Buying Guides and Advice
Buying Guides and Advice
A Guide To Cycling Photos On Instagram
The ride is more than just the kilometres you cover. It's about the feeling of freedom as you pedal, the breathtaking view you've worked so hard to earn, and the small moments of joy along the way. Whether you're a weekend warrior conquering hills, a daily commuter navigating the city, or a trail-seeker chasing muddy adventures, your rides are stories waiting to be told. We want to see your journey, your perspective, your passion. Every time you're out on two wheels, you're part of a huge community of riders, and now it's easier than ever to share that experience. Next time you're on a ride and snap a sneaky selfie at the top of a gruelling climb, or capture the stunning panorama from the summit, tag your post with #nowletsride. By using the hashtag, you allow us to feature your amazing content and share your passion with cyclists everywhere. What does your ride look like? Share your favourite post-ride coffee shop where you refuel and relax. Take a satisfying video of your mountain bike getting a well-deserved mud bath after an epic session on the trails. Or maybe it's the subtle-snap of your Strava stats, celebrating a new personal best that only fellow riders can truly appreciate. From the golden light of a sunrise commute to the gritty satisfaction of a wet and wild trail ride, the opportunities are endless. Your story inspires others to get out and ride. So, how do you capture these moments safely? We all know the struggle of fumbling for your phone. To make sure you can grab those shots without worry, get your phone kitted out with a Quad Lock. It's the secure and easy way to keep your phone accessible for photos, navigation, and tracking your stats. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, create some memories, and share them with the community. Now, let's ride.
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99 Bikes Pedals To Employee Empowerment
This year, 99 Bikes is launching a unique employee giving initiative that gives back with the valuable gift of bikes. Employees have the opportunity to donate 1% of their annual wages to four bicycle aligned charities: Qhubeka, Good Cycles, Bikes4Life, and Traction. These proceeds will contribute towards a larger company-wide goal of donating 100,000 bikes to those in need. Matt Turner, founder and managing director of 99 Bikes, said the wealth distribution around the world wasn't quite right, so as a company, they wanted to create a cycle of hope. u "Bikes are often the backbone of life in many third world economic and provide much more than just recreation",Au Matt said. AuThey are more than just a means of transport to places of employment and education, but also provide access to food, water, medicine and shelter,Au he said. AuThe initiative is not just about giving, but also about creating opportunities to engage employees and allow them to make a difference,Au he said. AuWe have the systems in place to make it easier for employees to give to their chosen charity and allow them to see the direct results from their donations.Au Matt added that all 99 Bikes employees were incentivised based on their performance, so the better they performed in their own roles, the greater the positive impact they would have on the people in these communities. Mark Kingston, sales consultant at 99 Bikes, strongly supports the company's purpose and believes that those who can help have a responsibility to do so. "AuIt is a special honour to be a part of a company that thinks this way and uses its influence to expand to help others",Au said Mark. AuHelping another person in need is one of the most gratifying experiences a human being can have",Au he said. 99 Bikes is among many companies to have implemented employee giving programs, alongside Flight Centre, Red Cross and PwC, yet Matt encourages other retail companies to get onboard. Au We have noticed a general shift in companies moving away from being all about profit to being driven by purpose,Au Matt said. AuBy establishing our initiative, we hope to encourage other companies to follow suit and develop a corporate giving program of their own. Our four beneficiaries are: Qhubeka - Every $250 delivers one bike to Qhubeka, the charity based in Cape Town, South Africa. The bikes linked to those with good school attendance and academic results. Good Cycles - Every $300 delivers a bike to Good Cycles based in Docklands, Melbourne. The program works with asylum seekers, refugees, long term unemployed individuals and youth. Bikes are used to educate, empower and employee. Bikes4Life - Every $100 delivers a bike to Bikes4Life, a charity based in Melbourne that also works in remote Australia and Africa. The bikes are sent in a container to remote, disadvantaged communities with the container transformed into a workshop to keep the bikes operational. Traction - Every $150 delivers at least on bike to Traction, based in Capalaba Queensland. Helps young people deliver their talents, build self-belief and create their own successful future. Funds will buy new BMX bikes. For more information about this initiative, visit our company website.
