Category Archives for General

​Looking to find a great beginner trail bike but don’t know where to start? There is a variety of trail bikes, off-road riding bikes, and entry-level mountain bikes nowadays, making the search for the perfect one so much more difficult than it used to be. Therefore, we’ve compiled some helpful information that you really should know before you purchase your first trail bike. Included in this handy guide is also the best trail bikes for beginners that you can find, with a detailed analysis of why they’re so much better than their counterparts.

What you NEED to know before you purchase your first trail bike

What is a trail bike?

A trail bike is a form of a mountain bike that has a specific purpose. Mountain bikes are mainly for those who are looking to ride on off-road areas, such as forests, mountains, or just rough unpaved roads or areas. 

Trail bikes, the most common type of mountain bike around, are actually really good for every day or general use. Because of the way they’re designed, trail bikes are able to handle even the toughest of trails while also keeping comfort and speed at the top of their game. Different from other types of mountain bikes, trail bikes can be much lighter than their counterparts.

The types, models, sizes, and uses of trail bikes range drastically—as does their price range.  While trail bikes, for the most part, can descend quite well, they are mainly used for hills or flatter terrain.

Trail bike sizes

Size is everything when trying to find a beginning bike that performs the best. When thinking of buying any bike, regardless of the purpose, size is the most important thing to consider. If you buy a size that is too big or too small for your needs, it can really ruin the overall performance of the bike—and the overall enjoyment that you experience. 

Most trail bikes come in sizes from S to XL, so you’re sure to find a bike that best fits your height and needs. However, a bit more should be deliberated before you make a jump and buy the first thing you think you like. 

You should always consider the standover height, the effective top tube length (or ETT), the reach, and the seat height. The seat height is really important, as it’s the only thing you actually have any control over—and it can really change your whole riding experience. Your legs should be about 80 or 90% extended when you pedal while sitting, so make sure you adjust it accordingly.

Parts of a trail bike

To simplify things, here are the main components of a trail bike, as well as their uses and how they should perform.

Frame:  The Frame is the bike’s main body where all components are attached. For mountain bikes, aluminum is the most common material that bike frames are made out of.  Aluminum frames offer a more lightweight bike (which is ideal) and tend to be cheaper than other materials. However, in recent years, carbon frames and titanium have become popular mountain bike material.

Wheels/Tires: As you probably know, wheels and tires on any bike experience some wear and tear. Tires on mountain bikes experience more wear and tear than any other bike. For the most part, a beginning biker should always look for tires that are puncture resistant, quite stable and durable, and have a good traction on mountainous or rocky surfaces. It will make life much easier if you have good tires so make sure you always check out the material used before buying a bike.

Handlebars: Handlebars come in a variety of different shapes and sizes and it’s really up to you to find out what you like best. Everyone prefers something different so this might take some time before you figure out what style you really prefer.

Saddle or Seat post: The saddle is what you sit on as you ride, though you may not use it as much as normal on a trail or mountain bike. For the most part, trail or mountain bikes tend to have more comfortable saddles than other bikes. You can always adjust the height distance of your seat post if you need to, making your experience riding better.

Gear System: The gear system is probably the most complex part or component of a bike, as this is where the shifters, derailleurs, cassette and crankset live. 

Brakes: Having high-quality and efficient brakes is important—and very vital to your safety. In trail or mountain bikes, brakes come in both disc and rim form. While they both work differently, they are both effective and important. Make sure you always look to see what type of brakes any bike you decide to buy has.

How trail bikes differ from road bikes

Trail or mountain bikes, for the most part, are designed for rougher terrain and harsher conditions than the average road bike. To put it simply, trail bikes are the exact opposite of road bikes. One of the biggest differences between trail and road bikes are the wheel size and durability. Mountain bikes are made for tough circumstances, so their wheels and tires are going to be bigger and much more durable than road bikes. This also plays hand in hand with the fact that most trail or mountain bike is heavier than the average road bike.

Sometimes, people confuse BMX bikes and mountain bikes—or they think they are one in the same. Actually, mountain bikes and BMX bikes really don’t have anything in common with each other. BMX bikes normally only have one speed, which differs greatly from all mountain bikes. Also, BMX bikes are mainly only for courses and tricks—they really can’t handle potential harsh conditions off-road like mountain bikes can.

