Buying a bike

Choosing the right bike can make the difference between a pleasurable, practical vehicle and one which gathers dust in a garden shed. Use these tips to get some ideas before you go to your local bike shop.

1 You get what you pay for

Expect to spend around £200 minimum. You may see £100 bikes for sale, but they’re cheap for a reason, and you may end up paying the difference in repairs or new wheels sooner than you think. You may also be compromising your safety. If budget is an issue, consider looking for a good second-hand bike.

2 Choose straight bars

The drop bars you see on the Tour de France bikes are fine on performance machines, but for cycling on trails or in city traffic, straight bars will give you more confidence. Hybrid bikes or practical mountain bikes are probably the best choices.

3 Fit mudguards

They might not look cool, but then having a wet backside isn’t cool either. Choose a bike that has mudguards, or get them fitted.

4 Buy a rack

You might think a backpack is a better alternative, but these can be cumbersome and hot in summer. Why not let the bike take the weight? If you don’t get a rack, at least check that the bike frame has screw eyelets to fit one later.

5 Avoid suspension

Bike suspension is fine for screaming down rocky hillsides. For roads or light trails, it is unnecessary. It may even make cycling more difficult since it can sap your energy.

6 Check that it fits

Once you’ve decided what you want, the next thing is to check that it fits. Don’t rush this. Take this as seriously as you would buying new shoes. Here are a few quick tests to perform:

• Sit on the saddle. You should not be able to place both feet flat on the ground. However, you should be able to touch both toes on the ground and the ball of each foot. The heel should be raised.
• Stand astride the bike but off the saddle. Place your feet flat on the ground. The top tube of the frame should be a few inches below your crotch. This is important in preventing an unwelcome injury should you suddenly come forward off the saddle.
• Sit on the saddle again. Hold the handlebars. You should be able to comfortably grip the bars while keeping your arms bent at the elbow.

7 Test-drive it

Most shops will let you do this, although they may ask you to to leave your credit card. Try a few bikes if possible to see how different they feel. If they don’t feel right, say so, and get the assistant to adjust them or find you a different frame size.

8 Love your bum

Don’t be put off by a hard saddle. These are often more comfortable in the long run. In fact, squidgy gel saddles have been associated with bloodflow problems. However, everyone’s bum is different. Be prepared to try something else if it doesn’t work out.

9 Secure it

Bike theft is unfortunately common. Whatever you spend on a bike, buy a £30-£40 lock. If you can afford to, insure it too.

10 Complete the kit

Keep some money back for extras: a helmet, trouser clips, lighting, a waterproof jacket. Even if you don’t buy all of these in one go, having some extras will make your bike experience more pleasurable.

Posted 14 October 2007 by Nick Canham