How To Buy Your First Mountain Bike | The GMBN Guide

Summary

This video serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners looking to buy their first mountain bike. It covers essential aspects such as budget, bike types (hardtail vs. full suspension), frame materials (aluminum vs. carbon), and key components like brakes, gears, and suspension. The guide also discusses different riding styles, geometry, and wheel sizes. Collaborating with Decathlon, the video emphasizes affordable, entry-level bikes and explains the importance of upgrading certain parts. Additionally, it touches on e-bikes, second-hand purchases, and maintenance tips to help new riders make informed decisions.

Takeaways

• 🚵‍♂️ Welcome to the mountain bike community! Buying your first mountain bike can be overwhelming with so many options.
• 💰 Budget is key! For around £250, you can get a decent entry-level bike, and for about £600, you'll find bikes capable of handling technical trails.
• 🛠️ Hardtail bikes are lighter, simpler, and easier to maintain, while full suspension bikes offer more comfort and control but are more expensive.
• ⛰️ Determine your riding style! Cross-country bikes are built for fitness and efficiency, while trail bikes handle technical terrain like jumps and drop-offs.
• 🚲 Frame materials matter! Aluminum frames are common in entry-level bikes, offering great value, while carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive.
• ⚙️ Gears and brakes are important! Entry-level bikes might have fewer gears and basic rim brakes, but upgrading to disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, improves control.
• 🔧 Suspension matters! Entry-level bikes often have a suspension fork, but spending more offers better, adjustable suspension, increasing comfort and control.
• 🔄 Wheel sizes vary! 27.5-inch wheels offer agility, while 29-inch wheels roll over bumps more smoothly, offering more grip and control.
• 👟 Don't forget pedals! Bikes often come without quality pedals, so consider investing in flat or clipless pedals based on your riding needs.
• ♻️ Second-hand bikes can offer savings, but inspect carefully for damage. Decathlon's ‘Second Life’ scheme offers refurbished bikes at discounts, with peace of mind.

Q & A

What is the first thing to consider when buying a mountain bike?

The first thing to consider is how much you'd like to spend. There's no right amount, but entry-level bikes start at around £250, and for £600, you can get a bike capable of riding technical single-track terrain.

What are the main differences between hardtail and full suspension bikes?

Hardtail bikes have no rear suspension, making them lighter, less complex, easier to maintain, and more affordable. Full suspension bikes add comfort and control but are generally more expensive and complex due to the rear shock system.

What type of mountain biking should you consider when choosing a bike?

Mountain biking can be divided into cross-country (fitness-focused) and trail riding (more technical and capable of handling obstacles like jumps and drop-offs). The bike's geometry and components should match the type of riding you plan to do.

What frame materials are common for entry-level to mid-level mountain bikes?

Most entry-level to mid-level mountain bikes have aluminium frames, which are durable and affordable. Carbon fiber frames are found in higher-end bikes, offering lighter and stiffer builds but at a higher cost.

Why is bike weight important, and how can manufacturers reduce it?

A lighter bike is easier to pedal and control. Manufacturers reduce weight by using higher-grade materials, clever tube profiling, and lighter components like air forks instead of coil springs.

What are the advantages of disc brakes over rim brakes on a mountain bike?

Disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, provide more consistent and powerful braking with better control. They're particularly useful in off-road conditions and require less effort to operate compared to rim brakes.

What is the difference between a 1x, 2x, and 3x drivetrain system?

A 1x system has one chainring at the front and fewer gears, making it simpler and lighter. A 2x or 3x system has two or three chainrings, offering more gears and a wider range, but it's heavier and more complex.

What wheel sizes are common on modern mountain bikes, and what are the pros and cons of each?

Most modern mountain bikes come with 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. Larger 29-inch wheels roll over obstacles more easily and provide more control, while 27.5-inch wheels are more maneuverable and quicker to accelerate.

What should you look for in a suspension fork for an entry-level bike?

For an entry-level bike, look for an air suspension fork, which is lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring fork. The amount of travel (80mm to 130mm) depends on the type of terrain you plan to ride.

What are some important factors to consider when buying a second-hand mountain bike?

