Buying guides

Guides to choosing a fork, rear shock, brake rotors and rim brake pads, a kids' bike, a road or gravel bike.

• Choosing a suspension fork: which Fox fork for which kind of riding?
  Fox 32, 34, 36, 38 or 40? Travel, wheel size, axle and damper explained, so you can pick the right fork for cross-country, trail, enduro, e-MTB or downhill.
• Choosing a rear shock: eye-to-eye length, stroke and Trunnion mount
  Which rear shock fits my frame? Eye-to-eye length, stroke, standard or Trunnion mount, air or coil: the key sizes and differences across Fox, RockShox, Öhlins and DT Swiss.
• Brake rotors: which size, Center Lock or 6-bolt?
  Which brake rotor fits? Diameters from 140 to 220 mm, Center Lock or 6-bolt mount, thickness and adapters, explained simply for road, gravel, MTB and e-bike.
• Rim brake pads and inserts: which ones fit?
  Brake pads for road, V-brake or cantilever: cartridge or complete pad, compound for alloy or carbon rims, Shimano or Campagnolo holders. How to choose the right rim brake pads.
• Kids' bike sizes: which bike for which age?
  12, 14, 16, 20 or 24 inch? Find the right kids' bike size by inside leg and age, with a size chart and tips on balance bikes, weight and brakes.
• Road bike or gravel bike: which suits you?
  Road bike or gravel bike? Tyre width, geometry, gearing and use compared, with examples from Cervélo, Colnago, Specialized and Cannondale.