Hey Newbies
Bike Buying Tips
Mountain Bike Technology

This is where we shine

While Bike Bros sells all types of bikes, the expertise in full suspension - and selling only the best of the best is where Bike Bros really shines.

Explanation. The quality of bicycle suspension varies greatly from brand to brand. Some very high profile bike companies insist on using suspension designs that are either flawed in performance or flawed in longevity or both. They typically get around this problem with savvy marketing, including "band-aids" to try to fix the problems or they act like George Bush - telling lies over and over until weak minded people believe the hype.

Bike Bros only sells "5 STAR" suspension bikes. The five stars are: 1)efficient pedalling 2)fully active braking 3)long lasting pivots 4)excellent small bump sensitivity and 5)minimal pedal feedback in full compression. Giant and Marin are our favourites because they best meet these expectations. NONE of the other major brands offer 5 Star suspension - test ride a Giant or Marin and feel the difference.

So unless you want to work harder, have a greater chance of being bucked off, want a sore ass or like missing rides because you're suspension is in for service, you'll have to buy your full-suspension dream machine at Bike Bros.

Hey Newbies.

Look on the right column of this page - a brief guide to rides in Southern Alberta. Buy yourself a copy of Back Country Biking in the Canadian Rockies by Doug Eastcott and get out of the house... come on what are you waiting for?

Living in the Church of the Moment.

If you find an adventure that is not on this page send us pics and a write up and we will add them to list. Pictures should be a minimum 450 px wide. As for the write up - make sure to capture the spirit of the ride and remember - never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

So abandon your couch with more frequency this year. Keep the rubber side down and visit this page often as we will be updating it with new adventures as they happen.

And if you are just starting to ride - congratulations! There are few better ways to see the world and experience life than from the seat of a bicycle.

Bike Buying Tips (for Newbies)

Mountain Bike Technology

Some of the Bikes We Sell

Full Suspension XC Bikes
Hardtails $1000 and up
Hardtails under $1000
29ers
Mountain Bikes - Clearance Priced!!

LOTSA THESE BIKES ARE ON SALE - yipppeee

Full Suspension Cross Country & Trail Bikes

I have an engineering background and have worked in mechanical design. I take a great deal of pride in selecting bikes that offer unbeatable performance - especially in the full suspension bikes. There are a bunch of low-tech bikes being passed off as something special. Those are the bikes you won't find here. Sorry.

The bikes we sell are as good as they get - allowing you to have the most rewarding riding experience possible. We don't sell some brands that other shops may try to sell as "top performing" full suspension models. It isn't a mistake and it isn't an oversight. The brands we sell offer better performance.

2009 Marin Mount Vision 5.6 SALE $1999

2009 Marin Mount Vision 5.7 SALE $2799

2010 Marin Mount Vision 5.7 $3255

2010 Marin Mount Vision 5.8 $3990

We Love Marin's full suspension. Over the last 2 years, a number of magazines decided we were right and awarded the Mount Vision "Mountain Bike of the Year". Now in 2009 Marin has improved the bikes again by finetuning the geometry and basically blown the drawers off the competition.

The 3 Mount Vision models share the same lightweight frame featuring the Quad Link suspension design that works with IPC (Instantaneous Pivot Center) - similar to a virtual pivot point but guaranteed to last MUCH longer.

Take a close look at how Marin equips their bikes too - there are no crappy parts hidden here to reduce cost.

2009 Giant Trance X 09 Trance X1 $3675 SALE 09 Trance X2 $2599 SALE 09 Trance X3 $2099 SALE 09 Trance X4 $1449 SALE

2010 Giant Trance X2 $2759 Deore XT Fox 32 F120RL fork Avid Elixer Brakes weight: 28 lbs

2010 Giant Trance X3 $2099 Shimano SLX Fox 32 F120R fork Avid Juicy 3 Brakes weight: 29 lbs

2010 Giant Trance X4 $1489 Shimano Deore Rockshox Tora fork Shimano Hydraulic Brakes weight: 32.5 lbs

Over the last year, the Trance X has definitely proven that it is about the best valued 5" travel trail bike available. With amazing efficiency, light weight, good parts spec, amazing longevity of suspension components - all this at by far the best price!
With '09's economic uncertainty came people looking to spend their money very wisely. These people would have, in the "easy money" days, purchased a Santa Cruz, because they're supposedly cool. Well, "cool" costs money and doesn't last. Throw economic turmoil into the mix and these same folks did some research and quickly realized their money would go much further on a Giant while the bike was actually better!
See for yourself why so many people were thrilled they didn't waste their money on overpriced, overmarketed crap.

