Carbon frames are lighter, but more expensive, while aluminium ones are heavier, but cheaper.

Hardtails come with only front suspension travel (shocks), and provide a rougher ride on bumpier trails, but are light and fast on smoother trails, and require less maintenance.

Full suspension bikes are the most common mountain bikes on rough trails. They have suspension on the front and rear, allowing for a smoother ride and the ability to ride larger drops and jumps.

Mountain bikes come in many styles to suit any type of riding. Bikes are designed to handle different terrains with varying amounts of suspension, dropper posts, gearing, and tires. While this can be overwhelming, we are here to help! Here is some basic information to help you begin to make your decision.

27.5-inch wheels: These wheels are the smallest of the modern mountain bike, and allow for good handling in tight, twisty singletrack. These wheels are also often preferred by smaller riders.

29-inch wheels: These larger wheels allow for smoother rolling over rough terrain, and are very common on XC bikes and trail bikes.

27.5+ wheels: These wheels are 27.5-inch rims, but fit wider tires (2.6” – 3.2”), allowing for more grip and a smoother ride. However, the handling is not as nimble as a traditional tire.

Fat bike: Fat bikes come with 4.0”+ tires, allowing for great grip and absorption of bumps with little or no suspension travel. In addition, they allow you to ride in the winter on packed-down snow-covered trails!

Most mountain bikes in the trail category and enduro category come stock with dropper seatposts, which allow you to lower the seat while riding on a descent with the push of a lever. This allows you to move the bike underneath you more easily, making for safer, more-controlled descending and the ability to ride drops and steep sections with ease.

Modern mountain bike shifting is very reliable. Even less expensive mechanical components will work in muddy conditions with little maintenance. Some bikes come with wireless electronic shifting in the form SRAM AXS. These bikes cost more and require you to charge a battery every few rides, but allow for silent, smooth, reliable shifting in any conditions and under load while pedaling.

Aluminum wheels are the most common, and less expensive. They are durable, and modern aluminum wheels are lightweight. Carbon wheels are more expensive, but are stiffer and allow for more efficient riding on rough surfaces.

Please contact the shop directly.