Why riding an electric bike is so much fun! - bikes.com.au

Why riding an electric bike is so much fun!

Riding an electric bike, or e-bike, is a unique and enjoyable experience that offers many benefits over traditional bicycles. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the great outdoors, an e-bike can make your ride more efficient, comfortable, and fun. Here are some reasons why riding an electric bike is such a great experience:

Assistance: The electric motor on an e-bike provides pedal assistance, making it easier to ride uphill and against the wind. This can make it possible for people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bike, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Convenience: E-bikes make it easier to cover longer distances and overcome challenging terrain. This means you can ride to work, run errands, or explore the great outdoors without having to worry about getting tired or having to push your bike up a steep hill.

Sustainability: Electric bikes are a sustainable mode of transportation. They are much more energy-efficient than cars and produce zero emissions. They can also be charged using renewable energy sources, making them an environmentally friendly option for transportation.

Cost-effective: E-bikes are an affordable mode of transportation, especially when compared to cars or public transportation. They are also cheaper to maintain, as they have fewer moving parts than cars and require less maintenance.

Fun: Riding an e-bike can be a fun and enjoyable experience. The pedal assistance makes it easy to cover longer distances and overcome challenging terrain, and the feeling of gliding along on an e-bike can be quite exhilarating.

Safety: E-bikes can make cycling safer, especially in urban areas, providing a boost of power that can help riders to keep up with traffic, or to get to a safe place quickly when encountering dangerous situations.

 

Riding an electric bike is a unique and enjoyable experience that offers many benefits over traditional bicycles. They make it easier to cover longer distances and overcome challenging terrain, they are sustainable and cost-effective, they are fun to ride and they can also be safer. With the advancements in technology, the range and power of e-bikes have improved making them more accessible and versatile than ever before, so if you haven't tried one yet, it's definitely worth giving it a try.

 

At bikes.com.au we have the biggest selection of Electric Bikes! Any question? Do not hesitate to contact us :)

 

January 25, 2023 — Thomas Mercier
The best gravel bike tracks in Australia - bikes.com.au

The best gravel bike tracks in Australia

There are many great gravel bike tracks in Australia, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and riding level. Some popular options include:

  • The Bicentennial National Trail: This 5,330-kilometer (3,314-mile) trail stretches from Cooktown in Queensland to Healesville in Victoria, passing through a diverse range of landscapes including forests, deserts, and mountains. It's one of the longest and most challenging gravel bike tracks in Australia and offers a true adventure for experienced riders.
  • The Munda Biddi Trail: This 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) trail runs from Perth to Albany in Western Australia and passes through some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness areas in the country. It's a challenging ride but offers a unique experience of the Australian landscape.
  • The Mawson Trail: This 900-kilometer (559-mile) trail runs through the mid-north of South Australia, passing through a range of landscapes including hills, forests, and outback. It's a challenging ride with a mix of gravel roads and singletrack, and offers a great way to explore the region's history and culture.
  • The Great Victorian Rail Trail: This is a flat and easy gravel bike track that runs for 134 km between Tallarook and Leagan Gull in Victoria. It's a great option for families or riders looking for a more leisurely ride.
  • The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: This 161-kilometer (100-mile) trail runs from Wulkuraka to Yarraman in Queensland, and it's a great option for riders looking for a mix of gravel and sealed roads, as well as great scenery.

Ultimately, the best gravel bike track in Australia will depend on your personal preferences and riding level. It's a good idea to research different tracks and talk to local riders to find a trail that suits your needs.

January 25, 2023 — Thomas Mercier
Why Mountain Biking are so popular in Australia? - bikes.com.au

Why Mountain Biking are so popular in Australia?

Mountain biking in Australia is a growing sport with a dedicated community of enthusiasts. From rugged bushland trails to picturesque coastal paths, the country offers a wide variety of terrain for riders of all abilities.

One of the most popular mountain biking destinations in Australia is the Blue Mountains, located just outside of Sydney. The area offers a diverse range of trails, from easy fire roads to challenging technical singletrack. The scenery is also spectacular, with panoramic views of the surrounding bushland and the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Another popular mountain biking destination is the trails in and around the city of Adelaide, such as the Eagle MTB Park and the Fox Creek Reserve. These areas offer a mix of cross-country and downhill trails, as well as a bike park with features such as jumps and berms.

For those looking for a more remote and wilderness experience, the Australian Alps, located in the southeast of the country, offer some of the most challenging and scenic mountain biking in the country. The Australian Alps Walking Track and the Bicentennial National Trail are both popular options for long-distance backcountry rides.