Giant Trance Trance 1 $1999 SALE PRICE (SM) Trance 2 $1299 SALE PRICE (XS)

Giant has replaced this 4.2" travel bike with the 5" travel TranceX bikes. We grabbed as many of the Trance bikes in small sizes while they were available so smaller riders could get a perfect bike.

2009 Giant Reign 2 Sale $1999 size small only

2010 Giant Reign 2 $2299

Giant's Reign series of bikes have 6" of travel but are still aimed at being light and efficient. These are not freeride bikes. They are, however a great choice for riders who ride more aggresively. More important, in my opinion, than the amount of suspension these bikes have, is the fact that the frame's geometry changes resulting in a longer wheel base and slacker head-tube angle. These changes make the bike a tad more stable, especially at higher speeds or when pointed downhill.

KHS XC604 $1599 SALE PRICE

The KHS XC604 is a great buy. The level of components on this bike is simply amazing. KHS licenses the suspension design from Specialized yet still manages to blow the drawers off all competitors for component quality.

Marin Attack Trail 6.8 $3990

This bike rules. If you want to know why - come chat with us. Marin has essentially made the perfect bike for an aggressive, yet sane (perhaps over 35 years of age) rider who wants 1 bike for all purposes (ride up, down, drops, jumps). I have, admittedly been heard saying "one bike can't do it all well". I think Marin took that as a challenge and proved me wrong. While the Attack Trail sits at 34 pounds, it is so much fun to ride, you never feel like you're lugging around a heavy bike.

Hardtails

We spent days looking at components and features to select ONLY bikes that offer amazing ride quality AND component quality at any given price point. This is where shopping at a small shop is great for the consumer. We don't try to impress people by having LOTS of bikes, we impress them by selling only the best bikes.

Hardtails over $1000

Remember, a good hardtail is better than a crappy full suspension. We take a different approach to the hardtails we recommend. This is a game of bang-for-the-buck. Frame quality and geometry don't vary drastically on hardtails until the price climbs over the $2000 mark - so for us it is about the bits and pieces.

Giant XTC Alliance SALE $1559

Giant's Alliance frames are half carbon fiber, half aluminum. In the case of the XTC Alliance it reduces the frame's weight by 1 whole pound. Carbon fiber also feels amazing to ride. Carbon does this amazing thing where the bike handles like it is very stiff but it removes much of the fine vibration that can tire hands, legs and butt. This bike has Shimano Deore XT 27 speed derailleur. The Rock Shox Recon air fork allows for amazing customized feel, is light and has a lockout feature. Braking is handled with hydraulic discs - what else would you expect. Pictures do not do the looks any justice on the Giant XTC series of bikes - they are sexxxy!

Giant XTC 0 Sale $1399

As should be the case at this price point, the XTC frame is awesome. The frames are light enough that some pretty serious racers are using them. This bike has Shimano Deore XT 27 speed derailleur. The Rock Shox Recon air fork allows for amazing customized feel, is light and has a lockout feature. Braking is handled with hydraulic discs - what else would you expect. Pictures do not do the looks any justice on the Giant XTC series of bikes - they are sexxxy!

2010 Marin Palisades Trail $1199

Marin has a loooong history of producing beautiful hardtails. Add this one to the list.

The frame on this is a piece of beauty with its sculptural, hydraformed tubing. Highlights include the Deore/SLX components, Lockout fork and Hydraulic Disc brakes. The components are a good deal at this price. The quality of ride would be a good deal if this bike cost $2000. That is why Marin Rules!

Marin Palisades Trail SALE $1099 LIMITED SIZES

Marin has a loooong history of producing beautiful hardtails. Add this one to the list.

The frame on this is a piece of beauty with its sculptural, hydraformed tubing. Highlights include the Deore/SLX components, Lockout fork and Hydraulic Disc brakes. The components are a good deal at this price. The quality of ride would be a good deal if this bike cost $2000. That is why Marin Rules!

