Bikes

It will be impossible to educate you on everything mountain related in this short section. So think of this as a broad brush stroke overview and a starting point.

First, you gotta determine where you'll be riding.

Budget comes later.

If it's with mates on suburban bikes, rail trails and light dirt/gravel tracks, then a recreational hardtail (front suspension only) mountain bike will be fine.

If you're going to be spending more time off-road than on-road, then you need more robust components.

And these cost more.

Then you would consider a performance hardtail or a dual-suspension mountain bike.

There are 3 different types of road bikes:

• Endurance road
• Race
• Aero

As a quick summary:

Endurance road bikes deliver comfort and stable handling. And they are great for new riders.

Race bikes are the lightest of the 3. The handling and overall response of Race bikes are more responsive.

These suit riders with good foundational fitness, flexibility and those that have some riding experience.

Aero bikes tend to have the same aggressive posture as Race bikes.

As the name suggests, these bikes are optimised for aerodynamics.

In other words: speed.

Every tube shape on these frames is designed to cut through the air.

City bikes are perfect for riders who are commuting or riding for general fitness in suburbia and inner city.

They are designed for pavement but can handle the occasional smooth dirt and gravels surface.

They don't have suspension either so they are lighter than hybrid bikes.

Hybrids are a lighter, faster and more efficient mountain bike. This is the option you'd consider if:

• You want a bike that can handle a variety of path types (sealed or unsealed).
• You prefer a upright/relaxed riding position.