Features Glossary
The jargon related to the features on any bike can be baffling at first if you're not used to hearing it, and this is most certainly the case for children's bikes too. In this glossary we hope to give you a brief explaination of what it all means, in an easy-to-understand way.
| Feature | Descrtipion |
| 6-speed / 7-speed / 21-speed etc | When you here of the 'speed' of the bikes, this simply means how many gears it has. A 6-speed bike, quite intuitively, has 6 gears. Some bikes have only one, and these are know as single-speed. These days higher end mountain bikes come with up to 30 gears and this will no doubt filter down to childrens bikes at some not-too-distant point in the future. |
| disc brakes | Disc brakes are the most powerful for of bike brakes available to day. They work when the brake pads squeeze against a metal disc in the centre of the wheel, rather than the rim as in older brake types. There are two main types: mechanical and hydraulic. Our sister site has much more information on mountain bike disc brakes, so take a look there if you would like to learn more. |
| front suspension | Bikes with front suspension, also known as hardtails, have suspension built into the forks. This make the bike more comforatable to ride and also affords more control of bumpy terrain. The suspension helps to keep the tyre on the ground for a greater percentage of the time, and therefore the bike will retain more grip on the surface. |
| full suspension | Full suspension bikes, or 'full sussers', have supension on both wheels. This gives even more comfort to the rider, and even more control as both wheels maintain contact with the ground for a greater percentage of the time. |
| v-brakes | V-brakes are the pre-cursor to disc brakes. Although they are not as powerful, their benefit come in the value for money and ease of service. V-brakes are much cheaper than their disc counterparts, and they are less compicated a design. This means they are easier and cheaper to service. |
We will add to this section as time goes on. If you want to ask us about anything in the meantime, or want to request that something is added to this section, please feel free to contact us.
Boys Bikes
Girls Bikes
Teenager Bikes