Hybrid bikes are a combination of road and mountain bikes so they do share quite a lot of similarities with mountain bikes. However, hybrids are mostly used and recommended for commuting (as in to work or for errands) and really can’t survive the harsh conditions and terrains that mountain and trail bikes can.

As you can see, mountain or trail bikes are really the only bikes that can accurately withstand even the harshest of conditions while riding.

The best trail bikes for beginners

Below is a list compiled of the best five trail bikes that would be great for beginners and experts alike. With a detailed analysis of what the bike is equipped with, as well as a simple pros and cons list, this handy guide can help you find a new trail bike to add to your outdoor activities.

​The Diamondback Overdrive 29 Bike is valuable for beginners as it offers a hand-built aluminum frame that has a very efficient geometry throughout the whole bike. The balance, therefore, and overall control of the bike is much easier, even in tough terrain. With 29-inch wheels, this bike is able to roll over bigger holes than normal, as well as make difficult climbs easier with more control. Equipped with Tektro disc brakes and a Shimano 3x8 drivetrain, this trail bike comes about 85% assembled already.

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Diamondback Overdrive 29:

The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 was produced for both clear pavements and rough terrains.  Budget friendly, compared to other mountain and trail bikes, this bike comes equipped with mechanical disc brakes and a Shimano 8-speed EF-51 integrated shifter and brake lever.  Also assembled with a suspension fork with lockout, the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 has 29-inch wheels. This suspension fork is beneficial to beginning riders, as it offers more stability and pedal efficiency.  

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Vilano Blackjack 3.0:

​​​​​Gravity FSX 1.0

The Gravity FSX 2.0 Bike’s frame is made of advanced aluminum, which results in the whole bike’s geometry being efficient and lightweight compared to the normal mountain and trail bike weight. This frame is made to withstand harsh conditions and weather. Also equipped with Tektro Novela Disc Brakes—which are quite powerful and efficient—beginners don’t have to worry about faulty brakes. 

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Gravity FSX 2.0 Bike:

​​Conclusion

While all of the trail and mountain bikes listed here are of the highest quality, there is one that exceeds all the rest—and that’s the Raleigh Tokul 1 Mountain Bike. This trail bike is perfect for beginners trying to learn and adapt to riding in rougher terrain while also being quite high-quality considering its medium price range. The brakes are really quite strong and dependable, which is always really important when first starting out to ride—and really, regardless of what stage of experience you’re at. Finding high-quality brakes that are long-lasting is rare for mountain bikes. Because this bike was made specifically for beginners, there are a lot of aspects that just make this bike exceed all of the others. By looking at all of the different parts the Raleigh bike has to offer, it’s easy to see how it’s made from premium material—and how it’s the best option for beginners and advanced riders alike.

​Bike tours are incredibly popular ways to travel and have fun while you have some off time.  Touring with an electric bicycle increases that enjoyment extraordinarily. Already quite big in China and now Europe, electric bicycles are becoming more everyday bikes worldwide—but they’re also great for touring.

Traveling by bicycle is a feeling like no other. You’re outdoors and there’s a sense of being closer to nature and your surroundings. Electric bicycles increase this wonderful feeling while still giving you the energy to travel and be on your merry way discovering new things and places through your journey.

The main things you should know about electric bikes

What are electric bicycles?

Electric bikes are just that: electric. Also known as e-bikes, electric bikes are bicycles with an integrated electric motor. While every electric bike is different on how they are made and, therefore, work, most e-bikes in the United States have a throttle feature that propels the bike forward. Like motorcycles and motorized scooters work, this throttle is the powerhouse of the e-bike. However, it should be noted that there are some countries where the throttle is not allowed, so pedal assist is therefore needed. Most electric bikes can go up to 20 miles per hour or (if you have pedal assist) however fast you can pedal it.

How reliable are e-bikes?

For the most part, electric bicycles are actually really reliable. A high-quality bike will be fine throughout any bicycle tour, even in crazy temperatures. Most electric bikes are made to withstand temperatures from -15 to +45 degrees Celsius, which is quite a good range. Also, these bikes usually last well even in situations like sandstorms or crazy bumpy trails and roads. 

However, we do caution taking electric bikes out in heavy rain, as this has been known to fog up some computer displays in electric bicycles.

How long or far do electric bikes work for?

