Advice Centre
Buying a bike
To start cycling, there is one thing you need above all others - a bike. Voted the best invention since 1800 according to the BBC.
When buying a bike the most important thing is to buy a bike designed for how you intend to use it. Unless you are seriously into mountain biking on very technical trails, it is not advisable to buy a bike with full suspension. They often weigh a lot, and much of your pedalling energy goes into making the bike bounce rather than go forward. It is important that the bike fits you correctly and does not cause pain after riding for some time. The best way to do this is to go to a bike shop you trust for advice. You may be able to participate in the Government's Cycle to Work scheme, offering discounts and tax-free bicycles through your employer.
Kit
Using the right equipment and clothing should greatly increase your enjoyment of riding. Here are some ideas:
Helmets
Wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement to riding a bicycle on roads in the UK, and it is up to the rider, or their parents/guardians to make the decision. It is very important that if you choose to wear one, it fits you well, and meets CE standards. It is not advisable to wear a full face helmet, unless doing particularly risky downhill mountain biking, as these can restrict vision and hearing, vital tools to keep you safe on the roads.
Bikeability Helmet Factsheet
Lights
Lights are a legal requirement for riding a bike after dark, and can be purchased relatively cheaply and fitted quickly. With lights, the more the better. Many cyclists like to use multiple lights to make sure they're seen. Indeed, we like to recommend the 'lit up like a Christmas tree' approach. Again, hi-visibility jackets and other reflective clothing will help you to be seen even better by other road users.
Clothing
Waterproofs, gloves and good footwear can help protect against the elements and make a huge difference in your enjoyment of riding. Bright and reflective clothing will make sure you can be seen. Special cycle clothing will be cut differently to cover the small of your back and fit you in a riding position.
Maintenance
Checking your bike regularly for an minor faults will help prevent any major problems developing. If you are unsure of how to do this, consider a 1to1 training session or bring your bike along to one of our free cycle safety check sessions and talk to
Dr Bike.
Tyres
Having the right type of tyres for the job makes getting where you want to go much easier. If you're mostly riding on roads, you may find fitting tyres which are designed for use on roads rather than trails through the Peak District will greatly reduce the effort needed to ride and particularly to get up those hills.
Keep your tyres at the right pressure. This can normally be found on the side wall of the tyre. If pumped up, they are less likely to puncture and your riding will be more efficient. You may wish to buy tyres with puncture protection, such as a kevlar belt. These will stop most objects getting through the tyre and puncturing the inner tube.
There are two types of valves used on bicycle tyres. Schraeder (the same as used on cars) or Presta. It is important to have the right pump for your inner tubes.
It is normallly a good idea to carry a pump, tyre levers and either a spare inner tube, a puncture repair kit, or both.
Mudguards are also fairly cheap and can be fitted very quickly by a bike shop or yourself. They will reduce the amount of water and mud going up into your face and in a line up your back, and makes doing your laundry easier. Full length mudguards will also mean you have to clean and maintain your bike less.
Luggage
On short journeys round the city, most people find a rucksack is very useful, although if you are regularly riding, you may wish to buy panniers, special bags which clip on to a rack on your bike and mean you can carry much more than a rucksack, and will be more comfortable over distance.
Many people like to attach baskets to the front of their bikes, and wicker baskets are getting more and more fashionable.
If you want to carry even more, you could purchase a trailer, like those we use to transport the tools we use for our Dr Bike events.
Children
There are many ways to carry children on your bike. Some use an extra seat on the rear of the bike, others use a trailer, many of which can easily become a pram.
Tag-Along-Bikes may be useful for older children, and mean they can help to pedal you both along. When children are old enough, you may want them to ride their own bike. Our trainers will be able to advise you about sizing of bikes for your children.
If you have questions or safety concerns, or want to know where to find more information, talk to Pedal Ready or your local bike shop.