When buying second-hand, check for frame damage, the condition of the suspension, and consumables like tires and grips. Make sure the bike is from a reputable brand, and verify that it hasn't been stolen.

Outlines

00:00

🚴‍♂️ Joining the Mountain Biking Community: Where to Start

The first step in buying your mountain bike is deciding your budget, with options ranging from entry-level bikes around £250 to more advanced models near £600. Higher-end bikes are lighter, stiffer, and come with sophisticated components, but you should also save some budget for essential accessories like helmets, pedals, and shoes. Decathlon offers a wide range of entry-level options, and this guide will walk you through understanding bike types, what to look for, and how to determine a good deal.

05:00

🔍 Hardtail vs. Full Suspension: Key Differences

The two primary bike types are hardtail (no rear suspension) and full suspension (both front and rear suspension). Hardtail bikes are simpler, lighter, and more affordable, while full suspension bikes offer better comfort and control but at a higher cost. A good full suspension bike starts at around £600. It's essential to decide between the cross-country and trail categories, depending on whether you want a fitness-oriented or more technical trail-riding experience.

10:01

🏗️ Frame Materials: Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber

The most common mountain bike frame materials are aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum is popular in entry-level to mid-level bikes due to its durability and lower cost, while carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive. Aluminum frames are also easier to repair and recycle. Manufacturers often emphasize bike weight as an important factor, and lighter frames provide a better riding experience. For beginners, aluminum offers excellent value, though carbon frames are ideal for those with a higher budget.

15:02

🚵 Geometry and Bike Design: How It Affects Your Ride

Bike geometry significantly affects performance, with cross-country bikes designed for speed and efficiency and trail bikes for technical terrain and stability. Entry-level bikes often come with lower-tier group sets, which are sufficient for beginner riders. Understanding gear ratios and the difference between systems (like 1x or 2x setups) can help you select the right bike for your needs. Brake types are also crucial, with hydraulic disc brakes offering superior control compared to mechanical discs or rim brakes.

⚙️ Suspension, Wheels, and Tires: What to Look For

Suspension plays a big role in comfort and control, with air shocks providing better adjustability and lighter weight compared to coil springs. The travel range of the suspension should match the terrain you intend to ride. Mountain bike wheels now come in two sizes: 27.5 and 29 inches, with larger wheels providing better control and smaller wheels offering more agility. Entry-level bikes may come with cheaper wheels, but upgrading to lighter, stronger options can enhance the ride.

🚴 Pedals and Personalization: Choosing the Right Setup

Most entry-level bikes don’t come with high-quality pedals, so riders have the choice between flat pedals (usable with regular shoes) and clipless pedals (which require specific shoes for better pedaling efficiency). Women-specific bikes often have custom features like specialized saddles and shorter stems. However, most bikes can be adjusted to fit any rider. It's important to ensure brake levers and other contact points are comfortable for your body and riding style.

🔧 Price Points: What You Get for Your Money

For around £300, the Rockrider ST100 is a solid entry-level option with an aluminum frame, 27.5-inch wheels, and 21 gears. Moving up to around £600, the Rockrider ST540s provides a full suspension system with hydraulic disc brakes, better components, and a more robust design for technical terrain. At £900, the Rockrider ST900s offers even lighter, higher-quality parts, fewer gears with a 1x11 system, and advanced suspension features for enhanced performance on challenging trails.

💡 High-End Features and Upgrades: Going the Extra Mile

At higher price points, mountain bikes like the Rockrider ST900s come with more advanced technology, such as air suspension and remote lockouts for smoother transitions. These bikes often have lighter wheels and tubeless-ready tires, which enhance performance. High-end aluminum frames can be lighter and more durable than lower-end carbon fiber frames. Upgrading components like wheels, brakes, and even adding a dropper post can significantly improve your ride experience.

🔋 The Rise of E-Bikes: Expanding Your Riding Potential

E-bikes are increasingly popular due to their ability to assist with pedaling, making it easier to ride further and faster, especially in hilly terrain. Although they are heavier and more expensive than traditional bikes, e-bikes like the Rockrider E-ST100 feature a 250W motor, a 380Wh battery, and provide over two hours of assisted riding. E-bikes allow riders to overcome fitness barriers and explore more challenging terrain with ease.

