in at under $800, the Merida Big Nine 200 is the most affordable bike in the Big Nine range to be equipped with Hydraulic Disc Brakes and this bike packs plenty of heat. Equipped with the Big Nine Speed TFS aluminium frame and relaxed geometry, this bike is lightweight and easy to control while you're sitting in a more upright position thanks to the relaxed geometry. The internal cable routing is a great touch for a bike in this price range, giving it a sharp and clean look while minimising maintenance. The Suntour XCT 30 HLO Fork with lockout offers the versatility to push the limits and really have some fun even as you're still learning and improving. While the 2x8 speed Shimano drivetrain is more than capable for entry-level riding on a variety of surfaces. If you like the sound of this bike but are looking for a smaller option, the good news is that this bike comes in a 27.5" wheel with the Big Seven 20D Model. The Big Nine range has a bike for every rider looking for a hardtail, but when it comes to price you just can't beat the bang for buck with the Merida Big Nine 20. Shop Merida Big Nine 20 Range Merida Matts 6.5V The Merida Matts 6.5V comes in a range of great colours for both male and female, regarded as one of the most popular bikes in the range. This is a mountain bike very much for the entry-level rider, as the rest of the bikes listed are higher on the spec list but also in cost. The 6.5 comes in under $600 and makes a capable commuter or off-road bike for any rider. You get a lot of the basics right with the light alloy frame, 3x7 speed Shimano drivetrain and a comfortable design. The V-brakes are not built for intense trail riding, but are more than capable for someone starting out or a kids first adult size bike with 26" wheels Shop Merida Matts 6.5 Range Shop Related Products Shop All Hardtail Mountain Bikes Shop Merida Mountain Bikes Shop Norco Mountain Bikes Shop Cube Mountain Bikes Shop Clothing Shop MTB Helmets