Now, battery range depends on usage including but not limited to how hard you’re pedaling overall, how hilly your trail is, how windy it is, how much assistance you chose, the bike’s weight, your own weight, the tire inflation, the road’s surface, and the size of the battery. As you can see, a lot goes into finding out how long a battery lasts, or how far you can travel without charging the battery.

A lot of people that tour with electric bikes decide to only use their electricity and power for the hills or when it’s particularly windy. This way, they know their bikes will last for the whole tour.  Bikers can also save as much battery energy as possible by coasting downhill and always making sure the gears are in the best gear for their situation or scenario.

How to charge when you’re on the road

Along with a bike tour, you may think it would be hard to find a place to charge your electric bike batteries. However, it’s actually pretty easy. For the most part, people charge their batteries at hotels and places that they stay along the way. You can also recharge at cafes or supermarkets.

For a full charge, it takes about 3–4 hours, depending on what type of electric bike you have, as well as the battery size.

The main benefits of using electric bicycles

One of the best things about electric bicycles is they offer you so much potential and energy while you barely provide effort. It’s great if you have a long day planned while touring and don’t want to overexert yourself. While you still put energy and passion into your riding, much less is needed when using an electric bike.

Electric bicycles are also quite helpful if you’re riding in an area where there are a lot of hills or you’re riding into headwinds. While on a regular bike this would prove to be quite exerting and difficult, electric bikes really help you out. You won’t feel as exhausted after these little trials when you ride an electric bike.

Electric bikes also help you cover much more distance than a normal bike would. Because of the electric motor, you’re able to reach farther and wider, all while providing the same effort you would if you were riding a regular bike.

If you have injuries that have made it harder to ride regular bicycles over the years, such as knee or back pain, e-bikes are a great solution. Because you’re exerting less and using less energy than you would with a regular bike, there are less strain and pressure on your potentially inflamed joints. This makes electric bikes really beneficial to older people as well who may be experiencing arthritis in their knees or body.

Even if you’re not a regular cyclist who enjoys going on tours, e-bikes have been known to convert more than the odd person. Electric bikes are admired by almost everyone, not just regular cyclists. So, if you know someone that wants to start up riding but doesn’t have time—or if you are thinking of starting to cycle more, you may want to consider introducing electric bikes to your lifestyle.

The best electric bikes for touring

Below is a compilation list of the best five electric bikes on the market now. With a detailed pros and cons list to help you discover which bike could be best for you, use this guide to discover just what you’re looking for in a new e-bike. 

​

Made from high-quality carbon fiber steel, this e-bike has a very long lifespan and can be used for up to several years—even if used daily and in harsher conditions than normal. The battery included, a 36V, 10Ah lithium-ion battery, can be removed. Also included is a smart lithium battery charger. Built for more urban commutes, this bike isn’t recommended for harsh terrain, though it is comfortable and comes with an adjustable seat post to fit any height or need.  Equipped with front brakes to create a highly safe experience, this electric bike also comes with a horn and an LED headlamp, making it highly capable of night riding.   

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the VEEKO 26” City Electric E-Bike:

​​​​​Addmotor HITHOT Electric Mountain Bike

Made from an aluminum city frame, the Addmotor HITHOT Electric Mountain Bike has a range of about 60 miles. Equipped with both throttle riding and pedal assist, this bike performs well and is made for the harshest conditions and terrain. Also added, as an extra, are aluminum alloy spring shock absorbers and a front light that makes it easy to see—and be seen—during any night rides that you go on. This specific model also climbs even the steepest of hills efficiently.  Finally, the Addmotor HITHOT comes with a 5-inch LED computer screen that lets you track your trail, how long you’ve been riding, how your bike and battery is doing, along with other helpful features that are good to know when using an electric bicycle. 

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Addmotor HITHOT Electric Mountain Bike:

​The Magnum UI5 Electric Hybrid Bike comes with a built-in USB where you can charge all of your mobile devices through your bike’s battery on your long tour journey. A more affordable electric bike than some other brands, this bicycle is made for both urban commuting and touring in any terrain or area. With a strong 350-watt motor and a 36-volt battery pack, this electric bicycle also offers both throttle and pedal assist. Weighing about 50 pounds overall, the whole bike frame is made of aluminum. For the most part, this bike can last for up to 20 to 30 miles before needing to be recharged.

