Whether you’re commuting, training or riding for fun, we asked specialists to break down what to know before you buy – from specs and safety to price
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For me, cycling is therapy. It’s calming, meditative and uncomplicated. But there’s a catch. To experience the simple joy of riding a bike, you first have to navigate the maddeningly complex process of buying one.
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Make no mistake: this is not a straightforward case of marching into Halfords, saying, “One bike, please!” and leaving with a shiny new steed. But, while complicated, it needn’t be stressful.
Before you buy, ask yourself three questions: how will I use it? How much am I willing to spend? And what features do I want? Based on your answers, this guide will arm you with what you need to make a confident, informed purchase – no engineering degree required.
To help, I’ve enlisted two experts: David Arthur, founder of cycling-tech YouTube channel Just Ride Bikes, and Stephen Roche, owner of bike-fitting and custom-build studio the Bike Tailor.
The best bike for you depends largely on where and how you intend to use it. To make matters more confusing, the bike industry is constantly coming up with new types of bicycles. Thankfully, they can all be grouped loosely into one of five main categories.
Hybrids fuse elements from road and mountain bikes, prioritising comfort for everyday use. They’re popular in urban environments when journeys are short, and speed isn’t a primary concern. They’re usually among the most affordable options, too. “These bikes are perfect for commuting and casual leisure cycling due to the flat handlebar and upright riding position,” says Arthur. “That said, they can feel slow compared with road bikes.”
Best for: riding farther, faster on paved surfaces
With drop handlebars that allow the rider to get low down and tuck in, road bikes are made to go fast. They’re designed for aerodynamic efficiency and low weight, featuring slick tyres that roll smoothly over tarmac. “The downside is that the low-slung riding position can be uncomfortable at first,” says Arthur. “The relatively narrow tyres combined with a stiff frame can be jarring on rough roads.”
Best for: hopping between tarmac, towpaths, bridleways and light trails
The fastest-growing category in cycling, this relatively new breed of bike is essentially an off-road version of a road bike. It still has the drop bars and fundamental shape, but with wider tyres to grip on rough ground, lower gears for traction on unpaved ascents, and a longer wheelbase for increased stability. “Gravel bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrain,” says Arthur. “They’re the perfect all-rounders – as at home on country lanes as they are blasting through a forest or tackling the daily commute. The trade-off is they’re slower than road bikes on the road and less capable than mountain bikes on the rough stuff.”
If you intend to do most of your riding away from roads and paths, a mountain bike could be a good option. They have thick, knobbly tyres for grip on loose surfaces, flat handlebars for increased control, and often feature suspension to smooth out bumps when riding on rough ground. “These comfort-focused features – including easy gearing and a relaxed riding position – make mountain bikes great for beginners,” says Arthur. “Unfortunately, big tyres and suspension systems add weight and mechanical complexity.”
A cargo bike offers a genuine alternative to travelling by car. These bikes often have a large platform or bucket at the front or rear that can be filled with anything from shopping to children, allowing you to transport large loads with relative ease. “Many cargo bikes have pedal-assist motors too,” says Arthur. “But they’re expensive and bulky to store, so you’ll need the money and the space first.”
