While we have labled this issue the Alpine Issue thanks to a couple
of big features on alpine areas, it’s also because quite a lot of
our product testing in The Hub was done in the Australian Alpine
region through the start of summer. More and more riders are
heading for the alpine areas in summer, and away from the beach.
It’s cooler, less busy, and the quantity and quality of trails is truly
astonishing
We had a lot of fun with product tests this issue, and the stand
out was the group test on trail bikes. While the ‘trail’ category is
perhaps one of the broadest in the market, our mentality was this:
each bike we tested should be good for going up and great for
going down. One for a local gravity enduro, lap based race or even
a marathon. A trail bike should also let you enjoy the riding our
country has to offer, like the brilliant purpose built trails that let us
explore the glorious high country regions.
We aimed to keep the test “five trail bikes around 5k” and that
worked out about right. Each bike is good to go out of the box (or
off the shop floor) which is what you should expect around that
price range.
All of these bikes shine on the trails that are being built in our
alpine areas. They have efficient suspension that pedals well,
plenty of traction, strong wheels and brakes, and dropper posts.
They’ll let you get up the big climbs, and rail the long descents.
Just because it’s alpine doesn’t mean it’s cold – so Zoe Wilson
has provided some great tips to remember for hydration, and Meg
Gilmer has a breakfast recipe that should keep you fuelled until
lunch time.
Whether you’re a new rider or old hand, check out the skills tips
from Rando and Aido on setting up your suspension, and braking.
They both cover some basics that plenty of us are guilty of getting
lazy with – or just habitually get wrong.
THE HUB
http://www.ambmag.com.au - 57