2010 Marin Juniper Trail Women's Specific $1199

The Frame and components on this bike are all considered when making this "Women's Specific" - this isn't just a color thing. Handlebars, frame geometry, saddle, grips basically custom fit and feel for the ladies.

Marin Juniper Trail Women's Specific Sale $1099 Limited sizes

The Frame and components on this bike are all considered when making this "Women's Specific" - this isn't just a color thing. Handlebars, frame geometry, saddle, grips basically custom fit and feel for the ladies.

2010 Marin Hawk Hill $1075

Most people (who have a clue what they're talking about) will tell you that for "real mountain biking" you'll need at minimum Shimano Deore components (not just the rear derailleur, a light frame with good geometry and a fork that offers enough adjustment to offer true suspension. This is that bike AND it has Marin's excellent ride quality. Shazzaaaaam! (that is the sound I sometimes make when I'm excited)

Hardtails under $1000

Grab a knife. This is the bread and butter stuff. For the price of a slice of bread, you can have buttery smooth rides around town and occasional mountain excursions.

Important shopping tip. Don't just focus on what level derailleur, brake or fork a bike has. In many cases, the sum of the parts is most important. Of course, we have shopped all the brands to find you the best bikes for the money so...

Giant Arete 2 Ladies fit $899

Giant XTC 2 $899

The XTC and Arete are hot looking bikes. The feel is a little different from bikes like the Bobcat Trail and the emphasis changes a bit too. This bike has a full Shimano Deore 27 speed shifter/derailleur setup with Hayes mechanical disc brakes. The Rock Shox dart for has a lockout to make the front end rigid for full efficiency when scootelling around town.

Marin Hawk Hill $959 (2009 model - couple sizes still left) one last 2008 - 22" $799 for rider 6'2" to 6'5"

I make a liar of myself with some of the Marin bikes, like this one. Most bikes under $1500 have about the same quality frame. Marin has been impressing people for the last few years by using 2X butted, sculpted, hydraformed frames on a number of different price points. What does this mean for you? Lighter weight but still strong.

The classic Deore drivetrain, Hydraulic discs, good fork on a light yet comfy bike. Suitable for the Novice to Intermediate level off road rider.

2010 Marin Bobcat Trail $859

Marin Bobcat Trail $849

Uhm, are bikes this good supposed to be this cheap. Is this the twilight zone? This machine has a 24 speed Shimano Deore, Alivio gear setup but sets a pretty awesome precident for having duel piston hydraulic disc brakes at the sub $1000 price. Woohoo.

2010 Marin Bear Valley $859 Women's Specific MOdel

Marin Bear Valley $849 Women's Specific MOdel

One of Marin's fantastic women's models. Marin changes saddle, handlebars (both width and narrower diameter) and even a special tuned fork with lockout to make a super comfy bike for the ladies to start exploring the back country.

2010 Marin Bolinas Ridge Disc $675 Pictures don't do this justice A nice, subtle, quality bike for mountains or paths.

Lockout forks, disc brakes, great tires, very nice frame. NICE!!!

2010 Giant Yukon Ladies $739

2010 Giant Yukon $739

The most common customer story with this bike goes like this: Customer's last bike was purchased in the mid to late '90s. The customer has experienced sore ass, neck, hands ever since day one which has discouraged them from riding. Customer returns after a 2 minute test ride with this ridiculous grin and saying, "I can't believe a mountain bike can be this comfortable". This bike can handle basic off road trails and is comfortable and smooth rolling for city riding. If you aren't a bike nerd, just want something basic and good - tadaaa!

Giant Yukon Sale $699

So you are just getting into mountain biking and want that great "starter". This is the first pricepoint where you get a sturdy fork, Shimano Alivio/Deore 24 speed drivetrain AND disc brakes. These bikes are designed to fit extremely comfyish too - not that hardcore setup that hurts your ass and neck.

2010 Giant Rincon Disc $609

2010 Giant Rincon Disc $609

This is Giant's most affordable mountain bike with disc brakes. There are cheaper bikes with disc brakes but those cheap bikes seriously sacrifice the overall quality. The Rincon disc uses a Hayes MX4 disc brake - a real brand name that works very well. So, to summarize. This isn't the cheapest disc brake bike available - but to go cheaper you'll seriously sacrifice overall quality - so this is the first pricepoint with discs that offers a great overall bike.