In addition to these destinations, there are many other great places to mountain bike in Australia, including the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, the trails in and around Brisbane, and the singletrack in the forests of Tasmania.

No matter where you go, mountain biking in Australia is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. The country's diverse landscape and friendly biking community make it a great place to explore on two wheels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, there's a trail out there that's perfect for you. With proper equipment, planning, and safety precautions, the Australian mountain biking scene is an adventure you don't want to miss.

At bikes.com.au we have a huge of mountain bikes! Browse now our selection of Dual Suspension, Hardtail and Electric Mountain Bikes

January 25, 2023 — Thomas Mercier

How To Stay Cool When Riding In The Summer Heat

With the hot summer well and truly upon, cyclists need to take care when riding in Melbourne’s scorching heat. We’re expecting higher than average temperatures, which means there are precautions we should be taking when we go for a ride.

 

  • Hydration

 

You know already that you should keep hydrated during the summertime, whether you’re riding or not. However, when it comes to riding your bike on our Melbourne roads, it is especially important that you keep hydrated throughout your journey. Ensure you have a bottle handy at all times. If you don’t have a bottle holder for you to take your drink with you, it’s probably best that you buy one and fix it to your bike.

 

    • Clothing

 

There are tonnes of cycling clothing options to choose from when riding your bike. But when it comes to the summer in Melbourne, riding your bike should be considered with a bit more attention because some synthetic materials do not “breathe” well, which will not allow the air to flow in and out and keep you cool.

 

Also, your body sweats, and if you’re wearing clothing that doesn’t cover you adequately, your sweat may evaporate faster than you think, leading to dehydration. A good bike shop will have the best clothing choices to suit all types of weather.

 

    • Timing

 

Sometimes you can’t control the time of day you need to travel; for example, when you ride to and from work. But on the other occasions when you just have that “desire” to get out and ride – you should consider what time of day you do it. Consider that the later you travel in the morning, the hotter and harder your ride will be – not to mention the more road users there will be, adding to the congestion and heat. Try to leave earlier when it’s cooler, if you can, or much later in the day. You’ll have a better, more relaxed ride, and after all, enjoying the ride is what it’s all about.

 

    • Skin

 

It’s so important that we all think about our skin when riding. There are many sun-protection products on the market, and you should apply at least an SPF 30 sunscreen around your neck and arms, as well as on your face, paying special attention to your nose. With skin cancer and melanoma becoming ever-more prevalent in Australia, we can’t stress the importance enough of proper skin protection.

 

Now that you have these crucial pieces of information, go out there and enjoy your ride safely, knowing that you have done everything to protect yourself from the dangers of Melbourne’s hot summer sun.

 

For more safety tips or if you want to buy clothing and accessories for your summer rides, shop online now or contact us anytime on (03) 9529 3752.

January 18, 2023 — Thomas Mercier
Before You Buy An Electric Bike, Consider This - bikes.com.au

Before You Buy An Electric Bike, Consider This

Electric bikes or e-bikes are the new and latest must-have mode of transport across all age groups in Australia. They provide the efficiency of a normal bike and give you all the health benefits of riding too. What makes them better than regular bikes is that they have a motor, which can aid the rider uphill or all the way from home to work with less effort over longer distances.

Although we are well aware of the benefits of an electric bike, choosing the right type is what’s important. It has to suit your specific needs. So, let’s take a look at certain aspects of electric bikes, which will help you make the right choice that suits your needs.

  • Style

Style depends on you. It’s all about you and what your needs and preferred style are. Whether you use the bike primarily for mountain bike-riding, relaxing cruises or for every-day hauling, then you should speak to the retailer who will provide you with the right choice for that specific need. There are many things to take into consideration, we’ve covered them below.

  • Type

There are two main kinds of rides an electric bike offers you: first, the pedelec, which has a system in place to monitor the rider’s pedalling in order to provide automatic adjustments to call for more or less motor speed. Second, the twist-n-go, which is a system in which the rider holds full control over motor assistance via a switch on the bike.

  • Motor

Electric bikes come with two options with regard to motors: first, the crank motor, and second, the hub motor. The crank motor has a great reputation for assisting heavy loads uphill, but when on a straight, flat road, its power can become less effective and it has a loud motor. On the other hand, the hub motor is quiet, yet not very powerful with uphill rides.

