Collection: Bikes

How do I choose the right size bike?

Selecting the right size bike is important, for kids it means they'll get maximum time out of the bike before growing out of it. For adults, correct sizing means a comfortable riding position. We're here to help you choose the bike that is fits your needs an riding styles. You are welcome to test ride any of our instock bikes (within our carpark area) see what size bike will suit you.

How do I choose the right size kids bike?

Kids bikes come in many different sizes, this sizing will often be a measurement of inches. This measurement is the wheel size of the bike, for example a 12" kids bike has 12" wheels. An approximate guide for kids bike sizing is as follows, 12" bikes for kids aged 2-4 years old, 14" bikes for kids aged 3-5 years old, 16" bikes for kids aged 5-8 years old, 20" bikes for kids aged 8-11 years old and 24" bikes for kids aged 9-13 years old.

What's the difference between a hardtail and dual suspension mountain bike?

At Topgear Cycles we stock both hardtail mountain bikes and dual suspension mountain bikes from a range of quality brands. The difference between the two types is whether or not they have rear suspension in the frame. Rear suspension adds comfort, predictability and the ability to take on my technical trails. The downside to this is additional complexity in the frame and cost to produce. If you're trying to stick to a tighter a budget, a hardtail will delive better value for money so you can get out on the trails. Dual suspension bikes, although be more costly, open up a lot more riding options and are a lot more confidence inspiring to ride on the trail.

How do I choose the right size mountain bike?

Choosing the right size mountain bike is crucial for maximising fun, comfort and safety when you're out on the trail. Sizing can vary between brands but as a quick rule of thumb for sizing, riders from 148-158cm should look at an XS bikes, riders between 158-168 should opt for a size small, riders between 168-178cm should opt for a size medium, riders between 178-185cm should opt for a large and riders that are above 185cm should opt for an XL. We stock a range of sizes in both hardtail and dual suspension mountain bikes.

What's the best mountain bike under $1000?

At Topgear Cycles we stock a range of mountain bikes under $1000 from brands such as Specialized and Scott. For budgets under $1000, we'd recommend hardtail mountain bikes. Hardtail mountain bikes are generally simpler and provide a more budget-friendly option to get into mountain bike. These bikes provide a great entry level option for getting into the sport with reliable componentry.

What are the benefits of disc brakes on a bike?

No matter if you’re riding a road, mountain or gravel, disc brakes have some significant benefits. Some of the main benefits of disc brakes versus traditional rim brakes include better braking power, more reliable in wet weather, reduced wear on wheels and bigger tyre clearance. Disc brakes generate far more braking power than a rim brake, which means the rider has to apply far less pressure on the brake levers making for easier and more efficient stopping. In wet weather rim brakes have a slight delay in braking as they must displace water from the rim before the pad can bite the surface. Disc brakes due to position and being self-contained are largely unaffected by the wet. As rim brakes use the rim surface for braking combined with grit and dirt in winter, will result in the wheel wearing out far quicker than those of disc brakes. Due to not using a brake caliper on either side of the rim, this has allowed for bikes to have much wider tyres on bikes giving riders a larger option of tyre and rim combinations.

Should I buy an alloy or carbon bike?

When deciding on whether to purchase a carbon or alloy bike, there are a few things to consider. Carbon fiber is very strong, light, and stiff. Designed originally for aerospace parts, carbon offers an incredibly high strength-to weight ratio. Providing natural vibration dampening characteristics leading to better comfort over an alloy frame. Due to natural stiffness provided by carbon, you get a more responsive ride with improved handling and less power loss in each pedal stroke. Alloy is cheaper, more durable, and more environmentally friendly. Alloy is the cheapest bike frame material and costs around half as much as carbon frames. Having the ability to withstand hard impacts without cracking or failing, but does fatigue over time unlike carbon. Being one of the most recyclable materials in the world, makes it super environmentally friendly.

Should I buy a dropbar or flatbar bike?

Flat bars provide you with a generally more upright and more comfortable riding position. By creating a more relaxed position on the bike making flat bars perfect for a road or hybrid as a commuter option. One drawback that comes with flat bars is the lack of positions. A drop bar provides you with multiple hand positions. You can ride on the bars, the hoods, or in the drops. The ability to change hand positions provides relief on longer rides. As well as comfort drop bars also have a better speed advantage by putting you in a more aerodynamic position and are better suited for tucked positions. However, this advantage only really comes into play when riding above 25kmph, which is something to consider.

What is the difference between a endurance and performance road bike?

Endurance road bikes prioritise compliance and comfort over speed, but by no means are they a slow bike. Designed for long days in the saddle, resulting in a bike that absorbs all the small road bumps and causing less fatigue to the rider. Another benefit of an endurance bike is the ability to run wider tyres with frames typically being designed for up to 32c compatibility. A road performance bike on the other hand is designed for maximum speed but does sacrifice some rider comfort. Generally speaking a performance bike geometry puts the rider in a low and aero dynamic position resulting in a faster ride, but does require a level of core strength to maintain position and avoid back pain. The other large difference is frame stiffness, which results in a faster more responsive bike, but takes away those damping properties an endurance bike provides.