Best Cycling Tips For Safe And Fun Riding
What do you think that riding your bike, tying your shoelaces and playing the guitar have in common? Once you've learnt how to do any of these activities, you'll never forget them. They become stored within what's known as procedural memory. So if you've recently started cycling, congratulations! You've just added valuable long-lasting information to your memory. What's next? To learn some simple and important cycling tips for beginners that'll make your ride more fun, easier and safer. They too, will stay with you for life. SAFETY FIRST Wearing the right cycling clothes is key because they help you ride more securely by allowing your body to move more freely. They also protect your body from all weather conditions. Wearing a bike helmet is a national road law. Riding a bike is usually a safe activity, but unexpected accidents can always happen. If you're wearing a bike helmet, you can potentially reduce the risk of a head injury, as well as reducing the chance of neck and face injuries. Shop Helmets BIKE LIGHTS, ALWAYS Make sure you have a good front bike light and a rear bike light before you hit the road, and turn them on even during the day. Lack of daylight is not the only factor that can cause an accident involving a cyclist. Many times, distraction or tiredness can cause a car driver, a pedestrian or another cyclist not to see you, and having a bike light on during the day will alert these other road users of your presence. Also, as we head towards the winter months, daylight hours are becoming shorter, and you must increase your visibility at all times. Azur and other recognised brands now offer bike lights that include a mode specifically designed for daytime. Shop All Lights Shop Front Lights Shop Rear Lights CONTACT POINTS: THE KEY FOR COMFORT The two main contact points when riding your bike are: your hands and...yes, your butt! If you want to fully enjoy your bike rides, they both must be well-protected and comfortable. The must-have features for a good pair of bike gloves are a gel-padded palm area, and silicon grips that prevent slipping. When it comes to your backside you can make your bike ride more pleasant by having a good pair of cycling Knicks and the right saddle. Some characteristics of the best cycling knicks are: padded areas, improved stretching on the legs, silicone grip and reinforced stitching. Your bike saddle should have a good anatomical design. Some of the most advanced models easily adapt to your body and use memory foam for even pressure distribution. Other cycling clothes that can improve comfort are arm warmers and knee warmers, a cycling vest and a cycling jacket. Some cycling jackets also have reflective trims or are reversible with a full-reflective side, both great options for that late commute home. Shop All Clothing Shop All Saddles LOVE YOUR BIKE And your bike will love you back! You'll enjoy much smoother rides, and for much longer. Cleaning and maintenance for your bike is as important as it is for your car. Remember to have it serviced regularly by a qualified bike mechanic. There's also maintenance that you can do at home, but to do it in an easy and efficient way, you need the right products. Krush products are great to clean your bike with after every ride, and Rock N Roll lube to keep your drive train lubed and working smoothly. A good quality floor pump is another key element in your bike kit, as it'll keep your bike tyres at the right pressure and make them last for longer. View Workshop Services Shop Maintenance PRACTICAL BIKE ACCESSORIES Bike accessories can help you fully enjoy those first bike rides, and will continue to be useful when you become a more regular bike rider. Consider getting a saddle bag to store your keys and other small valuables, panniers for carrying larger items like your laptop or the groceries, a practical bottle cage and a good quality bike bell . Shop All Accessories Shop Cycling Bags Shop Water Bottles & Cages
5 Things To Consider When Choosing Your Childs First Bike
I want you to think back to your childhood. Don't sigh, it wasn't that long ago! Think back to when you got your very first bike. Do you remember how you felt? I do; nothing could describe it better than pure excitement. While only being five years old, it was my first taste of independence. It was like being trusted with the keys to the city and with each new trick that was learnt, a big thumbs up from the folks made the struggle to learn all the worthwhile. Now, the day has come where it's time to buy your own child a bike; to create an unforgettable memory. Hold the brakes though, before we get too involved in sentimental feelings, we've actually got to choose the bike first. A task that is much harder these days, given the smaller selection of bikes our parents