Our unique 'Build a Bike' programme is delivered over 6 weeks; with 3 in-house mechanical sessions and 3 off-site mountain biking activity sessions, each session is 2 hours long. Candidates build their own high quality Trek mountain bike and learn to make basic adjustments to the gears and brakes. We have been delivering these programs for over 15 years and have seen the benefits of experiential learning, team work and individual perseverance.
Biking.ie was born in 2007 by Tarja Owens and Niall Davis, two of Ireland’s most experienced mountain bikers and highly accomplished International competitors, with a wealth of biking knowledge. You can read a little more about us here.
For your peace of mind; all of our instructors are fully insured, qualified in the Mountain Bike Leadership Award scheme, Garda vetted and have completed the Code of Ethics in Children’s Sport.
Build a Bike
We travel to your centre and supply all the bikes and equipment. Each session is 2 hours long. The programme is 6 weeks long with 3 sessions spent learning bike mechanics and 3 spend riding mountain bike trails. Each candidate gets to keep their bike at the end of the program so they have their own transport and potential to keep mountain biking as a hobby. Helmets are included in the cost.
We have chosen Trek as our bike partner for their high quality frames and choice of components. Over the years we have tried many different bike and know that the Marlin range is the perfect bike; a real trail bike that’s dialled for building confidence on the dirt, and versatile enough for commuting to work or school.
A lightweight aluminium frame with modern trail riding geometry and internal routing that keeps cables protected and keeps the bike looking sleek. A 100 mm RockShox Judy front suspension fork that cushions rocks, roots and bumps in the trail, 10-speed fuss-free Shimano CUES shifting and the serious stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes.
Why they will love it
- The Marlin Gen 3 gives you serious trail capability with bigger tire clearance, internal dropper post routing, ThruSkew rear axle and longer, slacker geometry that gives you more stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds
- Its RockShox fork gives you 100 mm of suspension for turning rocks and roots on the trail into smooth-sailing
- Mudguard mounts make it easy to accessorise, so your mountain bike can double as a rugged commuter
- Internal routing makes it easy to add a dropper post that lets you lower your saddle on the fly for more confident descending
- Marlin models in sizes XXS and XS have a curved top tube and lower stand over height that makes it easier for smaller riders to mount and dismount
- Like every Trek, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty
Mountain Bike Activity
Three of the six weeks of the programme are spent out on the mountain bike trails. Choose between our two locations; Ticknock overlooking Dublin City and bay, or Ballinastoe in wild Wicklow with stunning views over Lough Tay and the Irish Sea. Our aim on these sessions is to give the candidates a positive experience to remember.
Ticknock is an amazing place to ride with it’s technical trails and stunning views over Dublin City and bay, plus there are lots of new trails under construction right now. Ballinastoe is a mountain bike mecca and has dozens of amazing trails to choose from. Each trail will have it’s own style, whether that’s berm to berm flow or rocky and technical.
We’ll start off gently and bring you on an amazing journey through the wild forests and heather covered uplands, ensuring all riders are safe and controlled before taking on the trails. As you get comfortable you’ll start to feel the breeze on your face as the trail flows across the hill side.
Facts
- This is a private group mountain bike activity
- The duration is 2 hours long
- Complementary tea, coffee or soft drink on arrival
- Sizing of bikes and fitting of helmets
- Experienced fully qualified professional guide
- Mechanical assistance and first aid support
- Safety briefing and basic introduction
- Guided tour – the perfect trails for your group.
Age and Ability
The minimum age we recommend is 11 years old and the minimum height for bike rental is 5’2″. Please note mountain biking is an adventure sport and candidates should have a good standard of cycling technique as a minimum. We tailor the route to suit the ability of the group.
Duration
The standard programme is 6 weeks long, with one session per week. Each session is 2hrs long and start times are tailored to suit the group. We can make adjustments to the format as required.
Ability
We tailor the camps to suit a broad range of abilities. We have at least two instructors on each camp so we often split depending on how the mix of riders balances out. That being said, this should not be your child’s first experience of mountain biking.
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss the importance of a correctly functioning bike
- The importance of a correctly functioning bike
- Gear systems
- Trail side repairs
- Brake systems
- Tool Kit
- Demonstrate how to fix a puncture and change a tire
- Demonstrate how to adjust a loose headset
- Demonstrate how to adjust front and rear brakes
- Carry out emergency repairs on bike with showing improvisation of equipment
- Bike set up including position of controls, tire pressure, seat height, plus more
- Bike maintenance including washing and lubrication
- Attack position
- Braking and gearing
- Technical trail riding
- Low and high speed cornering
- Track stand
- Switch back climbing and descending
- Front and rear wheel lift
- Leave No Trace in the countryside.
You Might Also Like
Searching Availability...
COST 
The cost for the ‘Build a Bike’ programme, which includes all the class room build a bike sessions and mountain bike activities is €450 per person with a minimum group size of 6.
Bikes are invoiced separately and we can vary the model and price of the bikes to suit your budget, please email info@biking.ie for exact costs.
Please drop us an email to info@biking.ie for bookings or to request a full list of learning outcomes. Please be aware of our Terms and Conditions before booking.
GOT A QUESTION?
We’re all ears! Give us a ring, and our knowledgeable team will be delighted to assist you.
What People Are Saying About Us!
Google rating score: 4.9 out of 5, based on 940 reviews
Did a fantastic gravel ride led by Brian. It was great to be shown around on a route tailored to my ability and interest. Bike was in good shape and well-serviced, and it was great to start and end at their cafe for a coffee. Would recommend to anyone wanting to see the sights on a bike from knowledgeable folks!
Very helpful and considerate staff who helped choosing the best route and such. E-Bike's a good quality, easy to handle!
The bike was in perfect condition, and riding it was a breeze. Everything worked great, and they even let you borrow a helmet for free. The trails are well-made, especially the red one. It’s clear a lot of thought went into it. After riding, grabbed a coffee at their place. It was good, and they’ve got other stuff to eat too. But the best part? The views from the top are amazing.
Very easy to make a booking. Helpful staff. Good and maintained bikes. Challenging trails for a novice mountain biker. Loads of parking space. Great experience to be remembered.
Very helpful and considerate staff who helped choosing the best route and such. E-Bike's a good quality, easy to handle!
