PIEDMONT MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM
Bike Details
Loaning a Team Bike
PHS MTB has loaner bikes. You can use them for free!
They are great for early riders. The team raises money
to buy more, and we accept donated bikes too,
assuming they are not too old and in good working
condition. Reach out via email or to Coach Andrew
Herrgott with any questions or to request a loaner.
Do I need a bike with
suspension?
Yes. XC (Cross Country), Downcountry, and Trail bikes
work very well for the type of riding we do.
Hardtail (HT): This type of frame has suspension in the fork, but does not have suspension in the rear. The rear triangle
The bike is fixed to the rest of the frame. A suspension fork moves up and down and absorbs shock. When the front wheel hits a rock, root, or rut, the fork moves, absorbs shock, and thus helps the rider maintain traction. Suspension makes riding fun, and it is also a critical safety tool. NICA requires that, at a minimum, the student athlete MUST have front suspension. Students CANNOT ride a bike with a solid fork in practice or races.
HT bikes are often less expensive and lighter than full-suspension bikes. HT bikes are great for NICA riders because NICA race courses are not very technical. But they can be less comfortable, and if a rider wants to spend more time in the saddle, they should consider an FS bike.
Full Suspension (FS): As mentioned above, the FS frame bike has both a front suspension fork and a rear triangle that is connected to a shock. The rear triangle is able to compress when terrain changes, so the rider does not feel the weight of the impact. Most front and rear shocks have lockouts and are also adjustable for rider weight and terrain. This allows an FS bike to be more versatile and is a better bike for an experienced rider. Because an FS bike has more parts, it can be more expensive, require more care and maintenance, and be a little more costly to repair and maintain. Moreover, an FS bike is generally heavier than an HT bike.
Buying a Bike
Whether you choose an HT or FS bike, be mindful that “You get what you pay for.” There is an old rule cyclists have - spend as much as you can on the parts that connect you to the bike and the bike to the ground.
What is a typical weight for a bike? HT bikes will vary in weight between 20 and 28 pounds. The high-end super race bike will weigh around 20-22 pounds, but can cost several thousand dollars new and about $3K used. A good performance HT can cost $500 used to $750-1000 new, and not be a tank. The PHS MTB loaner bikes are about 28lbs and are in the $800-1000 range. FS bikes, however, can range from 22lbs to 35lbs with wide cost ranges - $500-5000 used and $1200 to $12K new. For new and intermediate student riders, I recommend keeping the bike weight no more than 30lbs. Even with lots of gears, chugging a tank up hills is not fun.
When you look at bikes that are the same manufacturer but each model has tremendous price variation, it’s usually because of the parts, especially the wheels. Inexpensive aluminum wheels may be stout, but they can
weigh so much that not only does the bike weigh more, but it will also slow the rider down when they are pushing up hills. If you like a bike, but suspect the wheels and tires are heavy, ask the seller/store about lighter tire/wheel options and cost. Most shops offer demo bikes to try out. Sports Basement has a big selection of bikes that can be rented and tested. Even if you’re going to buy used or directly from a manufacturer, it is helpful to demo a bike that is as close to the type you are interested in. For example, if you want to buy a bike that is direct to consumer, or you are trying to buy a used bike. Most private sellers are not going to let you take their bike out for an afternoon of riding. “You wreck it, you buy it.” Go to a shop that has that bike and test it out.
When looking for a bike, search online. Check out discount sites, like Pros Closet, Merlin Bikes UK, etc. Note that bikes sold in stores have shipping and distribution fees bundled into those costs. Bike shop margins aren’t great. They make their money on service, not selling bikes. And in order to carry a selection, they have to meet some agreed-upon quota with the manufacturer. This is why you don’t see Specialized
or Trek bikes sold everywhere. Also, bikes from Canada can
be great deals due to currency exchanges and proximity to
the US. Most mass-produced bikes, like Specialized or
Trek, are made in Taiwan or even China, increasing shipping
and overall costs.
If you buy used from a private seller, ask if your chosen
technician or shop can inspect the bike. If they refuse,
consider it sketchy and move on from that bike. Bike
shops can scan or enter the serial number of the frame to
see if it’s legit and even if it’s been stolen or has been
recalled.
Personally, I am in favor of second-hand bikes. Making
a bike and shipping it, etc., are huge environmental
impacts. Used bikes save money and help the planet.