  • Battery

For electric bikes, “range” is the most important thing because “range” refers to how long the motor will run before it needs to be recharged. Therefore, the battery is a key factor when purchasing a new electric bike. Batteries also lose a lot of their original strength over time, which may be an added cost to consider. However, there are better batteries out there which last longer and are faster to charge. Speak to your retailer for more information.

  • Test

Proof, as they say, is in the pudding; and in this case, the proof is in the ride. You need to test the electric bike for yourself. Relying on reviews and what other users have to say are good points to take into consideration, but if the idea of an electric bike just suits your lifestyle, then go and ride it and see for yourself. Plus, a test-ride is always fun anyway.

Finding the right electric bike is a personal choice. Now that you have all of this information handy, you should go for that test ride and see how it feels for you. To find the best type of bike that suits your needs, contact one of Melbourne’s expert e-bike on (03) 9529 3752.

August 15, 2022 — Thomas Mercier
Why You Need These Five Tools In Your Bike Tool Kit - bikes.com.au

Why You Need These Five Tools In Your Bike Tool Kit

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain bike racer, amateur trail, track or speedway rider, or you use your bike to get to and from work, having your own bike tool kit is essential. Performing your own basic bike maintenance repairs can be hugely satisfying for a cyclist, not to mention budget-friendly. From replacing dirty bar tape and brake cables to repairing a puncture, a quality bike tool set is a must-have.

 Read More...
August 15, 2022 — Thomas Mercier
Why You Need These Five Tools In Your Bike Tool Kit - bikes.com.au

Why You Need These Five Tools In Your Bike Tool Kit

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain bike racer, amateur trail, track or speedway rider, or you use your bike to get to and from work, having your own bike tool kit is essential. Performing your own basic bike maintenance repairs can be hugely satisfying for a cyclist, not to mention budget-friendly. From replacing dirty bar tape and brake cables to repairing a puncture, a quality bike tool set is a must-have.

 

Five essential tools to include in every bike tool kit

 

  1. Puncture repair kit

Punctures are the bane of every cyclist’s life, but if you have a puncture repair kit on hand, you can quickly fix small holes. Ensure you have a kit that contains a small-sized hand pump or a CO2 inflator. Either one should be conveniently carried in a backpack or installed on the bike frame. Self-adhesive patches are also important.

 

  1. Multi-tool

A multi-tool is particularly handy as it can be used to perform a multitude of maintenance and repair tasks. A quality multi-tool should consist of: Allen keys, Phillips screwdriver, and different sized wrenches.

 

  1. Air cartridge

For cyclists who prefer the CO2 inflators over a hand pump, you need to carry extra air cartridges. Cartridges contain compressed air and offer advantages such as inflating tyres much quicker and with less effort.

 

  1. Tyre Levers

These are used to detach the tyre from the wheel’s rim when repairing a flat tyre. Tyre levers are most useful in road bike tyre repairs as the tyres sit quite snugly onto the rim.

 

  1. Adjustable air regulator

The air pressure of a bike’s tyres allows for traction and speed on road and track surfaces. Therefore, it’s important to have an air regular that can identify when you need to inflate or deflate air pressure, depending on terrain. This is essential, especially in mountain biking where trails can feature smooth stretches and rocky areas that require either soft or hard tyres for better control.

 

Why not choose the all-in-one Azur Performance Essential K2 Combo Kit available from Bikes.com.au. It has all the essential tools to perform emergency repairs when stranded on the roadside. Looking for something else? Click here to see our wide range of tools and kits.

August 15, 2022 — Thomas Mercier

The new Focus Thron

 

THE THRON OPENS YOUR EYES FOR ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY. JUST GO RIDING TRAILS AND AWAKEN THE EXPLORER THAT YOU ARE...

 

WHAT IT TAKES TO HAVE A FRESH LOOK ON YOUR RIDE?

The THRON is our 130 mm full suspension mountain bike and made to surf trails. The geometry of the THRON makes you feel comfortable and confident in any situation. You are in control whether it's a technical or flow trail, no matter you go up or down. Pure riding fun first. You stay relaxed on long tours and go fast on trails.

 
. A GEOMETRY READY TO GO EVERYWHERE
FEATURES TO EXPLORE NEW GROUNDS
June 14, 2022 — Thomas Mercier

The new Focus Jam

 

THE JAM IS YOUR TICKET BACK TO THE TIMES WHEN NOTHING WAS IMPORTANT BUT TO PLAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS...