had to choose from. It's so easy to get caught up in colour and decorations that practicality often gets thrown out the window. To make the process easier, here are five things to consider when choosing your child's very first bike. Have You Thought About Balance Bikes? What is your like? Some are dare-devils who will tackle anything head on, usually resulting in constant cuts and bruises. Others tend to be more cautious. If this is the case, then start by riding on a Balance Bike. A Balance Bike is a modern version of the hobby horse bike. It has no pedals, crank, chain or training wheels, so your child can simply scoot their feet along the ground to gain momentum and raise their feet to cruise along. To stop, all they have to do is drag their feet along the ground. The idea is to teach a child to steer, maintain balance and stop, before moving on to the more challenging task of pedalling. Choose The Right Size When determining what size bike for your child, there are three rules of thumb. When their bottom is fully seated on the bicycle, their feet should easily touch the bottom without having to stretch to reach the ground. They should also be able to grip the handle bars with ease and finally, they should be able to sit comfortably on the bike no knees near the ears! Tip: It can be tempting to buy your child a larger bike that they will grow into, until they do, it's particularly dangerous as they will struggle to control the bike, making it not very fun for them to ride. Invest In The Correct Safety Gear The law in Australia is that no person is allowed to ride a bike without the correct safety helmet. Don't even consider giving your child a bike without this crucial accessory. It's important that it fits well and your child likes it. The helmet should fit snugly on their head, rest 1-1.5cm above their eyebrows and be bright in colour so that it can be easily recognized. How Much Assembly Is Required? First bikes come in all price ranges, but if you know that they might only be riding it for a year before they need a new one, then there's no harm in buying a cheaper one from a department store. These bikes normally come pre-assembled, but it doesn't and there's too many bits and bobs to put together, then it's best to take it to a bike specialist like 99 Bikes . Their team will be able to put it together in a matter of minutes and you can rest assured that it will meet all safety requirements. Do You Need Training Wheels? Training wheels are recommended for children between the ages of two to five to build confidence while learning to balance. Some argue that training wheels can be dangerous if the bike picks up speed, but as long as they are going slow to start out with, training wheels are a smart choice. After all, you can easily detach them once they get the hang of it. Choosing your child's bike is an exciting time, it's important to have fun and enjoy the experience of teaching them how to ride.
6 Reasons Why The Riders Vs Motorists Debate Needs To Go Home
It's a debate that seems to roll on perpetually, motorists hate cyclists and vice versa. In the age of GoPros and smart phones, road rage incidents are caught on camera and put on the internet, adding a fresh supply of fuel to the fire for both sides of the debate. You'll occasionally notice parts of the media on a warpath with cyclists, perhaps forgetting that part of their readership are also riders. The argument is getting a little tired, and here are a few reasons to cast-aside the controversy. 1. Most cyclists are also motorists It's much easier to understand both sides of the story if you're on both sides of the problem. A motorist who is critical of cyclists could learn a lot by becoming one for a day or a week, as Jeremy Clarkson once did. If there's criticism of a cyclist's conduct on the road it makes them a bad road user, not a bad cyclist. 2. Motorists don't own the road, really Roads are funded by everybody, not just motorists. Registration fees cover a tiny fraction of what is spent each year on road infrastructure. This means that roads are made to be used by cars, buses, motorbikes, and bicycles. All road users should expect to be safe on the road, and everybody carries responsibility of care. 3. Bikes out-sell cars every year Bicycle sales in Australia have exceeded motor vehicle sales every year since 2000. At 99 Bikes alone, we put about 40,000 new bikes on roads each year. Cyclists are a growing community and increased attention should be paid to providing the correct infrastructure and facilities to this new wave of active travellers. 4. More bikes means less traffic Motorists are much better off with a bunch of 20 cyclists, than stuck behind a line of 20 additional cars. Especially at peak times, if more commuters are using active methods of transport it will make life much better for those in cars. In the UK bikes make up one sixth of central London traffic for one main reason - it makes sense. Commuters who make short journeys should be encouraged to get out of their cars and onto their bikes. 