You can obtain the Acro Bike in Pokémon Ruby by visiting the bike shop in Mauville City. The moment you step into the shop and interact with the owner, both the Acro Bike and the Mach Bike become available to you.
Obtaining Your Bike
To get your Acro Bike:
- Reach Mauville City: This vibrant city is typically encountered after you've progressed through Route 110 and defeated the Gym Leader Wattson. You will need to continue your journey through the game to reach this central location.
- Visit the Bike Shop: Once in Mauville City, head to Rydel's Cycles, the local bike shop. It's easily identifiable by its bicycle-themed sign.
- Claim Your Bike: Speak with the shop owner, Rydel. He will offer you a choice between the Acro Bike and the Mach Bike. Select the Acro Bike to receive it.
Switching Between Bikes
While both the Acro Bike and Mach Bike are made available to you at the shop, you can only use one at a time. If you wish to switch from the Acro Bike to the Mach Bike (or vice versa), you must return all the way back to Rydel's Cycles in Mauville City. Speak to Rydel again, and he will allow you to swap your current bike for the other model.
Acro Bike vs. Mach Bike: Key Differences
Each bike offers unique capabilities essential for navigating various parts of the Hoenn region.
| Feature | Acro Bike | Mach Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Stunt riding, traversing specific terrain | High speed, climbing steep slopes |
| Special Moves | - Bunny Hop: Press 'B' + Direction | - Speed Boost: D-Pad for continuous speed |
| - Wheelie: Hold 'B' | ||
| - Narrow Bridges: Ride across specific narrow paths by maintaining balance. | - Muddy Slopes: Climb certain muddy slopes that are otherwise impassable. | |
| Terrain Access | Accessed areas with narrow bridges or rock jumps. | Essential for climbing Route 112's slope and navigating Desert Underpass. |
Why Choose the Acro Bike?
The Acro Bike is crucial for exploring specific areas of the Hoenn region that are otherwise inaccessible. Its ability to perform stunts like the bunny hop allows you to jump over small ledges or gaps, and its unique balancing mechanism lets you cross narrow, often raised, bridges. These abilities are particularly useful for reaching hidden items, trainers, or progressing through certain routes and later, in the Battle Frontier, for navigating tricky puzzles.
