Help & Advice • Alpine Bikes

Buying a kids bike is a big decision to make. Everything from the fit of the bike to safety is always on the list of considerations for parents. Of course, you child is also going to want to ride the coolest looking bike too!

For younger kids, the best bet is to keep the bike as simple as possible. The less things to go wrong, the better – especially from your point of view. The more your child is out riding, the quicker their confidence grows and the more they enjoy being out on their bikes.

The best way for your child to start riding bikes is the Ridgeback Scoot. This wee bike has no pedals and relies on the rider pushing the bike along and freewheeling. The Scoot promotes balance, is easy to ride and comes in 4 different eye-catching colours. We’ve regularly had kids flying about our stores on Scoots within minutes of sitting on them.

Eventually, your child is going to want to start pedaling properly and this is when you start to look at the larger kids bikes that Alpine Bikes carry. At this point, it is worth noting that kids bikes are not sized by frame size (like an adult’s bike), it is done by wheel size. An outline of how the sizing works is:

• 12 inch wheel diameter : 2 - 4 years
• 14 inch wheel diameter : 3 - 5 years
• 16 inch wheel diameter : 5 - 7 years
• 20 inch wheel diameter : 7 - 9 years
• 24 inch wheel diameter : 9 - 11 years
• 26 inch wheel diameter : 11+ years

Alpine Bikes offer kids bikes from Trek and Ridgeback which means we can be sure to supply you with a bike that fulfils your needs as well as putting a smile on your child’s face!

All our kids bikes are available in boys and girls versions – which means different frame shapes and, of course, differing colours. Also, bikes with 20” wheels and above come with gears. This allows your child to go for longer rides with you as well as make things easier on their little legs. All the bikes make use of Gripshift gearing which is generally easier to use and a bit tougher than the adult equivalent. To keep weights down and make the bikes more weather resistant and durable, all our bikes are constructed with aluminium frames.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure your kid wears a helmet at all times. We offer a full range of helmets to make cycling safe and fun.

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7 Stanes – www.7stanes.gov.uk

Big country riding, rolling hills, views to die for and mile upon mile of technical singletrack – it's all here in the south of Scotland.

Come and spend a while in Scotland's biking heaven!

Carron Valley – www.carronvalley.org.uk

Carron Valley mountain bike trails are fast, fun and purpose built for year round use - guaranteed to entice you back for more! The routes feature testing singletrack climbs, flowing descents and stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding areas. There is something for everyone at Carron Valley - links provide a short fun route or something longer and more challenging. Whatever you choose the emphasis is firmly on fun!

Moray Monster Trails - www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6MRFE5

With 30km of fun-packed singletrack mountain bike routes, there’s something here to feed the monster in everyone!

Whether you’re totally new to off-road mountain biking, or a seriously expert rider looking for big thrills, there’s a trail here that’s just right for you, from easy green-graded tracks to severe black-grade trails.

Learnie Red Rock - www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6NZE9W

The Red Rock trails at Learnie: 16km of trails for all skill levels, combined with some of the best views from any mountain bike trails, anywhere!

There are green, blue, and black graded trails, with a bike park and a dirt jump area (both graded orange). Even our green grade singletrack is not 'billiard table' smooth - it gives a sufficient challenge for those wanting more than just forest road-type mountain biking.

Golspie Wildcat Trails – www.highlandwildcat.com

Expecting to become one of the best mountain biking destinations in the UK, the first £0.5 million phase of Highland Wildcat Trails in Golspie was officially opened in November 2006 by Rhona Brankin, Forestry Minister in the Scottish Executive.

Located in a superb coastal location adjacent to the East Sutherland village of Golspie, within an hour's travelling time from Inverness via the A9, the trails have been designed and constructed to the highest standards

Drumlanrig Trails - www.drumlanrig.com

Since 2002 Drumlanrig has played host to the National Points Series and Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships. A Mountain Bike Trail was constructed for these events and is now way-marked for everyone to enjoy. The course is constantly evolving with new sections of singletrack being added to extend the overall distance and add to user enjoyment.