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons for the Magnum UI5 Electric Hybrid Bike:

​With a 7-speed entry level, the DJ Mountain Bike Power Electric Bicycle was made for both touring down rural or country roads and commuting to work in a big city. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged either still attached to the bike or removed to charge inside a home, office, or anywhere on the go, the DJ Mountain Bike has a range of 25 –40 miles.  The whole frame is made of aircraft grade aluminum and the brakes are Tektro Disc. Finally, the seat is a comfortable cushion that is spring loaded GS-900.

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the DJ Mountain Bike Power Electric Bicycle:

​The Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle can go up to 20 miles per hour and has a range of about 60 miles in one battery charge. Equipped with a Samsung Battery which can be removed to charge, this e-bike was made for regular commuting times as well as long journeys or tours. This specific model also allows for three different modes of riding: regular biking, pedal assist, or only throttle. This can be very effective for long tours where a rider needs to limit the battery usage. A USB connection is also provided with this e-bike, making it easy for you to charge any and all electronic devices (such as cell phones or tablets) while you are on whatever journey you take.

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle:

​Conclusion

Every bike here has shown its worth and is considered to be the best electric bikes for touring.  However, there is one main winner here: the Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle.  Overall, this electric bike beats all of the others, hands down. With its high-powered Samsung battery, three available modes of traveling (which make it perfect for monitoring battery usage while touring), and the great equipment it comes with (like a horn and headlights), the Greenbike USA Electric Bicycle is the best possible option for anyone that wants an electric bike for touring. With the ability to have a range of 60 miles without charging, this e-bike can take your long distances in a short amount of time—even in the harshest conditions. Overall, there are just too many positives attributed to the Greenbike USA Electric Bicycle to ignore it for much longer.

​Finding the right bike for your child can be incredibly difficult. Whether you are looking for mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX bikes, bikes for off-road riding, or just standard kid’s bikes, there are different bikes that are best for different age ranges. Therefore, finding one that is perfect for your four-year-old can sometimes feel impossible. You want to make sure you get something that they’ll be comfortable riding while also feeling as safe and confident as possible. To make things easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best bikes for your four-year-old!

What to look for when buying a bike for your child

There are many things you have to take into consideration before actually purchasing a bike for your four-year-old. To keep things simple and to the point, we’ve broken down the aspects of bike buying that you need to deliberate about.  Each of these aspects is specific and individual to you and your child. What works for one person, however, may not work for you and your kid—and it’s important to take the time to research and look at a variety of options before you buy so that your child will be as safe as possible. And have as much fun as possible!

Always look at the size

Of course, you never want to buy a bike that is too big for your son or daughter—they won’t be able to handle it. Size is incredibly important and is a key component of safety and making sure your kid is as safe as possible. 

Bikes are usually sized and measured by the diameter of their tires. For the most part, 12” and 24” tires are the most common sized kid bikes. However, you have to look at more than just the tires when thinking of size. Make sure you study the seat height as well, as this measurement will really help tell you if the bike is too big or too small for your child.

To break things up, here are the ages and sizes of bikes that are most commonly attributed to each other:

​​​​​Again, these are just common sizes. It really really depends on your child’s size, along with the seat height.

Consider the weight of the bike

You really don’t want your child trying to first ride a bike that is incredibly heavy for them to handle. The weight of the bike is really important and should be around 40% of their weight.  However, this can sometimes be really hard to find, as kid bikes can be much heavier than this.

To try and combat this, try and find the lightest bike in your price range that would make a great addition to your child’s life. You and your child are much better off with a lighter bike than a much heavier bike that your kid can’t even handle. For the most part, a great weight to consider when buying a bike for your child is 12 lbs. 

Look at the balance of the bike

The balance and overall shape of the bike are very important for beginning riders. For the most part, starter riders do best with bikes that are lower to the ground while also have a longer wheelbase. Four-year-old riders also should have mid-rise handlebars, if at all possible. This leads to an incredibly comfortable learning experience for your child. Sometimes, other shapes of bikes (and all their little components) can leave small children to be uncomfortable while learning to ride for the first time.

Evaluate the brakes

There are two main brakes that you can find on children’s bikes: coaster brakes and hand brakes.  Coaster brakes are the standard back pedal brakes that you’ll probably find on most kid bikes.  Hand brakes are just that: the ability to initiate the brakes from the handlebar. Of course, with handbrakes, you need to properly test them. Children don’t have the strength that grown adults do (of course), so test out if you can actually use these brakes. The common way to do this is by trying to use the handbrake with your pinky—if you can’t pull it, chances are your child won’t be able to, either.