5. Build cycling infrastructure Cyclists would much prefer to ride on bikeways or in bike lanes. Offering cyclists the option to remove themselves from motor traffic will increase rider safety and also make a better driving experience for motorists. It's in the interests of both motorists and riders to have more cycling-specific infrastructure on the main arterial roads of cities. 6. Bad road use isn't a cyclist thing Every group has some bad apples. Not all cyclists are perfect and neither are motorists. Particular care should be taken when passing cyclists, they don't have a couple tons of met surrounding them consequence of contact is heavily weighted against the cyclist. Take care out there. See All Commuter Bikes
5 Fitness Tips To Help Your 2015 Resolutions
It's a new year, and you might be thinking about what your new year's resolution will be. If it's got something to do with riding and fitness, we've got 5 golden rules to make sure you stick to your resolution, and ultimately achieve your goals. 1) Make it part of your routine. There's nothing more routine than getting up every day and going to work, so making a bike your mode of transport is the best way to integrate exercise into your routine. It also means you get your daily work out and your daily commute done all at once, taking away excuses, and creating more time for other things. Even if riding to work isn't suitable, a good routine is still key for good results. If your plan is to ride twice a week, pick two suitable days and get into the habit of twice a week, every week. 2) Make it convenient. Having a good routine will take care of this to a degree, but simple things like riding straight out your front door instead of having to drive to a starting point can make a big difference to the amount of excuses you make (and therefore the results you can achieve). Particularly during the week, you don't want to be spending unnecessary time travelling to and from a ride if you don't need to. Find some good places to ride/groups to ride with nearby so you can spend more time actually on your bike (save the travel for the weekends when you have more time on your hands). Likewise, have your bike stored somewhere you can easily access it. If you occasionally work late, invest in some good lights, or an indoor trainer and wipe 'too dark' off your list of excuses. 3) Make it social. When you were a kid, peer pressure was generally perceived as negative, but when it comes to fitness, use peer pressure to your advantage! Making plans with others will make you more accountable to following through (there will be repercussions if you hit snooze and leave your mate outside waiting). Likewise, riding with others will naturally mean you all push a bit harder than you would if you were left to your own devices. Social sharing is another great way to take advantage of this, with communities like Garmin Connect allowing you to share results with other users (the new Garmin Edge series computers also allow you to track your friends live on the road!). If you've purchased a bike from us before, our 'Refer a Friend' offer means we'll give you a $50 voucher if you refer someone to us that also buys a bike. You get $50 to spend on gear, and a new riding buddy. Win-win. 4) Have the right equipment. Having the right tools for the job will ensure your workouts are not only more enjoyable, but also more effective. Bike specific clothing like bibknicks and a jersey will make you more comfortable on the bike, meaning you can ride harder for longer. Clip-in cycling shoes aren't just there to alert people to cyclists entering the cafe, they'll make your pedalling much more efficient, helping you to take on bigger distances and tougher climbs. Nutrition is also very important - you won't be knocking over any big rides without the correct hydration, and some food or gels to replenish your energy stores along the way. 5) Keep on progressing. Progress and variety will help keep you motivated, and enjoying your time out on the bike. Sites like Bikely are great for discovering new rides and challenges to take on. GPS computers and heart rate monitors help you record and analyse all your hard work, giving you constant feedback on your progress. Upload the data to communities like Strava, and you can virtually compare and compete with other riders in your area. Likewise, an upgrade of gear can be a great motivator. It could be as simple as booking your bike into the workshop to get it running smoothly again, or upgrading to a bike that can take you faster and further than your current bike allows."