At Alpine Bikes, we offer you the chance to test a bike before you finally decide where you’re going to spend your money. You can demo a bike for a day on any trail you like – this will give you a complete picture as to how the bike behaves and if it’s the right one for you.

Our Fleet

• Intense 6.6 - Medium, Large
• Intense 5.5 - Medium, Large
• Trek Session 10 - Medium
• Trek Fuel EX8 - 17.5”
• IronHorse 6point4 - 17”
• IronHorse Sunday Expert - 17”
• IronHorse Azure Expert - 19”
• Ironhorse MKIII Comp - 17”
• IronHorse Sachem - 2x15”, 2x17”, 2x19”
• IronHorse Yakuza Kumicho - 4x17”, 2x19”
• Santa Cruz Juliana - Small
• Santa Cruz Heckler - Medium, Large
• Santa Cruz Nomad - Medium, Large
• Trek Fuel EX9 2007 - Medium
• Santa Cruz Superlight - Large
• Gary Fisher Superfly – Medium

Demo Pricing

Down Hill / Freeride - £50 Trail / Cross Country - £30 Hardtail - £20

Demos are charged per day Charge for demo is returned if the customer decides to buy a bike off the back of a test

To Demo One of Our Bikes

Contact your nearest branch of Alpine Bikes to arrange your demo. Not all of the demo bikes are stored in the one location, so allow for a few days for the bike to be delivered to your local store. Once delivered, the bike is built, inspected and then set up for rider weight, etc.

When you come to collect the bike, please bring with you two forms of ID; 1 photographic (for example – drivers’ licence, passport) and 1 credit or debit card. You will also be asked to fill out a disclaimer form. If you have any questions about the demo, feel free to ask any member of Alpine Bikes staff.

All we ask is that you bring back the bike by the time agreed and in the same condition that it left the store in. If there are any issues with the bike whilst out on the trails, please remember to discuss it with a member of staff.

Choosing the right bike for your needs and budget can be confusing, so the first step is to ask yourself what you will be using the bike for. We’ll be talking here about bikes suitable for off-road use. “Off-road” can mean very different things. For one, it could be riding on canal towpaths, while for another it could mean riding purpose-built mountain bike trails such as those offered at the 7-Stanes riding centres in the Scottish Borders. For each of these riders quite different bikes would be appropriate. With several sub-divisions of off-road bikes, the prospect of buying a bike can be a little daunting, but with research on your part, and some expert advice from our experienced staff, you should be able to purchase a bike that suits your specific needs.

Hybrid bikes

Hybrid Bikes are literally a cross between a traditional bike and a mountain bike and are most suited to light off-road use, such as forest paths and canal towpaths, as well as for city/commuting use. Standard Hybrids with a relatively upright riding position (such as the Trek 7000 series Hybrid bikes) offer sprightly performance on all firm, relatively smooth surfaces. Alternatively, the Comfort Hybrid’s (such as the Navigator series from Trek) are aimed at those who want a more sedate, comfortable ride. These have several comfort orientated features; a very upright riding position, suspension seat posts, generously padded saddles and larger, softer tyres.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes have diversified as the sport has developed and can be loosely categorised as follows:

• Recreational Mountain Bikes – aimed at those who want to take their first steps in off-road riding. A good example of this would be the Trek 4300.
• Cross-Country Mountain bikes – aimed at those who want to ride more aggressively, and faster, both up, and downhill, but for whom the climbing performance (and hence weight) is key. These bikes, such as the Trek 8000 or the Santa Cruz Superlight come with either front or full suspension (3”- 4” travel).
• Trail Mountain bikes – for those who still want to be able to climb and cover long distances, but also tackle more technically challenging terrain with jumps, and drop-offs. A bike which is more robust, if a little heavier, with a control orientated riding position. These again have either front or full suspension, but will typically offer more suspension travel (4”- 6” for greater control). For examples, take a look at the Genesis Altitude 2.0, or the Trek Fuel EX series.
• Freeride bikes and Downhill bikes tend to be big, burly full suspension bikes with between 6”-10” travel. Of little use for covering distance, these are the fastest (and most fun) bikes on very steep, rocky, extreme terrain. The Iron Horse Yakuza, 7 Point and Sunday ranges, as well as the Trek Sessions are good examples.

