Buying your first Cycle2Work bike

19 Feb 2019

Buying a brand new bike can be daunting, and with so much choice out there it can be hard to know where to start! We’ve put together a simple guide to help you pick out your perfect bike.

Bike types

What are you going use the bike for? Think about where you are going to be riding the bike most often, as it is important to get the right style of bike for your needs.

There are hundreds of bikes to choose from on Cycle2Work, but they can be broadly split into eight main bike types:

• Road: Fast and light for riding on the road
• Mountain: Perfect for off-road cycling
• Hybrid: Great all-rounder for both on and off-road
• Folding: Ideal for shorter city commutes and limited space
• Electric: Offering an easier commute
• Fixie / Single Speed: Simplistic and low maintenance
• Adventure: The best for exploring on a variety of terrains
• Classic: A stylish bike for a shorter commute

Budget

A good quality bike to use for an average commute will start at around £200. However, as you would expect, the higher the price the lighter, stronger and better quality the bike will be.

• Entry Level: £100 - £200 – Entry level bike on a budget
• Good: £200 - £500 – Good quality all rounder
• Better: £500 - £750 – Great quality bike with great components
• Best: £750 - £1000 – Excellent quality, lightweight frame, excellent components

Don’t forget you will save on the cost of the bike and accessories with your Cycle2Work savings!

Where to buy

In-store – Buying in-store will give you the opportunity to view the bike in real life where you can sit on it and test ride various models. The store can also build your bike, fit any accessories and have it ready to ride when you collect it. You can shop in-store at Halfords, Cycle Republic and any of the independent bike stores we work with.

Online – Buying online offers you convenience and the opportunity to view more bikes in a shorter space of time. The bike can be delivered to your home or work address fully built – all you need to do is put on the pedals and straighten the handlebars. You can shop online at Cycle Republic, Tredz or by using the Click & Collect service at Halfords.

Ask the experts in store, read reviews, and test ride the bikes!

It sounds obvious, but the best way to see if a bike is suitable for you is to test it! Most stores will allow you to either sit on the bike or give it a ride. This will give you a feel for the bike, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

Setting up your new bike

Frame size is extremely important!

Having the wrong size frame can cause an uncomfortable ride so it is very important to get this right. Sizes can differ between brands and styles, and each brand may size their bikes using a different scale. This means it’s very important to sit on the bike or take an experts opinion before purchasing to ensure you get the correct size for you.

Don’t forget your saddle height!

Saddle height is also a very important thing to consider when setting up your bike. Getting this right maximises the power transferring from your legs to the bike, and getting it wrong can cause muscle injuries.

To make sure your saddle is set up correctly, place your heel on the pedal in the six o'clock position - Your knee should be completely straight. If your knee is still bent you need to increase the height, and if your heel loses contact with the pedal then you need to lower the saddle.

Pump up your tyres!

It is very important to pump up your tyres regularly - if you are riding on flat tyres then it will slow you down and the bike will be less stable. Check the side of the tyre for the recommended pressure to pump them to. If you are unsure about this just take it along to your local Halfords store and they can help you.

Essential accessories

It’s worthwhile to think about accessories, as they can be fitted to the bike when you collect it. Lights are essential for riding safely, mudguards are a great addition for winter and a saddle bag can be attached to the seat tube to carry spare tools and parts.

Pedals - What do I need to know?

Most bikes come with pedals, but some bikes don’t. This allows the rider to select what type of pedal they want. The most common types are:

• Flat: Most common type, allowing you to wear normal shoes
• Toe Strap: The addition of a strap gives you more stability
• Clip in: Designed for cycling shoes

If you have any further questions, just head down to your local Halfords store or give us a call on 0345 504 6444.