The right bike for you

If you’ve never ridden a bike before or not had one for many years, it’s important to choose the right model for you.

Working out what style of bike to buy can be daunting when there are so many different types on the market: 

  • Mountain bikes have knobbly tyres and lots of gears because they’re designed to cope with off-road paths and tracks, although they are also good for commuting and general use.
  • City (or urban bikes) look similar to mountain bikes but have slick tyres and are fast and comfortable on the road, making them ideal for commuting.
  • Racing bikes have very skinny tyres and are built for speed on tarmac.
  • Folding bikes are designed to take up as little space as possible when you’re not using them. Many are ideal for commuting in combination with buses or trains.
  • Hybrid bikes look similar to a mountain bike but have road bike-sized wheels. They are probably the most universal type of bike available.

A user-friendly guide to the types of bike available, and their strengths and weaknesses, can be found at: www.whycycle.co.uk/bike_styles/

When buying a bike, you should visit one of York’s reputable, local cycle retailers, who will be happy to help you find something suited to your height, your build and your lifestyle. Many retailers offer a free check up around six weeks after you buy your bike so that it can be realigned as required.

You’ll also need to budget for a lock to protect your bike from theft and other accessories, such as lights and a helmet. Retailers will be able to advise you on everything from what type of shoes and clothing to wear to the best type of accessories to buy if you want to transport luggage or children.

   

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Links

whycycle.co.uk
User-friendly guide to the different types of bikes available and their pros and cons.

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