It’s important to preface the fact that this is a general guideline. All our bikes at BikesOnline can be ridden by both ends of the spectrum – beginners and more advanced riders; however, you may want to consider our recommendations.

NOTE: the intended rider recommendation is based off a multitude of factors, mainly consisting of bike componentry, rider competency (skill), intended terrain of the bike, geometry, and price.

NOTE: bikes are often more capable than the riders, so it’s important to see their minimum intended terrain and see if it aligns with you as a rider (see below for tiers).

We operate on SIX tiers:

Tier 1 - Beginner
Tier 2 - Beginner +
Tier 3 - Intermediate
Tier 4 - Intermediate +
Tier 5 - Advanced
Tier 6 - Advanced +

TIER 1 – BEGINNER: THE NEWBIE

You saw a sick ad and you’re thinking to yourself “Oh man, that’s looks rad, I should start shredding”. You have zero MTBing experience, but you’re fit (or maybe not) and you just want to be as cool as the dudes/dudettes on that ad. You want to spend as little cash as possible on this new hobby, not sure of your riding style, unaware of where the local trails are located, and you just want a bike that is intended for relatively wide trails that are somewhat flat with minimal technicalities.

TIER 2 – BEGINNER +: I THINK I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING

You’ve hit the trail; you’ve tasted that sweet taste of dirt. You think you’re the next Amy Morrison or Anthony Messere, but you soon realize that you just bought a bike a few months ago. You now have some more cash (heck, cash may not even be an issue) and you’ve decided that the MTB life is for you. You are researching about geo, components, and what stoke means. You’re sick of green runs (see intended terrain) and you want to jump up to a bike that is capable of more technical terrain (some roots, tighter corners, and dabbling in some singletrack).

TIER 3 – INTERMEDIATE: I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING

Bikes are dope. You fit in and aren’t scared of joining your mates out on the trail. Remember those days of being out on the trail - hoping that no one was there to see you? Well, you’ve entered the realm of stoke. You understand what you want and you’ve done the research, but you also realise that you don’t need the BEST. You’ve improved a lot on more technical terrain, frothing for more challenges – maybe a drop or two, maybe a tricky descent (just one though, right?) if you’re feeling gutsy. You feel comfortable spending more money on a capable bike, stepping it up a notch.

TIER 4 – INTERMEDIATE +: I SHRED

Darco days are almost here, but not yet, young buck. You’d say that you’re a proficient MTBer (skill wise and fitness) – or at least your mum thinks you are. Regardless, you’re ready for a GOOD MTB, if you catch my drift. You want to rail tricky descents, large rocks, and challenging climbs. You’re now listening to ‘NERD ALERT’ podcast, because… well, you’re a bike nerd now.

TIER 5 – ADVANCED: YOU’LL SEE ME ON TV

Darco days are here – you think you’re a pro. You know what steeze means and you’re dripping in it – according to the MTB article that you just put down. You want the best, but most likely don’t have the budget for the best – but who cares. The bikes that you are looking at are C.A.P.A.B.L.E – can typically handle those unavoidable features

TIER 6 – ADVANCED +: I’M ON TV

I am pretty much a pro. MTBing is life – MTBing is all you know. Life has hit its pinnacle – you’re the local STRAVA legend – or at least on the segments where it’s just you. You know what you want, you’ll probably get what you want, and you’re only a ZIP payment away. You’re into the chunky stuff, you frequently shred, and severe single tracks are your go to. The bikes you’re interested in have solid top-tier specs. Do you even need someone to tell you this?