Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes have a very wide range of uses, depending on the type of terrain that you are riding in. This includes Cross Country (XC), Trail, Enduro, Freeride, Dirt Jump, Slopestyle and Downhill mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are the most popular type of bicycle sold in Australia and for good reason too. Whilst designed for off road riding can also be versatile enough to be used on road. They are designed with durability in mind, as they have to withstand much greater wear and tear whilst off road.

The most common are hardtail mountain bikes, this means that they only have suspension at the front of the bike, and the rear wheel is fixed solidly to the frame. As the trail gets rockier, however you then need a dual suspension mountain bike, which is suspension at the front and the back. This allows the bike to soak up the bumps and to maintain traction. The more difficult the terrain the more travel in the suspension you will need whilst descending . This allows for more variations in the trail, and bigger jumps.

More suspension travel is not necessarily better. In fact you want as little travel as possible for your riding style. Cross country bikes typically run 100mm to 120mm of travel, Trail and Enduro bikes typically run 140mm to 160mm of travel and Long travel bikes such as downhill and freeride normally run between 180mm and 200mm of travel. The trade off with more travel is usually the weight which makes it harder to pedal the bike up hill.

Within all these disciplines, there are different wheel sizes, 26 inch, 27.5 inch (650b), 27.5 Plus and 29 inch (29er). The larger the wheel the easier it is to roll over obstacles, but the wheel also becomes heavier and less agile. Typically people will choose according to their height, riding style and of course – cost.

Sizes are measured in inches, or sizes such as Small, Medium and Large. They are not as precise as road bikes, because you are often out of the saddle as you manoeuvre through corners and around obstacles so there is typically more adjustability within the size options.

Comparison

CATEGORIES

MODEL

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

IDEAL FOR

Hardtail - 27.5" & 29"

POLYGON

MARIN

New 27.5" & 29" Wheel Fit Size System - Better fits the rider and sets them up for optimal efficiency and power transfer
Perfect entry to advanced level bike
Amazing value
Lightweight Hydroformed 6061 Aluminium frame
Very versatile. Can be used for weekend rides on the trail or even as dependable commuter bike

Not as comfortable as a Dual Suspension Bike when riding on rougher trails.

More experienced rider looking for a high-end Hardtail.
Rider getting into Mountain Biking and looking for a good value bike with decent components
A commuter rider looking for a bike to ride to work, but also take off-road on cross-country trails

Hardtail 27.5" Plus

POLYGON

E ntiat TR6
E ntiant TR8

Improved grip with the larger Plus Tyres
Better cornering
Simple fun bike for trail riding
As comfortable and confidence inspiring as a dual suspension
Can fit 29 inch wheels for road riding

Heavier wheels
Slow acceleration
Correct tyre pressure is crucial for optimal performance

Beginner to intermediate rider who wants to venture into more adventurous tracks but doesn’t want to spend Dual Suspension money
A rider who is looking for an extremely versatile bike, capable of handling most on and off trail conditions

XC Dual Suspension

POLYGON

Perfect for bumpy off-road trails
Simple rear suspension system adds little weight to the frame
Lockable front and rear suspension
Improved control and comfort

Heavier than a hardtail bike
Slower on uphills and flat roads than a hardtail bike

Beginner and intermediate riders, riding on bumpy trails, with lots of rocks, roots and technical sections
Riders upgrading from a hardtail to a dual suspension

Trail/ Enduro

POLYGON

MARIN

Longer suspension travel bikes for more aggressive trails and riders
Full carbon frame or half carbon/half alloy frame
Advanced rear suspension system designed to eliminate pedal-bob and brake jolt
Internally routed brake and rear cables for clean looks
Fox front suspension with TALAS system allows changing the fork size mid-ride
Dropper seatpost helps on steeper descents

Higher starting price point
Carbon frame not as durable as alloy frames
Climbing performance
Geometry too slack to ride on roads

More experienced riders that want to hit bigger jumps, faster descents and bumpier trails
Enduro riders looking for a great pedalling bike
Fast and technical trail riding
Performance orientated enduro bike

Trail/ Enduro/ Downhill

POLYGON

Revolutionary design allows you to climb like a short travel dual suspension bike and descend like a downhill bike.
Can be ridden in a wide range of trails, making this a true "1 bike to rule them all".
Full carbon frame
Lightweight considering the suspension travel available.
Top of the line everything.
Internally routed brake and gear cables.
Looks different from any other bike on the trail and will set you apart from the crowd.