Product Information

 

Bicycle Parts and Accessories

Bicycle parts and accessories come in a variety of styles and price points.

Basic or entry level bikes are for general purpose riding and will be at a budget conscious price point.

Mid range bicycles have an end purpose use in mind and are generally slightly more expensive than the basic range.

High end bicycles are built for specific ride styles and concentrate on the end user experience expectations rather than the price point.

Accessories are made to enhance the riders experience and generally come in products that are fitted to the bicycle or to the person.

You will find a huge range of bicycles and accessories at Wollongong Bike Hub. Our local store has been in operation for more than 40 years and the friendly team are there to help you choose the best bicycles and accessories to suit your needs and budget.

 

Choosing a bicycle

There are many considerations when buying a bicycle.

• Who is the bicycle for? Yourself, your child etc?
• Where will you ride? Pathways, gravel, road, BMX track, skate park etc?
• What is the purpose of the bicycle? Commuting, recreational, racing, touring etc
• How often will you use the bike? Daily, weekly, etc
• What sort of weather will you ride in? Fair weather only, all weather, extreme weather etc
• Will you need to transport the bicycle to any of your riding destinations?

And this is just to get a picture of your needs and expectations. The final decision will most often come down to a couple of basic things: Your end use and your budget. Match these two as closely as possible and you will find yourself with a bicycle whereby you can enjoy the cycling experience.

 

Bicycle styles/categories

MTB (mountain bike)

As the name suggests, these bikes are mostly for off road riding. In other words, for non-sealed roads and trails. There is a huge amount of variety within this category of bikes. Although this bike style is conducive to off road application, the entry level variety are more at home as a general purpose bike for just getting around on in the local neighbourhood pathways and roads.

Gravel

These bicycles feature drop style handlebars, a slimline yet rugged frame along with gravel road capable tyres. They are used for adventures off and on road and most will have the capability to haul touring gear aboard. You might find a group of riders on this style of bike in the state forest or national park on an epic multi day ride that mainly stays in the bush but might also entail a few blacktop kms along the way.

Road

The road style of bike is not simply for those who want to engage in racing. This style is made to be lightweight and fast. Hence the drop handlebars and very trimmed down frame and tyres to keep it sleek. Recreational road style of bikes tend to allow the rider to be positioned in a more relaxed way.

Urban

The urban style of bike is generally used, as the name suggests, in urban areas. It comes in a variety of  sub-styles like hybrids and flat bar road bikes, but is mainly ridden on formed pathways, sealed roads and compressed earth surfaces. Often used for commuting as many feature the ability to have racks and panniers fitted.

Retro/Vintage and Cruiser

This bike category is stylish but still very capable as a means of transport. In other words, easy riding and good looking. Cruisers sport wider balloon style tyres allowing for greater cushioning of your ride. Great for a cruise on a flat cyclepath along the beachfront. Retro, sometimes called vintage styled bikes were once just the “normal bike” that everyone had. As they say, everything old is new again and these bikes certainly have ride and style appeal.

eBikes

These can be found in any of the above styles with the “e” simply referring to “electric”. The electric motor and battery supply power that can be used for more distance or more assistance on your ride. eBikes have certainly come ahead in leaps and bounds over the past 10 years and are no longer predominantly the domain of the aged.

Dirt jump and BMX

This style is a great way to hone your skills. Jumping, landing, tricks, bike handling etc are all important skills that you can learn with this style of riding. Those skills can be put to good use in all varieties of cycling as well as other sports. You’ll find many a champion started out in their younger years on a BMX bike down at the local park or even building dirt jumps in a paddock.

Kids bikes

Most kids bikes are built for general purpose riding and are designed for ages 2 – 14 years. Of course, this is just a guide as some kids aren’t quite ready for a bike until a little later than 2yo and some kids are well and truly tall enough and mature enough for an adult size bike before age 14. Of course, a child’s safety whilst riding is paramount so always ensure they are able to control the bike they are riding. This will give them confidence and a great start to their cycling journey.