Ultimately, within the cycling market you definitely do get what you pay for…lighter/more durable/increased adjustability/more refined performance etc.

Bikes for Women

Women aren’t forgotten. Women’s specific models are available in several categories including Hybrids, Recreational Mountain bikes, as well as Hardtail and Full Suspension Cross Country Mountain bikes. These feature frames designed to fit women and tend to feature different saddles, handlebars and grips, brake levers, and softer suspension for better ergonomics and functionality. See Trek’s WSD and Gary Fisher’s GS offerings.

Finally, having successfully identified a suitable style of bike, the most important consideration when purchasing a new bike is sizing: getting the correct size is critical for the rider to feel comfortable and in control on their bike. If possible try several different bikes and ask your local Alpine Bikes expert to check your position for you.

At Alpine Bikes we offer a comprehensive range of servicing for your bike. Whether it be a full-suspension mountain bike, a hardtail mountain bike, road bikes or leisure bikes – we offer everything from a straightforward safety check to a complete strip and rebuild.

When you bring your bike to us, one of our mechanics will give you a free estimate to repair it. You’ll know straight away what work will be undertaken and which parts – if required – along with a full costing to get you back on the trails, tracks and tarmac again.

All services are required to be booked in advance; this means you will have a guaranteed slot for the work to be carried out – normally within 24 hours of you dropping your bike off. On top of this, a full record of the work carried out on your bike is kept and is available at any time.

PLEASE NOTE: All bikes must be suitably clean and clear of mud before they are accepted for servicing

Simple - £20 (£30 with discs)

• Assess overall condition of your bike
• Check the operation of brakes and gears – adjusting as required
• Ensure that your bike is in roadworthy condition before you leave

Standard - £45 (£55 with discs)

• As per Simple Service
• Check operation and condition of all moving parts
• Clean and degrease drivetrain
• Adjust hubs, headset and bottom bracket as required
• True wheels and check tyre pressures
• Check all nuts and bolts are secure

Supreme - £75 (£85 with discs)

• As per Standard
• Strip, clean and regrease hubs, headset and bottom bracket
• Braking surfaces degreased and inspected for wear
• All cables cleaned and lubricated
• Frame is inspected for damage – the seatpin cleaned and greased
• Quick release skewers are cleaned and greased

On top of the high quality servicing, we also offer a full bicycle repair service within certain stores. Again, all bikes are welcomed – mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids and leisure bikes – just be sure to book them in to ensure same-day turnaround.

Sample Costs:

• Replace front derailleur - £10
• Replace rear derailleur - £10
• Replace shifters - £20
• Replace road STI shifters - £25
• Replace gear cable - £10
• Replace cassette - £5
• Replace freewheel - £10
• Replace chain - £7.50
• Wheel true (front) - £10
• Wheel true (rear) - £10
• Replace tyre - £5
• Replace tube - £5
• Wheel build (front) - £20
• Wheel build (front/tubeless) - £25
• Wheel build (rear) - £20
• Wheel build (rear/tubeless)- £25
• Adjust brakes - £10
• Replace brake pads/wheel - £10
• Hourly Rate - £30

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CTC – www.ctc.org.uk

CTC are the country’s largest group of people on bikes. Our mission is to make cycling enjoyable, safe and welcoming for all.

Our work, which includes high-profile campaigning on behalf of all cyclists, is made possible by your help and support. So why not join 70,000 people united by a passion for cycling and become part of the UK's largest and oldest cycling organisation, and support the work of the CTC Charitable Trust?

Scottish Cross Country – www.sxc.org.uk

The SXC are a non-profit organisation that runs the national series of mountain bike races across Scotland.

