Limited PRO: now we're getting down to business. Up-to-the-minute aluminium frame and high-end features provide the ideal foundation for a sporty, all round hardtail. A spec list bursting with high quality components such as the 2x11 XT transmission, top suspension fork and hydraulic disc brakes means the fit, handling and fun feel of the bike are never compromised - and neither is the speed.
Frame
The Limited Series frames have various highlights, all designed to stay on top of ever-changing MTB standards. Whether it's the mechanically formed, double butted 6061 aluminium tubes, the rear disc mount (which is now on the chainstays), the PressFit bottom bracket or the new tapered head tube, everything is here to increase efficiency and steering precision while simultaneously making the bike even lighter. Even the 27.2mm diamter seat post is designed to increase comfort, and our Agile Ride Geometry guarantees a lively feel out on the trail.
Components
The LTD Pro is definitely not entry-level. The Rock Shox Recon Silver suspension fork with 100mm travel delivers maximum control and comfort, while the 2x11 Shimano XT drive group with wide-ranging 10-40 cassette and double chainset makes the most of the 2x concept. Custom wheels with Shimano 525 hubs, CUBE ZX24 rims and Tough Tom/Rapid Rob 2.25 inch tyres are both fast and robust, for miles of worry-free trail riding. Magura's superb MT2 disc brakes round off the package.
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.