Getting a bike
Thinking of getting a two-wheeled friend? Find out how to choose the best bike for you, where to buy it and how to keep it in mint condition once you've got it.
Choosing a Bike
Most bikes fit into one of three broad categories: on-road, off-road and hybrid (a cross between the two). The type to choose depends on the kind of cycling you want to do.
On-road bikes tend to have thin, smooth tyres for easy riding on tarmac. They can include:
- Racing bikes, for the real speed freaks;
- City bikes, designed to match speed on the streets with a bit more comfort than a racer;
- Touring bikes, great for travelling long distances with a lot of luggage;
- Traditional, designed-for-comfort bikes, which will get you where you want to go in style but not quite as fast as the racier models.
Off-road bikes include traditional mountain bikes (with chunky tyres, lots of gears and, frequently, suspension, to tackle rough tracks), as well as specialist models, like the BMX, designed for performing stunts.
Finally, there are hybrids, designed to combine the best of both worlds. Tougher than on-road bikes but nippier on the streets than off-roaders, hybrids are often the best bet for a rider who wants to zip around town, without ruling out a bit of moderate off-road action at the weekends.
If you want to take your bike on public transport or stuff it in a car boot, there are also folding bikes, which can be collapsed for easy transportation.
Alex, who rides a mountain bike, says: "You can ride it wherever you want. I ride to work and it's fine although I've never ridden a road bike so I don't know how much difference the thinner tyres make.
"It's good being able to bump up and down kerbs, which I don't think you can do on a road bike. I ride trails at the weekends and you need a mountain bike for that. People with road bikes are missing out on the best stuff."
You can ride it wherever you want. I ride to work... at the weekends I ride trails and you need a mountain bike for that.
Buying your bike
New and second-hand bikes can be found online, through ads in the local paper, at car boot sales, at a number of non-specialist shops and supermarkets, or at a specialist bike shop. A good shop should let you take the bike for a test ride before you buy to make sure it's the right fit and is comfortable.
If you're over 18 and plan to cycle to work, you might be able to get hold of a bike tax-free through the Government's Cycle to Work Scheme. Check at work to find out whether your employer is willing to sign up.
If you're looking for a new bike, Alex recommends buying in August or September when new designs have just arrived in the shops and the previous year's models are often sold off at a reduced price.
Learning to ride
If you feel your cycling skills are a bit rusty, or you'd just like a bit more confidence tackling that busy roundabout, you might want to consider taking a cycling proficiency course. Information about local training-providers is available from the National Cycle Training Helpline on 0844 736 8460/8461. There are also a number of organisations around the country that offer mountain bike skills training to help you make the most of your bike off-road.
Looking After Your Bike
To make sure your bike stays roadworthy and lasts as long as possible, it's a good idea to get it serviced regularly. Your local bike shop should be able to help you or, if you fancy a bit of DIY, you could attend a cycle maintenance course and learn how to service your bike yourself. Contact the National Cycle Training Helpline for details of course-providers near you.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your bike in good working order is clean it regularly. Washing your bike removes any dirt and grit from the moving parts and is especially important if you ride your bike off road and bring it back covered in mud. Use a hosepipe to wash off the worst of the dirt, then give your bike a good clean with soapy water, a sponge and a brush to help you reach the tricky parts. When you've finished, make sure you rinse the soap off, dry your bike properly, and give the chain and gears a good oiling.
Alex says: "I don't clean my bike as regularly as I should. After a long ride you really don't feel like washing your bike, but it's important to get all the mud off the chain. You definitely notice the difference."
Written by Amy Turner
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