55 Bikes Delivered To Anjali House Cambodia
As a commitment to our purpose to "enrich mind, body, earth and soul with the freedom of riding", we recently sponsored the delivery of 55 bikes to children's charity Anjali House in Cambodia. Anjali House supports 120 vulnerable and at-risk children and their families by providing them with free food, running water, education, healthcare, access to social work services and the arts. Anjali has usually used a tuk tuk to transport 55 children who don't own bikes to and from school. Due to budget constraints, the tuk tuk is now unavailable and they requested funding for 55 bikes so all children can ride to school on their own bike. The following post is written by Jess Blackledge, Communications and Management Support at Anjali House . A HUGE thank you to 99 Bikes, an Australia-based bike company who generously donated $2,300 to Anjali for us to buy these swanky bikes for our students! Many of our Anjali students do not have a consistent, reliable form of transport to get to Anjali, or to public school, so they often double (or triple!) up on a bicycle, which is not ideal. Thanks to 99 Bikes, these students now each have their very own bicycle to get to and from Anjali everyday, and to get them home safely. They also all have helmets, and we will be conducting a Road Safety Training to ensure everyone rides as safely as possible! So thank-you so much 99 Bikes! Our students were very excited this morning when they arrived to a whole load of new bikes waiting for them! From everyone at Anjali: thank you for your kindness and generosity! All 99 Bikes employees donate 1% of their salary to a charity of their choice and we have a big goal of donating 100,000 bikes to those most in need. Read more about our purpose at pedalgroup.com.au .
5 Reasons You Should Sign Up For The Noosa Triathlon
The New Year's resolutions are a memory of the past. We are, after all, past the second half of the year. However, if one of those goals was to complete a triathlon, then you are in luck. The Noosa Triathlon is just around the corner. It's not too late to start training. The big drawcard to this event is the major triathlon; a gruelling event that features a 1,500 metre swim followed by a 40km cycle and finishes with a 10km run. But thereAos more to the Noosa Triathlon than meets the eye. ThereAos something for everyone, from fun runs to golf tournaments, itAos not just for the people who cycle 100kms for fun; everyone can get in on the action. IAoll be the first one to say that a triathlon can be a daunting experience, especially for first timers; itAos a true test of your mind and body. So, if you need a little extra persuading, hereAos why you should enter in for this years Noosa Triathlon. Break The Bad Habits How many times has this happened to you? YouAove been struck in the head by a brilliant idea. So amazing that you canAot believe youAove never thought of it before. YouAore going to take up cycling. After a trip to 99 Bikes, you select a top of the range bicycle. You think IAoll take it out on the town tomorrow only to have it sit in the garage, accumulating dust. The problem is, youAove got nothing to work towards, you havenAot thought it through and have no sense of what you want to achieve. By simply signing up and putting the money down for a triathlon, you set in motion what you want your end goal to be. YouAoll be more willing to establish positive habits and you will feel a surge in your motivation, ensuring you finish what you started. Support A Cause Noosa Triathlon is truly something special. As well as feeling that youAove accomplished something for yourself, youAoll also be helping to raise funds for AustraliaAos premier charities. Smiling For Smiddy, Heart Kids, National Breast Cancer Foundation, RSPCA, Cerebral Palsy League and the Make A Wish Foundation are all part of this yearAos Noosa Triathlon. Get The Whole Family Involved The Noosa Triathlons philosophy is to give kids a positive experience in a safe, happy environment. ItAos for this reason, that we encourage families to participate in the events. The Noosa Breakfast Fun Run is for all ages and all fitness levels, it can be done at a leisurely pace and the best part about it is that you get to wear head to toe pink in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation. If your child wants to be challenged, then try the Noosa SuperKidz Triathlon or the Endura Swim Run Swim; an event composing a 1.5km run/750m swim/1.5km run, giving families the chance to train together in a softer style event. The Benefits Are Universal People do triathlons for many different health reasons. The bottom line is, the process is one of the most rewarding things you will do in your life, not just physically, but mentally, spiritually and socially as well. As well as losing weight, you will improve your all round health, learn to deal with stressful situations more effectively, be more productive, injury proof your body, build rock solid self-confidence and you will have an increased sense of purpose. The After Party One of the Noosa Triathlons mottos is Swim, Bike, Run, PARTY! A saying that is indicative of the events entertaining nature. Over the years, the event has evolved to include a jam packed social calendar that satisfies both the sporting and non-sporting consumer. Live acts, entertainment and health and lifestyle expos are all part of this top event. What are you looking forward to most in this yearAos Noosa Triathlon? Let us know in the comments below.