2010 Marin Pioneer Trail WOMENS Disc $579 Pictures don't do this justice A nice, subtle, quality bike for paths and easy mountain trails.

A really well thought out, good looking, quality ladies specific bike!!!

Giant Rincon $549 V Brake

We are so happy to see the new Rincon. They allow us to get people onto quality bikes at a more reasonable price. Look closely at the frame and components on these guys to appreciate just how amazing the price is.
The Rincon models are comfortable bikes for mostly town use with the occasional offroad rides. Positioning is fairly upright reducing pressure on hands.

Giant Boulder SE $499

In tough financial times we need a wicked bike with wicked parts for rippin' around town, enjoying bike paths and the occasional offroad excursion that doesn't hurt the wallet. taadaaa.

29ers

29ers are mountain bikes with larger diameter wheels - 29 inch - compared to 26 inch on standard mountain bikes. This is essentially the future of mountain bike design for cross-country purposes. Larger wheels roll over objects more easily offering the smoothest ride possible. The bike's handling characteristics change to being more predictable and stable.

We now offer a range of 29ers, from the affordable Alpine Trail 29er up to the Nail Trail 29er and more niche bikes like the Pine Mountain 29er - with its cromolly steel frame and singlespeed setup.

If you're tall, 29ers are definitely the answer. Tall riders often complain about "wheelying" on uphills on standard mountain bikes. 29ers solve this problem with their longer wheel-base. Additionally, tall rider's center of mass sits higher off the ground so it just makes sense to have a longer wheel base and wheels that don't hang up on small obstacle.

Average sized riders just love the fast, smooth rolling feel and uuber predictable handling.

One last thing - for people looking for one bike to use around town and in the mountains, the 29ers seem to strike some magic balance. Just thought I'd mention that...

2010 Marin Alpine Trail 29er $899

2010 sees a frame redesign on the Alpine Trail 29er for increased stiffness while keeping Marin's renowned "feel". Still a benchmark for affordable 29ers. Geometry is still spot-on for incredible stability and "no surprises" handling.

Marin Alpine Trail 29er $839

This bike has proved popular both for offroad and city riding. The incredible traction and stability, suspension fork and light weight work great in either situation. Don't forget the incredibly good reviews this bike received in MBA!

Marin Palisades Trail 29er 2009 model sale $1499 Shimano SLX Avid Juicy 3 Brakes RockShox Tora Race Fork

This thing handles like a dream! The Palisades and Nail Trail share the same frame. Just a change of bits and pieces.

Marin Nail Trail 29er 2009 model sale $1999 Shimano SLX & XT Fox F29 RL Air Fork

This bike gets you to a pretty serious level of quality for the forks, brakes, derailleurs etc. Light, stiff, great geometry.

Haro Mary XC Sale $1499 one only 18" size

This bike is smokin' hot. A beautiful paint job invite closer looks which reveal stunning welds on the frame. The parts spec is pretty darned amazing for a $1500 bike.!

Marin Pine Mountain 29er 2009 model sale $1799

So there's something about 29ers, cromolly and having only 1 speed that gets riders feeling a little giggly. Start giggling.

Mountain Bikes on Clearance - SALE

The bikes listed on this page are just the highlights.

If there is a bike you don't see on this page, please call. We are always in touch with suppliers to find those "one time" deals. We have, in the past, had special purchases from Giant, KHS, Jamis, Norco, Commencal, DK, Black Market Bikes, Dobermann, Transition... The point, if we can track down a killer deal, we'll bring it in. The bikes we stock ARE killer deals - that is why they're here!

Bike Bros. Mountain Bike Trail Guide

Kananaskis

Banff

Crowsnest Pass

Calgary

Jasper

Bonus Features!

Mountain Bike Desktop Images

Windows PC users:

1) Click on the correct resolution underneath the image you wish to download.
2) Once the image finishes loading, right-click on the full-size image and select "Set As Wallpaper" or "Set as Background" from the pop-up menu that will appear.

Mac users:

1) Click on the correct resolution underneath the image you wish to download.
2) Once the image finishes loading, click and hold on the image, then save it to your hard drive.
3) Go to your Desktop Pictures control panel and click on "Select Picture" and choose the image. Please note that if you already have a picture, you must click on "Remove Picture" first and then "Select Picture".
4) Click on "Set Desktop" and close your control panel.