Bike Breakdown: Which Model Is Best For You?
We all know how easy it can be to bluff your way through a conversation in winter time and end up looking like the most knowledgeable person on the slopes. You just need to speak like the ‘cool’ character in a 90s movie and you’re locked, loaded and good to go.
Random: ‘Braaa, I was full huckin’ 7’s off that hip all arvo’
You: ‘That’s Gnarly’
Random: ‘Too right homie.’
Easy. Summer on the other hand? A little bit harder. As soon as the conversation turns to e-bikes, hybrids and berms, it can be hard to know where to even begin.
If you’re in that boat, read on. We’ll brush you up on all the need-to-knows so that when you come in to pick up a bike rental this summer you can impress your friends and family by seeming like the most avid rider ever. From breaking down the differences between E-Bikes and Full Suspension to recommending a few rental models of each, we’ve got you sorted.
Firstly, What’s An E-Bike and How’s It Different?
If you’ve been thinking it’s some kind of new age space cyborg, you’re a bit off the mark. An E-Bike is essentially the same as all of your favourite road and mountain bikes but with an added motor to maximise your ride distance without exerting too much energy. Does this make it a motorbike? No. On an E-Bike you’re still pedalling, but with much more ease and support – especially on the uphill.
Let’s Break It Down
E-Mountain Bike (E-MTB) | Mountain Bike (MTB) | |
Power Source | Human pedalling with motor assistance | That’s all you, time to put those calves to work with a 100% human powered MTB. |
Weight & Handling | Normally heavier due to added weight from the motor. | Lighter and highly maneuverable over technical obstacles or jumps. |
Uphill & Range | Makes steep climbs easy, allowing you to cover more distance in less time. | On a standard MTB, you’re more or less the cycling Kate Bush, ‘[Riding] Up That Hill.’ |
What’s The Best Model For You?
Now before we start with some highlight models, we want to make it super clear: you don’t actually need to know any of this information. All of our in-store bike tech’s are walking encyclopedias on bikes and they will be able to set you up with the best bike for your style of riding. But just in case, here’s a few models we think you should try out this summer:
E-BIKE
Specialized - Vado SL 4.0
The ultimate E-bike for scenic on-road riding, the Vado SL is 40% lighter than your typical e-bike, making your family treks around Furano’s landscape all the more easy – especially when no one has to jump off and walk during the uphill sections.
Specialized - Turbo Levo SL Comp
If you’re looking to hit up Niseko’s newly made downhill trails at the Twin Peak park, there’s no better option than the Turbo Levo SL Comp. With a nimble, lightweight frame, 12-speed shift levers and a 48V battery, the Turbo will have you gunning down trails at full speed, while also making it easy for you to ride back up.
MTB
Specialized Status 160
For riding in Hakuba, you’re going to want the Specialized Status. A full suspension mountain bike, the Status promises endless performance both up and down the mountain, with it’s durable full aluminium alloy frame and rigid, responsive Fox Float suspension making it perfect for downhill thrashing and big gaps, and it’s SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset making the upclimb as easy as can be.
Specialized Stumpjumper
The perfect trail bike, the Stumpjumper climbs difficult ascents with ease thanks to its completely redesigned suspension kinematics and lightweight frame. So if you’re planning on hitting up some of Niseko’s downhill trails like Twin Peaks or Grand Hirafu, the Stumpjumper is an epic option.
What About For The Little Ones?
Hotwalk
This ones for the really little ones. Similar to a Strider, the Hotwalk is an epic option for first timers still struggling to find their center of balance when pedalling. Use the hotwalk to get them comfortable ripping around on two wheels before they level up to a pedal bike.
Riprock
For the young grommies keen to get out and experience their first dose of mountain biking, the Riprock is the perfect model. It’s all in the name –with Ground Control tyres for epic grip, reliable disc brakes and a design made for children's physiques– it both rips and rocks as a model for young riders.
Jett
Your kids are at that age where they are having seemingly endless growth spurts? The Jett’s your best bet. Specialized went into this lab for this one, figuring out that children’s arms and legs grow faster than their torso, and then designing a ride tailored for children’s growth patterns. So if you’re planning on renting a bike for your 13 year old who may potentially grow 4 ft overnight, the Jett’s your best bet.
Looking for something more permanent? We also offer bike's for purchase! Come in-store, test one out with a rental and then lock in your purchase after!