5 Epic Cycle Trails In Australia
A cacophony of terrains, climates, and cultures. From salt water sliding over your toes, to the harsh sandstone mountains crumbling beneath your tyres, Australia is a wilderness of pleasures, pictures and extremes waiting to be discovered. It's no wonder cycle enthusiasts flock to Australia. If you're planning a trip to the land down under, here's five of the most diverse cycling tracks. The Rainforest Adventure Tour, Byron Bay For a little something of the beaten track, The Rainforest Adventure Tour will satisfy even the most experienced of cyclists. Join the guides and other travellers on a two-wheel adventure through fire trails, single tracks, heart beat out of your chest downhills and log jumps. All the while experiencing subtropical rainforests, nature reserves, untouched forests and golden beaches. Thredbo Mountain Biking Trails, Thredbo Thredbo isn't just for snow addicts. Once the summer months hit, Thredbo's long ski runs are transformed into a downhill mountain biking haven. New to Thredbo this year is the Kosciuszko Flow Track, a path for intermediate riders, which is filled with rollovers and smooth berms. It's a great alternative to the big trails that offers the same adrenalin rush without all of the technical features. The Kosciuszko gives riders a chance to take in the stunning scenery. Mawson Trail, The Australian Outback This trail takes you through one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, the Australian Outback. Starting at the north of Adelaide, you will travel to the outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges, an ideal option for mountain bikers wanting to travel through regional and remote areas. Close to 900kms long, it's a gruelling ride that will test your skills on rugged terrain and challenge your mind and body with extreme heats. It will be a challenge but it also absolutely rewarding as you'll get to experience abundant wildlife, unique flora and stunning vistas. Narrow Neck, Blue Mountains Complete isolation through unspoilt wilderness is what you will expect to find on this trail through the Blue Mountains. It has been described by some as cycling through the clouds. Suitable for both the novice and experienced cyclists, you'll want to take your time on this one as there are photo opportunities at every turn. From the start, you'll cycle through open forest and swamplands with major lookouts and terrifying cliff peaks. The adrenalin rush will be worth it in the end as the trail opens up to heathland with amazing views of Lake Burragorang. The Goldfields Track, Ballarat The name suggests what you are in for, a 210km off-road trail that runs between the historic gold towns of Ballarat and Bendigo. It's a chance to get back to nature and delve into the rich history of Victoria as the trail weaves its way through old mining sites, silent forests, waterways and the Great Dividing Range. The track is broken into three sections, The Wallaby Track (90km), Dry Digging Track (61km) And Leanganook Track (58km) which is perfect for novices who are after a challenge. If you are a beginner to riding, talk to a local cycle specialist at 99 Bikes before you go. You need to make sure you have all the right equipment when taking on a long bike trail.
5 Must Have Accessories For A Long Distance Bike Ride
Your first long distance bike ride can be daunting; it's the first time you will be cruising unimaginable distances with nothing but your bicycle, a bag and your grooviest pair of spandex shorts (hopefully not). So what accessories do you take with you? Here's our top picks for a long distance ride. Camelbak pack This is the ultimate back pack for cyclists. It's lightweight, practical and comes in all shapes and sizes. It's got a handy hydration compartment that holds your water and gives you easy access to it through a built in straw. Most of the packs are waterproof and have ventilation on the back panel so you don't get overheated. You can either order these online or from a bicycle specialist like 99 Bikes . Bike computer This is a nifty little device that keeps track of your speed, distance, trip time, temperature, and more depending on how much you'd like to fork out. It's an easy and functional way to log your amount of travel without having to rely on smartphone technologies. First Aid Given that you are cycling on different terrains, you need to be prepared in case of an accident. Your first aid kit should include bandages and bandaids, antiseptic cream, tweezers, painkillers, magnifying glass, sewing kit, muscle cream to reduce aches, anti-chaffing cream and sunscreen. Tools/repair kit Regardless of how sturdy your bicycle is, you may need to do minor repairs and maintenance while on the road. You don't need to take all the tools in your shed, just the bare basics. This includes, a pump that can be mounted onto your bike, a patch kit, spare tubes, assorted wrenches, zip ties, rags, bolts, flashlight, pliers, batteries, Swiss army knife and most importantly duct tape. It can't be stressed enough how convenient duct tape is, from punctured tires, to ripped bags, it is a gift from the travel gods. Tail light/headlight While it's necessary for cyclists to run a set of lights during the night time, it's particularly important to use them during an unpleasant weather day as it will make you more visible to drivers. For this, it would be beneficial to invest in a Smart Tail Light, a device that snaps onto the seat post and has a built-in sensor that allows it to detect the bikes motion. It will illuminate once your bike is in motion and subsequently turn itself off after one minute if no movement has been detected. It also has a break light feature for when it detects rapid deceleration which alerts drivers that you are coming to a stop. The correct clothing Riding without the right cycling gear won't get you very far. Imagine if you had an accident in the middle of the night and you're only wearing black, it's going to be hard for anyone to find you. It's recommended that any rider should wear visible and reflective clothing that has plenty of padding. GPS Forget pouring over maps, get yourself a GPS instead. While they may set you back a few bob, there are many high quality devices available in the market just for cyclists. With easy attach features, a top of the range GPS will have a compass, calorie counter, altitude change, pre-loaded maps, waterproof and shockproof features and street maps for turn-by-turn bike navigation. What can you not live without on the road? Let us know in the comments below.