🛠️ Buying Second-Hand: Risks and Considerations

While buying second-hand can save money, it comes with risks. You need to check for frame damage, worn parts, and potential maintenance costs. Reputable brands and schemes like Decathlon’s 'Second Life' offer peace of mind with refurbished bikes that come with warranties and discounts. When buying second-hand, it's crucial to inspect the bike carefully and ensure you're not contributing to bike theft. If you're unsure, seek advice from experienced riders or communities.

📏 Sizing and Next Steps: Finding Your Perfect Fit

After deciding on a bike, the next important step is choosing the right size. Luckily, there are videos available to help with this. Proper sizing ensures a comfortable and efficient ride, tailored to your body. Additionally, consider watching related beginner videos on skills like using clipless pedals. Once you've picked out your bike, it’s time to dive into the details like accessories and other riding essentials.

Keywords

💡Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a type of bicycle designed for off-road cycling. In the video, the speaker discusses the different styles of mountain bikes available, such as hardtail and full suspension, and provides advice on selecting the right bike for various types of terrain and rider preferences.

💡Hardtail

A hardtail bike refers to a mountain bike with no rear suspension. The video explains that hardtails are generally lighter, less complex, and easier to maintain compared to full suspension bikes, making them ideal for entry-level riders and those on a budget.

💡Full Suspension

Full suspension bikes feature both front and rear suspension, providing extra comfort and control on rough terrain. The video notes that while full suspension bikes offer enhanced comfort, they are more expensive and complex than hardtails, making them suitable for more technical trails.

💡Frame Material

Mountain bike frames are commonly made from aluminum or carbon fiber. The video discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both materials, emphasizing that aluminum frames are more affordable and durable, while carbon fiber frames are lighter but more expensive, often found in higher-end bikes.

💡Cross Country

Cross country (XC) refers to a style of mountain biking focused on fitness and efficiency, often involving long-distance rides on less technical terrain. The video explains that cross-country bikes are lighter and designed for pedaling speed, making them suitable for riders focused on endurance and distance.

💡Trail Riding

Trail riding involves more technical mountain biking on rough terrain, including obstacles like jumps and drop-offs. The video contrasts trail riding with cross country, explaining that trail bikes are built for durability and control on rugged terrain, often featuring more relaxed geometry.

💡Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are a type of brake system that offer better stopping power and control than traditional rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The video recommends disc brakes for riders who plan to ride on more technical or steep terrain, noting that hydraulic disc brakes are the best option for mountain biking.

💡Suspension Travel

Suspension travel refers to the amount of movement allowed by a bike's suspension system, measured in millimeters. The video explains that more suspension travel (e.g., 130mm+) allows a bike to handle rougher terrain and bigger impacts, while less travel (e.g., 100mm) is ideal for cross-country riding.

💡Wheel Size

Mountain bike wheels come in different sizes, primarily 27.5 inches and 29 inches. The video describes how larger wheels (29 inches) are better for rolling over obstacles and maintaining control, while smaller wheels (27.5 inches) offer more agility and maneuverability, especially on tight trails.

💡Group Set

A group set is the collection of components on a bike that includes the gears, brakes, and drivetrain. The video discusses how entry-level bikes may come with lower-tier group sets, but that these components are still sufficient for beginners. It also explains how some bikes use a 1x system (one chainring in the front) for simplicity and weight savings.

Highlights

Welcome to the mountain bike community! This guide helps beginners understand different types of bikes and what to look for.

For around £250, you can get a decent entry-level bike. Spending more, like £600, offers a bike capable of handling technical terrain.

Hardtail bikes are lighter, less complex, easier to maintain, and more affordable compared to full suspension bikes.

Full suspension bikes provide more comfort and control but are more expensive due to added complexity.

Consider whether you'll be riding cross-country or technical trails, as this will affect your choice of bike geometry and capability.

Aluminum frames are the standard for entry-level to mid-level bikes, offering great value and durability.

Lightweight bikes improve the riding experience by being easier to pedal and control.

Look for bikes with air forks and shocks, as they are lighter and offer better adjustability than coil versions.

