Fall In Love With Cycling This Autumn

With the recession still biting at our heels now more than ever people are turning to pedal power as a way to cut costs and watch the pennies. Cycling continues to grow in popularity – it’s low cost, doesn’t harm the environment and helps keep us healthy – what’s not to love.

If you haven’t tried it before then you couldn’t pick a better time to start, says cycling expert Neil Wilkes…

Autumn days are fresher, nights are cooler and the changing scenery provides a better backdrop than any crammed gym.  Choosing the right bicycle for your needs is vital to ensure you have the perfect road-trip companion.  So, first off think about how you’re going to enjoy your bike, will you use it to get to work or just for leisurely country rides, are you looking to improve your fitness levels or do you prefer the idea of watching the world go by.

Here are a few things to consider

1. What type of cycling are you planning to do? Will you be riding mostly on the road or off the beaten track? Think about how much cycling you plan to do and what sort of terrains you will be cycling on. If you are planning to cycle to work, buy a road bike (consider a city bike) or if you are contemplating cycling around the countryside in hilly areas, consider a country/trekking type bike. Electric bicycles are also becoming very popular in the UK for those who need a little extra help or would like a healthier, and cheaper, alternative to a car.

 

2. What style of bike would you prefer? Modern or traditional? There are many bicycles on the market and just as you would choose a car, think what bike will reflect your own style. Traditional and retro bikes are very fashionable at the moment with many celebrities spotted on them. City bikes can offer modern technology with a traditional yet European styling.

 

3. What features would you like? Examples of this include: types of gears (hub or derailleur), lighting, locks, stands, luggage racks, bags. Hub gears (covered on the back wheel) are great if you don’t want the hassle of regular maintenance. Most bicycles on the market have derailleur (exposed) gear systems. A lot of modern bikes are fitted with suspension forks and seat posts for greater comfort.

 

4. What’s your budget? This will determine the number of features, technology and quality of the bike. As with anything you buy, you get what you pay for. Be realistic about your budget, but be careful not to buy too cheap to then find your beloved bike falls apart within months.

 

5. Size does matter, so get the correct size frame that feels right for you as this will make all the difference. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident when you are out on the road. To buy the correct sized bicycle you need, measure your inside leg and check for the best match. 

 

6. Make sure the bike you choose has adjustable handlebars and saddle, so that you can set them to the correct heights and angles for the optimum riding position. To get the perfect riding position for you, don’t assume that the factory set saddle and handlebar height is correct – try in a variety of positions to find the perfect position before you set off.

 

7. What accessories are available? Based on what you intend to use the bicycle for, think about what accessories you may need. There are many bicycle accessories on the market to choose from – bags, bottles, racks, pumps, etc.

 

8. Always check the after sales service - are spare parts easily available for your chosen bicycle? More or less any local cycle shop will be able to service your bicycle but ensure specific parts are available to purchase.

 

9. Where will you keep your new bicycle? Will you have room in your garage or shed? What about at work? Will you need a bicycle lock? You can buy bicycle locks from any good cycle shop.

 

10. Finally, insurance – are you covered on your household policy for your bicycle or do you need to take out bicycle insurance? There are many companies offering relatively low cost insurance for this.

 

Just follow these simple rules and get on your bike!

 

Neil Wilkes is a bicycle consultant for www.kettlerdirect.co.uk.

Fall In Love With Cycling This Autumn

With the recession still biting at our heels now more than ever people are turning to pedal power as a way to cut costs and watch the pennies. Cycling continues to grow in popularity – it’s low cost, doesn’t harm the environment and helps keep us healthy – what’s not to love.

If you haven’t tried it before then you couldn’t pick a better time to start, says cycling expert Neil Wilkes…

Autumn days are fresher, nights are cooler and the changing scenery provides a better backdrop than any crammed gym. Choosing the right bicycle for your needs is vital to ensure you have the perfect road-trip companion. So, first off think about how you’re going to enjoy your bike, will you use it to get to work or just for leisurely country rides, are you looking to improve your fitness levels or do you prefer the idea of watching the world go by.

Here are a few things to consider

1. What type of cycling are you planning to do? Will you be riding mostly on the road or off the beaten track? Think about how much cycling you plan to do and what sort of terrains you will be cycling on. If you are planning to cycle to work, buy a road bike (consider a city bike) or if you are contemplating cycling around the countryside in hilly areas, consider a country/trekking type bike. Electric bicycles are also becoming very popular in the UK for those who need a little extra help or would like a healthier, and cheaper, alternative to a car.

2. What style of bike would you prefer? Modern or traditional? There are many bicycles on the market and just as you would choose a car, think what bike will reflect your own style. Traditional and retro bikes are very fashionable at the moment with many celebrities spotted on them. City bikes can offer modern technology with a traditional yet European styling.

3. What features would you like? Examples of this include: types of gears (hub or derailleur), lighting, locks, stands, luggage racks, bags. Hub gears (covered on the back wheel) are great if you don’t want the hassle of regular maintenance. Most bicycles on the market have derailleur (exposed) gear systems. A lot of modern bikes are fitted with suspension forks and seat posts for greater comfort.

4. What’s your budget? This will determine the number of features, technology and quality of the bike. As with anything you buy, you get what you pay for. Be realistic about your budget, but be careful not to buy too cheap to then find your beloved bike falls apart within months.

5. Size does matter, so get the correct size frame that feels right for you as this will make all the difference. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident when you are out on the road. To buy the correct sized bicycle you need, measure your inside leg and check for the best match.

6. Make sure the bike you choose has adjustable handlebars and saddle, so that you can set them to the correct heights and angles for the optimum riding position. To get the perfect riding position for you, don’t assume that the factory set saddle and handlebar height is correct – try in a variety of positions to find the perfect position before you set off.

7. What accessories are available? Based on what you intend to use the bicycle for, think about what accessories you may need. There are many bicycle accessories on the market to choose from – bags, bottles, racks, pumps, etc.

8. Always check the after sales service - are spare parts easily available for your chosen bicycle? More or less any local cycle shop will be able to service your bicycle but ensure specific parts are available to purchase.

9. Where will you keep your new bicycle? Will you have room in your garage or shed? What about at work? Will you need a bicycle lock? You can buy bicycle locks from any good cycle shop.

10. Finally, insurance – are you covered on your household policy for your bicycle or do you need to take out bicycle insurance? There are many companies offering relatively low cost insurance for this.

Just follow these simple rules and get on your bike!

Neil Wilkes is a bicycle consultant for www.kettlerdirect.co.uk.