Choosing a bicycle
Cycles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and a huge range of prices. So how should you choose which one to buy?
What type to buy
Bicycles come in a vast array of different styles, from those designed for racing down mountain trails (‘downhill’ bikes) to those for setting records on the track. Most people buying their first bike will want something a little more adaptable (and cheaper) than these specialised machines.
The types of cycle commonly seen on the street (and those that dominate in shops) are conditioned mainly by fashion rather than practicality. The most popular bikes are sold as ‘mountain bikes’. These have small wheels with chunky/knobbly tyres, low gears for climbing, and flat handlebars. The problem is that most users of these bikes use them primarily on tarmac where the big knobbly tyres absorb much of the energy put in by the rider. They also rarely have mudguards or a luggage rack – so they’re not hugely practical for either recreational cycling or commuting.
The most versatile bikes are hybrid (or urban) bikes. These have a fairly upright riding position (for good all-round visibility in traffic), wheels and medium-width tyres that are strong enough to cope with potholes or the occasional rough track, a good range of gears, and the ability to fit mudguards and luggage rack (if these aren’t fitted as standard). Unless you plan to beat the cars away from the traffic lights, or want to cycle on really rough tracks, a hybrid bike is likely to be the most appropriate all-rounder.
How much to spend
Bicycles are fun, but they’re not toys. You rely on them to move you and stop you safely, sometimes in traffic. Objects that look like bikes (Bicycle Shaped Objects; BSOs) can be bought for as little as £70. These BSOs are often described as ‘mountain bikes’, but this is like describing a Reliant Robin as an ‘all-terrain vehicle’. Both would disintegrate at the sight of a mountain. BSOs are poorly constructed from poor quality components. They won’t last, will not be enjoyable to ride, and are often dangerous.
More on BSOs: http://www.whycycle.co.uk/buying_your_bike/beware_the_bicycle_shaped_object/
How much you choose to spend on a bicycle will depend on how often you will use it, what you will use if for, and how deep your pockets are. Specialist bikes can cost anything up to £7000, but you’d need to be pretty committed – and rich – to spend that much. A rule of thumb is that good quality cycles, that are durable and easy to set up/maintain, start at around £250. Be cautious about paying less than this because such cycles are likely to be a false economy: you’ll probably spend out more on repairs than you save on the purchase price. Generally, the more you pay, the lighter and more efficient the bike becomes.
It costs about 40p per mile to drive a car. Assuming a commute of 5 miles (about 30 minutes) every other week day, the cost of a £250 bicycle would be saved in less than a year. That’s without factoring in any of the health and environmental benefits (not to mention the pleasure of cycling).
Where to buy?
We recommend buying from your local bike shop. They will be able to talk you through different options and – most importantly – let you try out a range of cycles before you buy. The cost of will include setting it up for you, adjusting the saddle, handlebars, brakes, gears etc and making sure that it is safe and efficient to use on the road. Many shops also give a free tune-up after a few weeks of riding to make sure that everything is working optimally.
Good shops will want to keep you as a regular customer, so they have an incentive to provide excellent service, and they’re usually run by enthusiasts with a deep knowledge of their customers’ needs.
You can use this tool to find your local shop: https://www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/find-a-shop/
Need more advice?
Cycling UK has lots of information for new cyclists, including on choosing the right bike.
For expert local advice, we recommend visiting your local bike shop.