Action Camera Buying Guide
An action camera is a great way to capture all the excitement from your rides, whether they be on or off road. When deciding which action camera is right for you, the first step is to consider what type of footage you'd like to capture, and which technical specifications are important to you . Entry Level Cameras If you'd simply like to upload clips of yourself shredding a downhill run to Youtube, then an entry level model priced around $150-$250 will be a suitable cost effective option. See All Cameras Mid Level Cameras If you'd like to record higher quality video and have more control over ISO, exposure and other settings, then you'll want a higher end camera which generally cost anywhere between $500-$750. See All Cameras High Level Cameras Higher spec cameras shoot in higher frame rates, which simply means the number of frames being captured every second. A higher frame rate provides better quality footage and smoother slow motion playback. See All Cameras Resolution is also another important consideration to make when choosing a camera. Anything from around 720p will look good when uploaded but will start to lose some image quality when played back on larger screens. If you'd like to relive the highlights of your rides on your widescreen TV then you'll need a camera that shoots in 1080p or HD as it is otherwise known. If you really want the best possible video quality though, the latest high end action cameras are able to shoot in cinema quality 4K resolution which produces stunningly crisp and clear footage that will bring a professional look to your videos. It's important to remember that most action cameras require an external memory card which are generally sold separately and need to be factored into your budget when choosing a model. Finally, you'll want an action camera that is lends itself to being mounted on either your bike or your body without getting in the way. We carry a great range of chest, helmet & frame mounts that will really capture the action and excitement of your next ride. GoPro helps people capture and share their lives' most meaningful experiences with others to celebrate them together. Like how a day on the mountain with friends is more meaningful than one spent alone, the sharing of our collective experiences makes our lives more fun. GoPro makes the world's most versatile cameras, enabling you to share your life through incredible photos and videos.