The 2008 SXC is set to be the best yet with the series taking in some brilliant trails at Scotland's finest XC venues. The popularity of the series continues to grow with 2007 seeing thousands of competitors enjoying the thrill of XC riding in well-organised events.

If you haven't sampled the' SXC experience' yet there's never been a better time to give a it a go with categories to suit everyone from beginners to elite competitors.

Scottish Downhill Association – www.sda-races.com

The SDA have been putting together Britain’s premier downhill race series for a long time now. Races regularly sell out due to the high quality of the tracks and the impeccable organizational skills of the team behind them.

Find out how to enter, what kit to wear and what to expect on the website.

Cycling Scotland – www.cyclingscotland.org

Cycling Scotland is core funded by the Scottish Government to bring cycling out from the fringes of everyday life and into the mainstream. They aim to integrate cycling into modern living as a sustainable mode of transport, a means of exercise, and a strong contributor to the Scottish tourist economy.

They acheive this through promoting public participation in cycling events, giving training to ensure people can cycle with confidence, and providing engineering services to ensure that cyclists are catered for on Scotland's roads and paths.

Spokes – www.spokes.org.uk

Spokes is the Lothian Cycle Campaign - a non party political voluntary organisation, founded in 1977, with a membership of over 1000. SPOKES campaigns (effectively) for better conditions for cyclists, especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Spokes Objectives - revised July 1998

• To promote cycling, as part of a sustainable transport and access strategy, and to ensure that councils and government actively do the same.
• To publicise the benefits of cycling for the community and individuals - like walking, it is cheap, efficient, enjoyable, healthy, non-polluting and intrinsically safe.

Sustrans – www.sustrans.org.uk

Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. Our vision is a world in which people can choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. Every day we are working on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all.

Braveheart Cycling Fund – www.braveheartcyclingfund.com

The Braveheart Fund was launched in 2003 by former British champion, Motorola professional and Giro d’Italia survivor Brian Smith. Its aim is simple: to raise the funds to allow young Scottish cyclists, be they roadies, trackies or mountain bikers, to fulfil their potential.

British Cycling – www.britishcycling.org.uk

British Cycling is the internationally recognised governing body of cycling in the UK. It administers the sport in the following disciplines: BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain Bike, Road and Track.

Scottish Cycling Union – www.scuonline.org

Scottish Cycling was created to allow cyclists at all levels to compete and take part in any discipline throughout the country. Everything from track racing to mountain biking is covered – we even offer a qualification system to allow mountain bikers to take groups out in to the hills.

Scottish Mountain Bike – www.scottishmountainbike.com

At Scottish Mountain Bike you'll find everything you need to plan your cycling trip to Scotland's mountain bike centres.

Sport Scotland – www.sportscotland.org.uk

Sport Scotland are the national agency for sport in Scotland.

Sport Scotland passionately believe in the benefits of sport, from the enjoyment and sense of achievement that participation brings, to the shared pride that national success generates.

Sport Scotland aim to achieve our mission by leading and supporting our partners, investing National Lottery and Scottish Government funding where it counts and advising on policy and strategy for the future.

MB7 – www.mb7.com

Join MB7 in the Tweed Valley, the epicentre of Britain's finest biking:

Mountain Biking - Choose to improve your skills with one of our courses at Glentress or explore the UK's world-class trails with one of our 7stanes holiday packages.

Road Biking - New for 2008, enjoy quiet roads and great scenery with a cycling holiday.

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Metcheck – www.metcheck.com

Easy to use and straight to the point – Metcheck is the perfect website if you need to know the weather for pretty much anywhere in the world!

Met Office – www.metoffice.gov.uk

The Met Office is one of the world's leading providers of environmental and weather-related services. Their solutions and services meet the needs of many communities of interest - from the general public, government and schools, through broadcasters and online media, to civil aviation and almost every other industry sector - in the UK and around the world.

Mountain Weather – www.mwis.org.uk

The Mountain Weather Information Service provides detailed weather forecasts for 8 areas of the United Kingdom.