The LOOK 968 Origin X9 Mountain Bike combines full-carbon, monocoque tube-to-tube construction and input from two time Olympic gold medalist Miguel Martinez to put this bike at the top of the food chain. The mixture of LOOKs carbon technology and the latest light weight mountain bike components make it ready to slice up any cross-country race with the precision of a surgeon. Look includes an integrated seat mast that, while reducing weight and increasing the structural integrity of the frame, also reduces harshness thanks to the E Posts built-in elastomers. Light, nimble, and forgiving, the 986 retains the desirable performance of a cross-country hard tail with a healthy dose of industry-leading carbon technology.
The Realm Cycles Province 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike offers the high-performance mountain bike features you need to tear up the track and trail with made-for-comfort riser handlebars, a padded saddle, and platform pedals for great all-around riding. The bike features a front suspension fork that offers optimum control while smoothing the bumps and a super-sturdy hardtail steel frame. The 21-speed drive train offers great speed control whether you need to power your way up a steep hill, or control your speed down a steep or bumpy incline. The gears are easy to operate with SRAM MRX twist-grip shifters located right on the handlebars and the knobby wheels are designed for traction on the trail and are stable and solid. Front and rear V-brakes offer super strong stopping power and the light but strong aluminum-alloy rims have a great braking surface that will not rust.
Additional features that add to the comfort and performance of the Realm Cycles Province bike include a quick-release seat post that makes it easy adjust the seat height without tools, a quick-release front wheel for easy repairs, a free wheel hub so that you can pedal backwards without the brakes engaging, and a kick stand.
Specifications:
26-inch wheels
Fits men from 62 inches tall and up
Steel frame
Hardtail frame design
Front suspension fork
21-speed drive train
SRAM MRX shifter
Front and rear hand-operated V-brakes
Aluminum alloy rims
Riser handlebars
Quick release seat post
Knobby tires
Padded saddle
Platform pedals
Free wheel hub
Front quick-release wheel
Kick stand
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it’s important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes–As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes–With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike–even one that you use regularly on trails–adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes–For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike’s price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level–You’ll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range–Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you’re looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the “sweet spot.” Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end–Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height–To find out if a bike’s overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you’ll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you’ll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length–You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike’s posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women–Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women’s bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don’t forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves
Realm Cycles Province 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike (26-Inch Wheels) Reviews By Customers
Overall, a great bike. It is smooth to operate and easy to ride. The seat is VERY uncomfortable. I would recommend purchasing a new seat to go with this great bike.
Great bike for this price – Jun Wang – Gainesville FL Easy assemble, a little bit heavy, I will recommend this to who want a bike below 0