The number of gears isn't always the most important feature; simpler 1x systems are common in mid- to high-end bikes for ease of use.

Hydraulic disc brakes are highly recommended for better control and performance, especially in more advanced terrain.

Suspension travel matters: 80mm is good for general riding, 100-120mm is better for cross-country, and 130mm+ is suited for more challenging terrain.

27.5-inch wheels offer more maneuverability, while 29-inch wheels provide better control and stability over rough terrain.

Investing in better quality wheels, such as those that are tubeless-ready, can improve your riding experience and reduce the risk of punctures.

E-bikes are growing in popularity, offering assistance for longer, more challenging rides with the added power of motors and batteries.

Secondhand bikes are a more affordable option, but make sure to check for frame damage, suspension condition, and other key parts before buying.

Transcripts

you want to buy your first mountain bike

amazing decision best one you've ever

made and welcome to the mountain bike

community but it can be quite

overwhelming there's so many different

styles and brands of bike knowing where

to start can be quite daunting so in

this guide i'm going to talk through all

different types of bike what you should

be looking for and what represents a

good deal to do a proper job of this

we've teamed up with decathlon who have

a great range of bikes for all abilities

but particularly aimed at the entry

level it's a great place to come show

just how many bikes they have in store

this information should help you out

whichever brand you finally decide to go

for

the first thing you need to establish is

how much you'd like to spend and there's

no right amount when it comes to buying

your first mountain bike

but for around 250 pounds you can get

yourself a decent entry level bike and

for about 600 pounds you can get a bike

that's more than capable of riding

technical single track terrain generally

speaking the more you spend bites become

lighter stiffer more

capable with more sophisticated

components although i'd suggest not

spending all your budget on the bike and

saving some for some essential spares

and accessories like helmets pedals and

shoes

right let's start on the important

things to consider when buying a bike

first the bike type so you have hard

tails and full suspension bike hardtail

no rear suspension generally speaking

they are lighter less complex easier to

maintain and more affordable

full suspension bikes they add comfort

add control but they're more expensive

than a hardtail with equivalent

components on there generally speaking

because they're just more complex you've

got extra components like the rear shock

good full suspension bike starts at

around 600 pounds so they're the two

most common bikes you see out there

hardtails full spencer you do get fully

rigid bikes but they're kind of a bit

more niche so once you've looked at that

you then need to think about what you're

going to be doing on this bike there's

lots of different categories of mountain

biking but if we split into two to keep

it simple there's the cross country

fitness end then there's the trail end

where you'd like to be riding slightly

more technical trails where the bike's

gonna need to be more capable of

tackling trail obstacles like jumps and

drop-offs so built more sturdily uh not

as light potentially and as efficient as

a cross-country bike that's aimed at

pedaling fast going far really at the

fitness end of riding

the most common frame materials for

mountain bikes are aluminium or carbon

fiber there are other options like steel

and titanium but they are quite rare

it's probably fair to say that entry

level to mid-level bikes are aluminium

whereas mid-leveled high level of carbon

fiber uh that's not to say that there

aren't high-level alloy bikes out there

there definitely are some people it's

still the no-nonsense durability of

alloy frames that they love even if

they're spending the big bucks carbon

fiber is lighter and stiffer than

aluminium but more expensive to

manufacture also note that not all

materials whether aluminium or carbon

are created equally as a rule of thumb

the more money you pay for a frame the

lighter and the better quality the

greater the material and the

manufacturing will be for both carbon

and aluminium bikes aluminium can also

be more easily repaired and recycled

once it comes to the end of its life

than carbon can if you've seen anything

so far about mountain biking and

marketing you'll probably see how bike

manufacturers love to talk about how

lightweight their bikes are why is that

so important well a lightweight yet

strong bike is just going to be easier

to pedal up down and along and trying to

get the lightest bike you can for your

money is probably going to have a

positive

effect on your riding experience

manufacturers can remove weights in the

frame using a higher grade material or

through clever tube profiling to remove

excess material from where it's not

needed they can also remove weight by

specking a better fork and shock for

example an air fork or shock is lighter

than a coil sprung version for your

first bike i'd recommend going with an

aluminium frame it's what most people go

for and it gives you great value if you

have got the cash for a carbon one then

go for it but aluminium will be more

than up to the job

ask yourself the question where am i

gonna be riding the bike and what type

of riding will i be doing and the

geometry or to keep it simple the shape

of the bike will make a difference to

how that bike performs

some bikes will do everything but

they'll be better at one air and the

other and definitely look at whether you

want to be riding that cross-country

fitness or you're gonna be riding the

trails bombing downhills and flying off

jumps bikes with more relaxed geometry

so slacker head angles shorter stems and

wider bars are better at the trails type

of riding bombing downhills whereas

cross-country bikes will have steeper

head angles and longer stems to get that

weight more balanced towards the front

end of the bike

entry-level bikes tend to have those

