BIKE TIPS
	Bike Basics 101
	Bike Fit
SPECIFIC TYPES OF BIKES
	Road
	Casual & Family
	Mountain
	Health & Fitness
	Commuting

Hardrock Sport Disc 29er

Revel 2 W 2012

Myka Elite Disc 29er 2012

XTC Composite 29er 1

Carve Expert 2012

Stumpjumper FSR Comp 2012

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bicycles nowadays are extremely diverse and specified. Here's a breakdown of the types of mountain bikes out there: cross-country, all-mountain, freeride, downhill, trails.

Cross-country bicycles encompass the majority of mountain bikes sold. They are either front-suspended or dual suspended, typically have 4" or less of suspension travel, and are extremely lightweight. Ideal for:

• Beginners looking for a lightweight, fun bicycle to ride off-road.
• Fitness buffs that see hills as personal challenges.
• Aspiring competitors in racing events or 24-hour adventure races.
• Commuters that want a durable bicycle to handle potholes and the occasional crash.

All-mountain bicycles are the fastest growing segment in the mountain bike world. They have the geometry and overall riding characteristics of cross-country bicycles, but with more travel and strength for taking on aggressive trails and light jumps. A great all-around trail bike that can do everything well - climb, descend, jump - and shines in every kind of riding condition. Typical weight ranges from 28-35 pounds, with 4-6" of travel. Ideal for:

• Those who tended to break their toys as kids.
• Those who see boulders as obstacles to jump off instead of avoid.
• Advanced mountain bikers looking for more challenges off-road.
• Riders who want three mountain bikes but don't want a divorce.
• For heavier riders (220-ish), an all-mountain is a must to enjoy mountain biking.

Freeride bicycles tend to attract a different breed of rider. They have insane suspension travel and are built to survive a nuclear storm. Most radical though is its riding position - slack and low on the rear wheel so the rider is more laid back and in control while descending. Your intuition is correct, all that travel and strength means a much harder climb and less maneuverability in tight sections, but for those lucky enough to ride one, none of that matters. A typical freeride bicycle weighs 32-40 pounds and offers 6"-8" of travel. Ideal for:

• Those with motocross backgrounds.
• Adventure seekers looking to land ill-jumps and bomb down hills.
• Folks willing to torture up a hill for two hours for 20 minutes of pure delight.

Downhill bicycles are pretty much what their name implies. Used exclusively in terrain parks (Northstar for example) and shuttling with buddies, they can go down fast, real fast. Downhill bicycles weigh forty plus pounds and offer up to 12" of travel. Ideal for:

• Going uphill really fast in the opposite direction.
• Finding out your tolerance for pain.

Trails bicycles are fun little life getaways used for dirt-jumping and urban assault. They generally have a single chainring up front and ride slack for optimum gravity-fighting performance. Ideal for:

• Having fun with buddies or collecting street citations.
• Impressing friends and loved ones.