We recommend our clients bring a mountain bike that is newer than 2016. We get a lot of questions about the differences between newer and older bikes. We firmly believe that a newer bike will enhance the safety and ride experience of every single rider. In general, we recommend 2016 or newer, because bikes have made some really big leaps in technology that have increased safety, comfort and maneuverability.

Bikes newer than 2016 generally have the following features.

Longer wheelbase makes the bike more stable and easier to roll over bigger obstacles.

Wider handlebars increase your maneuverability and leverage.

Hydraulic seat dropper lowers your center of gravity which makes you more stable (more details here).

Hydraulic disc brakes give you the ability to stop precisely and without your hand exerting physical force.

Wider tires give you a lot more stability and grip without adding extra weight.

These newer bikes allow you to learn the skills the way we are teaching them. We will be demonstrating cornering, braking, rolling over small (or large) obstacles and bikes newer than 2016 have a much easier time performing the skills.

One of our New Zealand coaches wrote an article with more details, find it here.