 

WHAT IT TAKES TO RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD:

The JAM is our 150 mm all-mountain trail fully. With its playful and intuitive character, you get the most fun out of every ride. Agile and direct handling merges with a lot of safety resources of the chassis providing confidence and joy on any downhill. You are perfectly seated in the middle of the mountain bike to control any situation and to easily pedal up all the steep hills on your ride.

 

A GEOMETRY TO HAVE FUN

8. SERIES

 

 

June 14, 2022 — Thomas Mercier

Orbea Rise H30 Electric Mountain Bike

RISE BEYOND

A machine designed to expand your trail experience and bring you closer to the moment. Rise brings you nearer the sensation that less “e” delivers more “bike”. Whether you crave riding greater distances, reaching more epic locations, improving efficiency or increasing the frequency of your adventures, Rise beyond expectations and discover the new standard in MTB.

INTENDED FOR BIG RIDES

The RS concept provides a great day on the trails because the lighter bike, lower power consumption and of course, the pedal-friendly weight and assistance extends battery life by a factor of over 1.5x.

 

SLEEK AND EXPANDABLE

In a traditional ebike, displays, sensors, extra wires and large glowing buttons are standard and unavoidable. For us, the option of a traditional, uncluttered machine is a critical aspect of the RS philosophy.

 

LIGHTEST IN CLASS

The RS Motor, Battery and Electronics are lighter than other eBike systems by over half.

 

May 04, 2022 — Thomas Mercier
The Norco FLUID VLT A1 - bikes.com.au

The Norco FLUID VLT A1

The Fluid VLT brings you more of the trails you love in the time you have.

With 140mm of suspension travel up front and 130mm out back, it’s the best way to fit in an extra trail lap before sundown or finally discovering what’s over the next hill.

 

Lightweight and durable hydroformed aluminum with style.

The Fluid VLT features a custom-formed aluminum frame with internal routing, generous standover clearance, and long-travel dropper posts.

 

 

Best-in-Class Shimano STEPS Drive System.

The Fluid VLT dials-up your ride with the lightweight, whisper-quiet Shimano EP8 drive system’s customizable torque and efficiency.

 

Align with your ride experience like never before.

The Fluid VLT is designed with Norco’s exclusive Ride Aligned™ Design System to create rider-first geometry and precision suspension kinematics. Custom fit and tuning with the Ride Aligned™ Setup Guide provides unparalleled, personalized performance from day one.

 

Removes and installs in seconds with one tool.

Batteries are encased inside the downtube for protection and are easily removed for charging on and off the bike or for easy swaps.

May 04, 2022 — Thomas Mercier

Best Way To Teach Your Kids How To Ride

Teaching your kids to ride a bike is giving them a skill they will carry with them throughout their lives – and they’ll thank you for it. To ensure a safe and exciting experience for your child, you will need the right age-appropriate size of bike (and don’t forget the safety helmet and knee guards should you require them), encouraging approach and armed with the relevant how-to knowledge.

 

Here’s some handy info to follow:

 

Start toddlers on a balance bike

 

Balance bikes are a great option to teach young children (aged 2 to 4) how to balance themselves properly. As these do not have pedals or training wheels, children learn essential bike riding skills like balance and control by zooming about on the ground.

 

The best technique is to let the child walk the bike, then progress to a kick-along technique before lifting both feet up to roll freely.

 

For older children

 

The key priority for older children is to ensure they fit on the bike properly. They should be able to sit on the bike with the balls of their feet comfortably on the ground. Find an ideal riding location with a slight downhill slope and where there are no obstacles to bump into. While grass surfaces provide a sort of cushion in case the child falls, flat surfaces make for easier rolling.

 

Here's a step-by-step guide of their first experience on a bike:

 

Step 1:

Remove both pedals.

 

Step 2:

Let the child get the feel of squeezing the brakes as they climb into the seat. The brakes should be released slowly and they should coast slowly down the slope. This step should be practised numerous times as necessary.

 

Step 3:

Put both pedals back on.

 

Step 4:

Motivate the child to mount the bike while squeezing the brakes. Placing one foot on a pedal, he should slowly release the brakes and find the other pedal with his other foot and cruise downhill. Step 4 should be repeated until he has perfected it.

 

Is your child at that age when they are ready for their first riding experience? Find the right kids bike for his or her age group at Bikes.com.au. We have the widest range of children’s bikes in Melbourne. Visit us today to find out for yourself!

March 15, 2022 — Thomas Mercier