Buying a Bike

It is easy to get confused by the sheer number of options available when looking to buy a bike. So, who better to point you in the right direction than The Association of Cycle Traders?

There are numerous types of bicycles available, each with a different purpose and range of features. If you are new to cycling – or returning to the saddle – it can often be a bit daunting making the right choice from the many options available in shops and online.

Your local cycle shop is the best source of advice and information to assist you in making the right decision, and, of course, nothing can substitute sitting on a bike and giving it a test ride to decide if its right for you before you buy.

Before buying any bike, a couple of questions you need to ask yourself are:

What type of cycling will I be doing?
To get the most out of your bike and to maximise enjoyment when you are using it, think about what type of cycling you will be doing. Cycling for transport – such as to work or to
the shops.Cycling for leisure – such as along local cycle paths, forest routes or mountain biking. Cycling for competition – such as road or off-road racing.

What is my budget?
You get what you pay for, and never more when it comes to buying a bike. Try and get the best you can afford because it will ultimately be a better investment in terms of quality components, features and durability.

Types of bikes

Hybrid / Urban
An increasingly popular style and a great all-rounder for leisure and commuting riders, and named “hybrid” for combining the best elements of mountain bikes and road bikes. Offers lightweight components, an easy riding position, often includes mudguards and slick or semi-slick tyres for riding on tarmac or cycle/forest paths.

Mountain Bike
A popular choice for many people who want a bike that can do it all. Frame design, materials and components are designed for heavier use off-road, hence the knobbly tyres. Most bikes will have front suspension to improve comfort and stability, although more and more models now have suspension front and rear.

Road Bike
The traditional drop-handlebar race bike – or road bike – designed for racing or fitness riders who have the need for speed. Lightweight construction and components designed specifically for use on tarmac roads.

Folding Bike
Great for riders who don’t have much storage space at home / work or who commute part bike part bus or train to work. Designed for use on the road, they generally come with mudguards and luggage racks as standard. The smaller wheels are primarily better suited to shorter journeys.

BMX
This bike is designed for maximum fun. With no gears and various styles adapted for racing, ramps or jumping this bike is as much about lifestyle as transport. Smaller versions are also popular as children’s bikes.

How much should I spend?
One of the biggest questions for many people when buying a bike relates to how much they should spend and what will they get for their money.

First of all, it’s important to understand what type of bike you want, as choosing the right bike is just as important as how much you spend.

Once you know what you want, always try and spend as much as you can afford, as, with anything, you really will get what you pay for.

Generally, you will need to spend at least £200. Anything under this and your bike will be of poor quality in terms of parts and components and, as such, will require regular maintenance. This, ultimately, will end up costing you as much, if not more, than the price you paid for your bike.

The bottom line is – the more you use your bike, the more money you should invest in it.
Here is a quick guide to pricing guidelines for adult bikes.

Under £150
Bikes at this price level will likely be heavy, rust-prone and require constant maintenance if you want a pleasurable ride. If that’s all you’ve got to spend then keep it simple – cheap extras such as suspension, fancy disc brakes etc. – will only ensure that the quality of the basic components is compromised to achieve the low price.

£150 to £300
For this price range, you can get some great recreation bikes, some comfortable commuters but only very basic, entry-level road and mountain bikes. Keeping it simple is still a good idea – any extras will only compromise the quality of the basic components.

£300 to £500
Commuters and recreation bikes in this price range will be good quality, reliable and fast. Mountain bikes will still be basic but usually strong enough to bash about on rough trails. Road bikes will still be on the entry-level side.

£500 to £1000
Expect to pay in this price range for top-of-the-range commuters, reliable hardtail mountain bikes and entry-level full suspension mountain bikes. Some road bikes at this
level will be light and fast.

Over £1000
All bikes over £1000 should be light, fast and come equipped with good-quality components.

For more information on buying a bike and where to find your local cycle shop visit:  www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk