Getting Started
Cycling is great fun and most people find it easy to do. All you need to get started is a bike. There are lots to choose from and not all of them have two–wheels!
The bike for you:
There’s a bike to suit everyone: big bikes, small ones, three wheeled, unicycles, reclining, upright, women’s bikes and more. Some bikes cost as much as a small car but you can get cheap bikes and even re-conditioned secondhand bikes that will get you out and about. A good bike shop (see our Cycling Shops and Services page) will always give you advice about what’s available for you.
For reconditioned bikes or if you have an old bike you no longer need take it along to Recyke y’Bike. Find out more at www.recyke-y-bike.org
Before you buy:
- try a friend’s bike if you can, or hire a bike to see what suits you.
- think about how you want to use the bike. To go to work or school? For racing? To explore off-road?
- think about where you will keep it, and make sure you have good locks.
Here are some of the main types of bikes:
Mountain bikes:
These are designed for off-road cycling. They have a wide range of gears and suspension which can make them attractive for cycling on roads and cycle paths too but the knobbly tyres can make pedalling harder.
Road bikes:
Road bikes are best for fast cycling on roads. They have slimmer, smoother tyres and dropped handelbars. However the tyres can puncture more easily and the crouched over cycling position might not suit everyone.
Hybrid bikes:
These can cope with a wide range of surfaces and have a sturdy frame but the tyres are lighter than those of a mountain bike and the seating position means you are more upright. These are often the best choice for beginners.
Make it your bike:
Small adjustments and accessories can make your bike even more suited to you and your riding style. Adjusting the saddle and handlebar height and angle can give a better fit. Ask your bike shop for advice.
If you are going to ride at night or in the evenings your bike must, by law, have white front and red rear lights lit. It must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors lights.
If you have bought a new bike it will have a bell or you can buy one in a bike shop. Bikes are almost silent so a bell is useful to warn people that you are there.
Other bits ‘n pieces you might find useful:
Pannier rack: a frame for carrying panniers, usually has a flat shelf for carrying small boxes or big bags.
Panniers: come in all sorts of shapes and sizes for everything from shopping to small toolkits.
Mudguards: stop water, mud and gravel being thrown up onto your clothes or face.
Kickstand: keeps your bike upright when you don’t have something to lean it against.
Water bottle and holder: on longer journeys keep yourself hydrated.
Pump and puncture kit: for emergencies while you are out and about.
