Top frame plus top components equals top performance: keen riders looking to push the limits of their riding will find the perfect wingman in the 27.5 Stereo 140 C:62 Race. The brand new C:62 fibre lay-up is a direct derivative of our new carbon fibre technology, setting impressive standards in even lighter weight construction. Combined with new-for-2016 Fox suspension components and Shimano's brand new 2x11 XT groupset, this is an exceptional All Mountain bike that's equally at home on technical trails, endurance events or epic rides.
Frame
The Stereo 140 C:62's stiff, superlight monocoque full carbon frame including carbon rocker linkage - all made using the latest Advanced Twin Mould technique - represents the pinnacle of current carbon frame construction technology. Everything from the oversized cross-sections to the PressFit bottom bracket, tapered head tube and aluminium chainstay hardware is optimised for the lowest possible weight, maximum stiffness and greatest strength. Customised Agile Trail Geometry (ATG) and Efficient Trail Control (ETC) with the four-pivot suspension design creates a fast chassis that won't be knocked off its stride - livelier than its big 29er brother, but with plenty left in reserve to push those boundaries.
Components
This is performance and versatility at its best - the complete Shimano XT transmission and brakeset is your guarantee of that. The brand new 2x11 transmission is incredibly versatile thanks to its huge gear range, perfectly matched with a 36x26T double chainset. Legendary XT disc brakes have been improved even more for 2016, offering stop-on-a-dime power and pinpoint accuracy. Fox's incredibly light 34 FIT4 suspension fork and newly developed Float DPS rear shock ensure trail-hugging traction in all situations. Answer's superb Atac AM system wheels, shod with Schwalbe's universal weapon, the Nobby Nic, transfer your power to the trail with blistering acceleration and fail-safe grip even when you're pushing the limits.
Mountain biking has been revolutionised in the last few years with the introduction of larger wheel sizes and more sophisticated suspensions. Whether you are buying your first mountain bike, or you want to upgrade your ride, this is a quick guide to steer you through the occasionally confusing world of mountain biking. For a far more detailed guide, go to our BLOG on finding the mountain bike for you.
Where to start
Prices for a mountain bike that will last and give you a proper riding experience start around £400, which includes bike set-up and your first service. On bikes over £600, we include a free suspension set up, which is a £45 value. You can spend less on a bike, but you'll either get sub-standard components or be left on your own to build up the bike, fit it correctly, tune the suspension and service it once it beds-in.
What are you paying for?
£400 - £4,000 is quite a range, so how do you decide what's right for you? For example, is it more important to spend extra to get a carbon fibre frame or would you be better off with a less expensive frame and better gear shifters, brakes and wheels? If it's an upgrade from your current bike you are looking for, how do you choose the best frame, groupset and wheels for you?
1. Your Mountain biking objectives
The best place to start is understanding what you want to achieve with your bike. Are you riding local bridleways and towpaths, or will you be a regular on the red runs at Swinley Forest and the trail centres in Wales? Do you want to do big jumps, or be fast cross-country? The answers to these questions will guide you toward the right kind of bike. To keep it simple, we will refer to "Cross country", "Trail" and "Downhill". There is a more detailed breakdown in the BLOG
2. Frame materials
The most common material is aluminium, as it's light and strong, and it is less likely to be damaged in a crash than carbon fibre. Carbon fibre frames can offer improve weight and stiffness, but all carbon is NOT equal. Cheap carbon is like riding a plastic bike, and it is unlikely to survive many crashes.
3. Suspension & frame angles
"Hardtail" bikes have suspension forks and a rigid rear triangle, but "Full Sus" bikes have a rear shock absorber as well. Quality Full Sus bikes start at £1,000, as the parts and manufacturing costs are higher. The suspension "travel" is matched to the type of riding you will do. Cross country bikes generally have 100 - 120mm or travel, Trail bikes have 140 - 160mm, and Downhill bikes go up from there. Downhill bikes also have a fundamentally different frame design, and very heavy duty shocks, so it's a specialist area.
4. Wheel sizes
All quality mountain bikes now come with either 27.5" or 29" wheels. The "traditional" 26" wheel is slower over rough surfaces and has less grip due to the smaller contact patch with the ground. In general, 29" wheels are a good choice for medium and larger hardtail bikes, and 27.5" wheels are the best for smaller frames and full sus bikes.
Summary
We are here to help you match you with the best bike for your riding objectives and budget. We'll make sure you get the right size and set it up correctly for you in any case, but we can also discuss the trade-offs and pro & cons of your different choices. We are all cyclists and enthusiasts, so we are keen and able to help.