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Kids Bikes This Christmas
Buying a kids bike might sound easy, all you need is a bike with a bell, two wheels and off they go, right? But, before you know it, your child might be riding around with their knees up to their chin or the whole Christmas gifting experience might result in mild trust issues because you "promised you wouldn't let go". We know all too well, the intentions of our parent shoppers are always pure, but at 99 Bikes' we've seen some of the mistakes our parents make when selecting a kids bike for Christmas. To help you out, we've sat down with our 99 Bikes' kids bikes experts and asked them "what are the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a bike this christmas?". Mistake No. 1 - Being Unsure About What Your Child Might Like The 99 Bikes' kids bike range is pretty extensive and this can be really overwhelming for choosing the best bike for your child. It's really helpful to start by talking to your child and asking them about what they might like on a bike. Are the non-negotiables that the bike comes with rainbow streamers or all they want is a Pedal Jackal like Johnny's bike down the street? Whatever it is, Devon Fernando from 99 Bikes says "It's really important to talk to them and ask them questions, sometimes they also need a boost in confidence". Devon also adds "I think even selling a bike to the parents when the kid is not there should be avoided as the extra encouragement to bring the child in to be sized up is better and builds extra excitement for your child!". If it's a gift, surprises are always way better! To help, having a clear idea of what your child might like will help narrow down the selection. Plus, 99 Bikes have a 30 day perfect ride guarantee, so if your child doesn't 100% love it you can swap it within 30 days! Mistake No. 2 - Size Doesn't Matter, They Will Grow Into it! The age old question. When it comes to kids bikes, size does matter. Mitch Sharpe from 99 Bikes Pennant Hills says "The most common one we come across is sizing, either the parents want a bigger bike to last longer, which usually results in the child not feeling safe or confident to ride so the bike just sits around. Alternatively they go for the small bike because the child says they feel better/safer and they "outgrow" the bike in a couple of months because the child gains confidence. Usually you can get past this by educating around sizing and asking lots of questions about what the child's bike journey will look like in the future." Luckily, our consultants are here to help and are experts in sizing up the right bike for your child. Here is a helpful size guide to get you started on what you might need. Mistake No. 3 - Not Investing In The Right Bike All kids are different, whether you're raising the next Red Bull stunt jumper or have a child that is a little more cautious. All kids bikes are different too, and bikes come with different price points to match. We often see that some customers are not willing to pay big bucks (understandably) for a kids bike but it's important to understand the childs' riding ability - not only for longevity of the bike but also for their safety! Thomas Vanden Broeck from 99 Bikes Velo team says "I like to educate parents about the quality of our range, the variation of riding purpose for such a small age available and the issues they might get from purchasing a bike from a discount department store or 2nd hand". Sometimes investing in quality products, like Neo Kids Bikes, can cause less stress in the long run if you know your child will be shredding it at the trails. Or, we also have great value options like Pedal Kids Bikes for more casual riding options. Mistake No. 4 - Expecting Your Child To Immediately Ride After Opening It You've built up the excitement in your head and you can't wait until little Amy opens up her first bike for Christmas! When really, your child might be thinking 'what is this contraption?'. Jerry Frans from 99 Bikes Alexandria says "There are phases for kids to learn how to bike. Some progress slowly, while others are faster. Children typically start by sitting on the bike, putting their feet on the pedals, playing around with the handlebars, learning to push the pedals, figuring out how to use the brakes, and finally, finding their balance". Remember, encouragement and patience are the best approach and we're sure with time your child will love riding as much as you do! To shop 99 Bikes' full kids range, visit our website or come see us in store!
2019 Norco Fluid Mountain Bike Wrap Up
The ALL NEW Norco Fluid FS is a mountain bike for the rider that is looking to take their trail experiences to the next level. Redesigned from the ground up, the 2019 Fluid FS brings the features of last year's premium bikes to an affordable price. Combining the most modern take on geometry with wider, trail proven 2.6" tyres, you will have the confidence to go hard out on the trails. The suspension system is optimised for the Fluid to ensure that the bike will excel in the environment it was designed for. With the additional of front and rear through axles that guarantee stiffness, you'll find the new 2019 Norco Fluid FS will rip harder than some bikes twice the price. Norco have finished the Fluid with a reliable one by drivetrain to help you "go", efficient hydraulic brakes to help you "stop", and air suspension to tune the bike to your weight and riding style. The dropper post helps make that tricky trail feature a little easier too. The new Fluid FS really does have it all. While the bike has it all from a tech stand point, Norco have not forgotten the looks either. Formed tubes not only reduce weight but also help this bike cut a striking silhouette and there is a distinct absence of clutter with nothing unnecessary on the bars. Norco's GIZMO cable management system completes this bike perfectly, allowing the cables to run inside the frame. The Norco Fluid is an excellent bike for someone looking at an entry level-mountain bike, but does punch above it's weight and will be turning a few heads for those who have been around a while as well. The Norco Fluid is available for test ride and purchase at 99 Bikes stores across Australia. You can also buy online and collect one from your local stores built up and ready to ride away. All of our bikes come with a free professional bike fit; guaranteed best price and 30 day perfect ride - which means you can ride it for 30 days and if you don't love it, you can swap it free. More from Norco Shop Norco Fluid