group sets the lower end of the

hierarchy which makes sense and they're

perfectly good for your first bike but

it's worth looking at all the parts now

because sometimes to get the bike at the

price point the manufacturers will sort

of substitute out some parts of the

group set some non-branded parts not

necessarily a bad thing they can be

great value also take a look at how many

gears the bike has it's not necessary

the more gears you got the better this

bike here has got a small ratio cassette

on the back so quite tightly spaced

together and it's got a rear derailleur

to change on the back and one on the

front this has got two chain rings some

bikes have three that's called two buy

or three buy some only have one the one

by system has a single chain up front

but this is what all mid high level

mounting bikes have it's simpler it's

lighter you've got the big wide range

cassette on there so you still get a

great range of gears and it's just

easier to use brakes are a really

important part of the group set and your

off-road riding experience entry-level

bikes might have rim brakes or more

commonly these v-brakes here

but when your riding starts to improve

and start riding more advanced terrain

they're really gonna want disc brakes

mechanical discs are better hydraulic

disc brakes are the best disc brakes

offer consistent and powerful braking

with better control and you only need to

use one or two fingers it's worth noting

if you do go for an entry level bike

with rim brakes try and get a bike that

has the tabs on the frame and fork for

the disc brakes and the routing so it's

future-proof if you do decide to get

disc brakes it will fit that bike

most mountain bikes will have a

suspension fork at least from around 600

pounds and upwards you start looking at

full suspension bikes and again the more

money you spend the more sophisticated

those suspension units are likely to be

so

better materials lighter stiffer and

more adjustable a suspension fork and

hardtail really takes the sting off the

trail and makes it more comfortable a

full suspension bike which means you can

ride that tougher terrain you'll stay in

control better it'll be more comfortable

and it really does open up the amount of

terrain you can ride when it comes to

suspension units really at entry level

i'll be looking at air shocks and forks

you can see there's no spring on the

outside there

and this is air inside this fork rather

than a coil spring which gives you that

infinite adjustability by putting or

taking away air pressure inside there

it's also lighter also take note of the

suspension travel 80 mil is good for

general riding 100 is about right for

cross country 100 to 120 makes it more

capable 130 millimeters plus really

opens up to ride in more challenging

terrain and taking bigger hits comparing

two full suspension bikes one 600 1 900

you can start to see the differences in

suspension units

just more adjustability so this fork you

have got a lockout on there so for

riding maybe through a city don't want

the the fork to move

also you've got the preload to make it

harder or softer moving up to the more

expensive bike you've now got a

mainstream brand you've got a rockshox

fork on there you've got a lockout with

remote so up on handlebars you can do it

super easy as you're riding along that

also does the shock at the same time

you've got more adjustability in the

damping so you can change how that force

reacts you can slow it down or speed up

depending on the hits it's taking

so more adjustability and more

user-friendly

mountain bike wheels do come in

different sizes the old standard of 26

inches pretty much disappeared and now

you get 27.5 confusingly also sometimes

known as 650b but more commonly 27.5 and

the larger 29. pros and cons of each of

these the bigger wheels do tend to roll

over the little bumps a bit better

so you feel them less you've got more

control bit more grip arguably the

smaller wheels are a bit more

maneuverable starting to stop him do you

often find that entry level bikes will

come with quite cheap wheels because

that is a really common place for people

to start spending on upgrades straight

away when you do start thinking about

upgrading wheels that's where lightness

and strength really matters because

especially rotational weight a heavy

wheel will make your bike feel really

heavy when it starts spinning also take

a look at how your wheels are mounted to

the bike the cheap bikes tend to have

quick releases which are definitely

useful but they're not as strong not as

stiff or as light as a bolt through

option these bolt throughs also allow

you to have a wider hub called boost

again a bit stiffer the higher end

wheels also tend to have a wider rim

profile which sits really nicely it

makes your wider tyres work really well

also they tend to be tubeless ready

that's a great upgrade when you start

getting into mountain biking media can

get rid completely of little thorn

punctures and hopefully pinch punches as

well

[Music]

saddles are really specific what one

person might find really comfortable

another won't

also they're different from male to

female so it's something that's really

common for people to change on their

bikes also bear in mind that most

mountain bikers myself included still

ride in padded shores

[Music]

most bikes don't come with pedals or if

they do they're the super cheap plastic

pedals that probably aren't worth using

anyway so now you've got a choice to

make you've got two different types of

pedals you've got flat pedals ones you

can use with normal shoes although it's

probably worth saving a little bit of

cash get some proper riding shoes

because they'll offer a really good

amount of grip to go door flat pedals or

clipless pedals like these ones up here

so this is where you have a cleat that's

screwed into the bottom of your shoe and

that clips in mechanically to this

system here so you're attached to your

bike

and that is good for sort of more

intermediate to advanced riders great

for efficiency when you're pedaling but

you're then committed to having to buy

some specific clipless pedal shoes to go

with these

[Music]