Other bikes

There are still other styles that are not covered in the above categories such as folding bikes and unicycles. These have unique purposes and our friendly team can guide you regarding such.

 

Scooters

A scooter can be an easy way to have fun whether you’re 2 or 102. Scooters can be used for commuting or recreation as well as competing in events. A 3 wheel scooter is often the choice for lil ones. 2 wheel scooters are available in kids as well as adult sizes. A kids or youth scooter can be chosen based on the end purpose. Some kids are happy just riding with 2 wheels on the ground whilst others just want to rip it up at the local park. Heavier duty use requires a heavier duty made scooter. It’s not what you see on the outside that counts. Adults can ride a taller and longer version of a kids scooter or they can ride a larger diameter wheel scooter for easier rolling. Keep up with the kids as they ride the local paths.

 

Accessories

Helmets

The first accessory you will need to go with a bicycle or scooter is a helmet. Australian standards approved helmets are designed to help protect your head and brain in case of an accident. It needs to be the correct size and also fitted correctly to have the intended outcome.

Hydration

Keeping hydrated on a ride is very important, especially in hot weather. It’s easy with a water bottle and cage set up. A bottle cage can be mounted to most bicycles and most sports bottles will fit the cage. Water bottles are sometimes also called bidons. Another way to stay hydrated, especially on longer rides or multi day adventures, is a hydration pack with a bladder insert. Although Camelbak is a brand, the term seems to be used generically by many for all styles of hydration packs. Taking good care of your bottle and bladder will ensure longevity of your product. Follow manufacturers instructions and especially don’t leave sports style drinks sitting in bottles for days after your ride.

Inflation

Fit tyres that are suited to your ride conditions. Keep them inflated to the correct pressure and you will get the best out of them in ride quality and longevity. Carry an inflation device with you. A pump or CO2 cylinders can get you out of trouble when you get a flat. Don’t rely on your cycling mates for these items but do ask them for help getting the job done if you’re not sure.

Lights

Be seen to be safe. It’s a simple little ditty but it’s also so true. Don’t be invisible to others around you. Bicycle lights are extremely well designed and made with many helpful functions that ensure you are visible both day and night. Most run on rechargeable batteries and are easy to charge up when not in use by a variety of connections.

Locks

You’ve spent your hard earned money on the bike of your dreams and you certainly don’t want to find it taken by someone else. Lock your bicycle to something solid and choose a lock that has a suitable security level to meet your requirements. Key or combo varieties are available.

Carry your gear

There are many ways to carry gear on your bicycle. From minimalist under seat packs to pannier bags that can transport an epic adventure size load. Suitability to need is the best formula here. A basket might suffice for milk and bread or a trip to the beach. A medium sized seat pack can hold a spare tube and your keys. Phone holders can be fitted to your handlebars. Small dogs can go along for the ride in a bicycle mounted pet carrier. A days worth of gear can be stashed in a rack top bag and that is only a few examples.

 

Apparel

Cycling apparel is not just about the look – it’s functional clothing and accessories to make your ride comfortable and ensure your performance is top shelf no matter the weather conditions. Technical fabrics are used for moisture wicking, cooling, warming, waterproofing and flexibility so your clothing does not detract from your ride. Jerseys, shorts, niks, longs, bibs, warmers, jackets, gloves etc use this technology for your advantage. Cycling shoes ensure connectivity to your pedals, either flats or clipless. Cycling glasses and goggles keep wind, dirt, mud, debris and glare out of your eyes helping you stay in control of your ride. Guards keep you protected from gravel rash and impacts on those gnarly trails. Chamois crème keeps chafing at bay. Many brands are made using all natural ingredients. And of course, there is casual cycling apparel to keep you looking good off the bike.

 

 

There are many parts and accessories not mentioned here that are available for bicycles and riders. Contact us if you can’t find what you are looking for on our website to see if we can help.