So, you’re heading to Kielder Forest in 2026. Maybe you’re here for the views, maybe for the lakeside breeze, or maybe you’re just trying to wear the kids out. Either way, you’ve made a brilliant choice and somewhere between your coffee stop and your picnic planning, you’ve decided to hire a bike. But then you’ve landed on our booking page and been greeted by a list of bike names that sound more like spaceships than something you’d ride around a forest.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a “proper cyclist” to get the right ride. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who just hasn’t been on a bike since the ‘90s, we’ve got you. Here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to help you figure out which hire bike is right for your Kielder adventure.
Mountain Bikes (The Classic “Let’s Just Go For a Ride” Option)
TREK Marlin 7 Gen 3 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Think of this as your no-fuss, friendly neighbourhood mountain bike. It’s got front suspension to take the edge off the bumps, but nothing too complicated going on the back end. Perfect if you’re heading around Lakeside Way, Dukes Trail, or just cruising the smoother forest paths with a few lumps and bumps thrown in. It won’t climb walls or win races, but it’ll handle pretty much anything you throw at it without moaning.
TREK Fuel EX 8 XT Gen 6 Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Ah yes, the “full squish.” This is the one for the more adventurous types. It’s got suspension at the front and back, which means it’ll soak up roots, rocks, and anything the Red Route or Deadwater Trail throws at you. If you’re looking to bounce down the more technical trails and come out grinning at the bottom, this one’s your mate.
Gravel Bikes (Skinny Tyres, Big Dreams)
TREK Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3 Gravel Bike
Want to go fast, feel sporty, and maybe pretend you’re in a Strava advert? This gravel bike is lightweight, smooth, and surprisingly capable. It’s built for mixed terrain — perfect for the fireroad sections of Lakeside Way, and exploring a bit further if you’re not into chunky tyres and suspension bounce. Ideal for those who want a “proper” bike feel without needing mountain goat skills.
(We have the electric version of these too for people who want to go the extra mile)
Electric Bikes (Because Why Should Only Your Legs Do the Work?)
TREK Powerfly+ 6 Gen 5 800Wh Electric Mountain Bike
A classic e-MTB that gives you a lovely bit of push when the hills start showing off. With an 800Wh battery, you’ll comfortably get around the entire Lakeside Way loop (26 miles), with energy to spare. You’ll feel like a superhero, even if your fitness level is more “coffee and cake” than “climb and conquer.”
TREK Verve+ 4 Lowstep 545Wh Electric Hybrid Bike
This one is all about comfort and ease — low step-through frame so you don’t have to audition for Cirque du Soleil just to get on. It’s an electric hybrid, so it’s smooth, upright, and ideal for family rides, Lakeside Way, and anywhere chill. You’ll get around 40–50 miles per charge depending on how many hills you demand it climbs for you.
TREK Fuel EXe 8 XT Alloy 360Wh Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
Want full suspension and a motor but don’t want a bike that weighs more than your car? Meet the Fuel EXe. It’s light, sleek, and just enough e-boost to make climbing feel like less of a chore. It’s a great option if you want to dip into the trail centre side of Kielder, without committing to full-blown e-MTB bulk.
TREK Rail+ 8 Gen 5 800Wh Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
This is the big boss of e-MTBs. Full squish. Big battery. Big confidence. It eats black trails, red routes, and your mate’s underpowered e-bike for breakfast. You can explore the whole forest, throw in a hill or two, and still have power left to cruise back in time for lunch.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro 800Wh Electric Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Yes, the name is a bit of a mouthful, but this thing is the future. Lightweight carbon frame, 800Wh battery, top-tier suspension — it’s basically what Iron Man would ride if he fancied a trip around Deadwater. Fast, nimble, and ready for whatever Kielder throws at you.
So, What Should You Go For?
If you just want a gentle ride with the kids or a few hours of scenery and sunshine, grab a Marlin or Verve+. Want to go faster without your legs crying? The Powerfly+ or Checkpoint will treat you well. Fancy a proper forest shred with a touch of electric wizardry? The Rail+, Amflow, or Fuel EXe are calling your name.
Whatever you pick, you’re not tied to anything with gears and suspension tech you don’t understand. We’ll set it all up for you, explain how it works in plain English, and send you off with a smile — and maybe a helmet if you forgot that part.
And if you’re still not sure what to go for? Just give us a ring or pop into the Kielder shop. We’ll ask you a few simple questions and match you with your perfect two-wheeled partner.