women specific bikes tend to focus on

the contact points to make account for

those anatomical differences between men

and women they tend to have a women's

specific saddle uh a slightly shorter

stem but most bites could be tweaked or

customized to fit any sex or any size

human being if you look to break levers

most of the time you can adjust them so

you can pull them in closer to the bar

for shorter reach all right loads of

information there hope you're still

following anyways take a look at some

real life bikes see what you get at

different price points starting at what

really is the entry level about 300

pounds this is the rock rider st 100

it's 299 pounds 99. it's got many of the

things you should be looking for for a

bike that price

st stands for sport trail so it tells us

what the bike is aimed at riding all

around pretty much it's an aluminium

frame with 27.5 wheels

three by seven group sets so seven gears

on the back three up front so 21 gears

in total it's got double walled alloy

rims and a mix of the lower tier micro

shift group set along with some

unbranded parts to group set as well v

brakes on this bike uh when you start

spending a bit more money then you start

getting the mechanical disc brakes which

are better in all conditions in wet

light today

and definitely for this sort of money

i'd recommend going for a hardtail

because a full spencer bike 300 pounds

you make too big a compromise i think on

the rest of the components you see how

they get this bike at such good value

when you compare it to a more expensive

bike it does have lower grade materials

if you look at the bar stem and cranks

it's definitely lower grade materials

also

technology you've got a quick release on

the front and this sort of 15 mil bolt

through on the rear definitely not as

high-tech as the more expensive bikes

whilst 300 pounds does get you your

first entry-level bike for exploring the

outdoors off-road it's the next jump up

to about 600 pounds where you get a bike

that is much more capable of providing

single tracks and technical terrain

bikes like this rock rider

st540s which is a penny under 600 pounds

yet now it's a full suspension bike 120

minutes of travel front and rear it's a

6061 aluminium frame again 27.5 wheels

the big upgrade here as well is the

hydraulic disc brakes much more capable

than v-brakes you've got a mixture of

the um branding components still also

steering some brands like tektro for the

hydraulic brakes great entry level

components also shimano one of the

biggest group set manufacturers out

there this is their lower end altus but

nice to see some brands appearing also

an x fusion rear shock the quality of

the components and the materials used

definitely steps up from the 300 pound

bike you can tell by looking at the

cranks and the oversized alloy bar and

stem they're just going to be stiffer

more control and 120 minutes of travel

front and rear really does make this

bike more capable providing rougher

terrain and going faster potentially

having more fun in the woods more money

less gears so we're going from the three

by seven 21 gears on a 300 pound bike

now he's got two buy up front nine on

the rear 18 gears we've got an own

brand's rot rider fork up front that

does have a lockout and an alloy steerer

and quick release wheels front and rear

the 27.5 wheels do have the double wall

alloy rims and our tubeless ready for

around 900 pounds you get a bike like

this the rock rider st900s now it's the

same uh frame as the cheaper bike but

now you're getting more quality

well-known brands we've got a rockshox

30 fork up front that's air but now that

is actually 400 grams lighter than the

suspension on the front of the 540s plus

you've got more tech more adjustability

you've got a remote lockout on the

handlebars so you go from fully open

front and rear to lock that suspension

out to make it much more efficient maybe

for riding a smooth

trail just by twisting this on the

handlebar even less gears now you've now

got the one by 11 system which is the

way that the mid-level and high-end

bikes go like i said before it's just

