There is so much information you can read about bikes online and in magazines these days it can become overwhelming to decide which bike to buy the further you dig into research. This guide will help you on your journey to find the right bike for you with ease.
Bikes are so individual, and several types are used for different occasions. For example, are you wanting a bike to commute to work, go competitive cycling or have a leisurely ride with the family? To decide on the correct bike, you need to think about all aspects of your needs:
• Do you want to go fast on Tarmac? Then you want some sort of drop-handlebar road bike.
• Prefer an upright riding position? You want a bike with a flat handlebar such as a hybrid or even a mountain bike.
• Need to carry luggage? You want a bike with mounts for racks, usually in the form of threaded fittings on the seat stays and rear dropouts.
• Going to ride in the rain? Unless you enjoy being cold and wet, you want to be able to fit mudguards, so you need fittings on the dropouts for them.
• How hilly is it where you will ride?
• Going off road? For steep, rocky trails, you want a mountain bike, but for easy tracks and dirt roads a hybrid might do just as well and works better on the road if you want to mix it up.
• Are planning to load up and head for the hills? You might want a touring bike, or if you prefer a more leisurely pace and upright position you can tour just as well on a hybrid with a rack or racks.
• Commuting by bike and train? A folding bicycle can come with you if the bike parking at the station is non-existent or insecure.
Have a clear budget in mind, but do not be ashamed of spending more money if you feel like it. It is exceedingly rare for anyone to regret buying a bike that was ‘too good’ for them.
Cycle to Work Scheme
The Cycle to Work Scheme allows you to save at least 25 percent off the cost of a new bike by paying for it from your pre-tax income. You are also able to buy bike accessories, so do not think of it as a bike-only one-off. You pay for the bike or equipment through salary sacrifice, normally over 12 months, and you save on income tax and National Insurance on the payments.
Find out more about the scheme
The size you need is normally decided by your inside leg length. You need to be able to reach the pedals from the saddle and stand comfortably across the bike when stationary. If you need any extra help, have a look at our handy bike sizing guide.
The best place to buy your first good bike is a bike shop. You can have a look at the bikes for sale and pick the brains of our trained skilled employees. It is also exceptionally good to shop local, instead of going to the bigger store, such as Halfords, you can get the dedicated experience and have much more expertise from members of staff.
We stock a range of women’s, men’s, electric and children’s bike and our expert team are always willing to talk about the bike you can see and desire.
Take the bike for a ten-minute ride in quiet streets where you can concentrate on how the bike feels rather than on dodging traffic. Check if the bike fits, and that the reach to the handlebars feels comfortable. If it feels slightly long or short, you can ask us to change the handlebar stem for you.