It’s important to test both forms of brakes, no matter what. Also, make sure you take the time to properly educate your child on how to use the brakes. It’s important to make sure your child knows what to do prior to them even riding the bike for the first time.

Consider your budget

Budget and price are very important. As you well know, your child is going to outgrow their little bike in no time. This definitely puts a damper on buying a bike that is best for your child (depending on your budget), as a lot of great, high-quality children’s bikes are quite expensive.  However, there are some cheaper options that, while not perfect, are still great and can help your child learn to perfect their riding skill.

We really don’t recommend buying a bigger bike that your child will grow into when it’s older, as this can really inhibit the learning process. It will be harder for your child to learn and is really unsafe (as the bikes tend to be bigger). Therefore, we always advise buying the bike that fits your child the best, even if they will outgrow it in the near future. This helps them learn and feel comfortable while riding, which is always the main goal.

The best bikes for 4-year-olds

Now that we’ve talked about what you should look for when buying a bike for your four-year-old, it’s time to go through the best bikes you can buy them. Detailed and broken down into pros and cons lists, these are the absolute best bikes for your small child.

​The Cleary 12” Single Speed Bike for Kids weighs about 15.8 pounds, which is a really great bike weight for four-year-olds. If you choose to use the freewheel option and remove the coasters, this drops the weight of the bike down to 13 pounds. For the most part, the seat height ranges from 15” to 18” and you can even have an optional short seat post if needed.

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Cleary 12” Single Speed Bike:

The Woom 3 Pedal Bike is a high-quality alternative to some of the other cheaper bikes on the market. If you’re worried about the overall balance and geometry of the bike, the Woom 3 is known for how well-suited it is to young children. With dual hand brakes that are color coordinated and a weight of only 12 pounds, this bike hits all of the checkpoints. However, the expensive price can be difficult, especially if you have a lower budget. Even if you do splurge and buy this one, though, it can really help your child learn how to ride because of the overall geometry. 

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Woom 3 Pedal Bike:

​The Critical Cycles Cub No-Pedal Balance Bike for Kids main purpose is to help bring confidence to children as they first learn to ride a bike. With no training wheels, the design is quite safe and brings balance and coordination at hand, helping children learn properly during their developmental stage. With minimal assembly, these tires are also air-free, meaning they’ll never go flat. Overall, this bike can fit children from 20 months to five years—and the seat posts and handlebars can be adjusted through growth and size differentiation. 

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Critical Cycles No-Pedal Balance Bike:

​​Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years

The Strider Sport Balance Bike is a cheaper alternative that is made from high-quality materials, while also being an effective learning tool for any children first starting out. At only 6.5 pounds, this Strider bike is one of the lightest bikes around, helping children navigate and have complete control over their bike and their riding. This Strider model also comes with a seat height of 11” to 19”. 

To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike:

​The Banana Bike LT, now an improved model, is efficient for first-time bike riders that need an easy place to start. With a saddle that can be as low as 12.2”, even smaller children can learn efficiently from this bike. The Banana Bike LT is durable, yet lightweight so that children can easily handle and use the bike for all its purposes. The tires are EVA foam tires, meaning that they cannot be punctured, which means no flat tires. Because of the way this model is produced, this bike can be used both indoors and outdoors.

To keep things simple, these are the pros and cons of the Banana Bike LT:

​Conclusion

Out of all of the bikes best suited for four-year-olds, the winner of this list is the Critical Cycles Cub No-Pedal Balance Bike for Kids.  A low price, even for the high-quality material, this bike is (more than any other bike listed here) the best when it comes to overall geometry. As mentioned earlier, geometry and overall balance of the bike is so very important when young children are first learning to ride. This bike specifically makes it comfortable and easy for young children to learn as efficiently as possible. With the adjustable handlebars and seats, this bike also makes it easy for young children to grow and still use their trusty bike. And with those air-free tires, the maintenance level, or upkeep level, is so low that you basically don’t have to do anything once you set everything up properly. Overall, the Critical Cycles Cub Balance Bike is the best bike for young children of four years of age looking to ride.