simpler it's much nicer to use and now

you get that big wide range cassette

that's 11 46. we're seeing brands like

the x fusion shock and now we've got

sram cranks they're the one by so you

got 32 to shaming with that tech on

there to keep your chain nice and stuck

in this it doesn't bounce off the st900s

also has upgraded lighter wheels and

better wider tyres than the st540s

both the st540s and the st900s are great

value bikes and easy to upgrade when you

might feel the need or have the extra

cash to do so like wheels brakes or

dropper post higher quality and half a

kilogram lighter than the cheaper 540s

bike also for a similar price bracket

bike you might start to see some lower

end carbon fiber frames coming from

these bikes doesn't mean they're better

a good quality aluminium frame can be

lighter than a low end carbon bike and

quality aluminium frames will be butted

basically it means that parts of the

frame will be thinner and lighter where

you don't need it other parts will be

thicker and stronger where you do

[Music]

e-bikes have exploded in popularity you

can see why fitness can be a bit of an

entry bar when it comes to riding

mountain bikes especially if you live

somewhere hilly or mountainous but they

can just help you ride further and

faster a great tool for getting outdoors

and having more fun you can see why

they've got so popular

they are more expensive for the

equivalent parts because of course

you've got extra bits you've got a

battery a motor and the controls and

they do weigh more this rock rider

est100 is an e-bike hardtail as you see

there's the battery there's the rear hub

motor you've got three different power

modes with assistance up to 250 watts

and will let you ride at a sporty pace

for over two hours that 380 watt battery

at 42 newton meters of torque the

battery is made by samsung you've got a

6061-grade aluminium frame

and you've got mechanical disc brakes

which definitely needed where you've got

the extra weight of an e-bike on the

front you've got a hundred mil travel sr

santo suspension fork you've got a mix

of unbranded groups out here and tecto

brakes and you've got a one by system

eight gears on the back

of course you can get more for your

money when you're buying second hand but

it is riskier and you need to be knowing

what you're looking for also you don't

want to be fueling bike theft so make

sure the bike you're buying is legit

repairs and maintenance can be costly

and parts will wear out so check the

frame for damage if there is suspension

look at its condition consumables like

tires and grips are easy enough to

replace but can cost a bit bearings

aren't too expensive but need a bit of

mechanical knowledge to change

if not you'll have to pay a shop a new

drive trains can be expensive if you

don't have the knowledge on what to look

for when buying a second-hand bike then

it's time to ask for advice you can

check out some of our videos we've done

in the past about these things maybe ask

some friends or get involved on the gmbn

community on facebook so check a second

hand bike carefully because you don't

have the advantages of buying new like

after sale support and warranty also if

you're buying a reputable brand you'll

know that bike has been designed

properly and tested decathlon have a

brilliant scheme for your pocket and the

planet called second life where the

recycle repair and reuse bikes have

either been marked or used they're sold

in excellent working order with

different condition grades sold with 10

to 40 discount you can look for schemes

like decathlon second life to buy a

secondhand bike with peace of mind well

i only came in for a tire i completely

forgot that i needed some skis as well

anyway hopefully you found this video

useful once you've decided on the bike

that you want next you need to do is

determine the correct size luckily if

you've done a video on that as well so

check that one out if you like this

video give us a like and a follow and

we've done more beginner videos as well

like a beginner clippers pedal skills

check that out anyway what else we need

paddleboard i think