This article is for people that want to start cycling but they don’t have a bike.
If you want a better bike, or you want to start a new cycling activity (such as commuting to work, or joining a cycling club) – we suggest you ask a specific question here.
You’re new to cycling. You don’t know how you’re going to get on with it. So you don’t want to spend a lot of money and risk wasting it. Very wise. Garages all round the country are stocked with bikes bought on a whim that have mostly been unused.
On the other hand, you don’t want a terrible bike that will put you off cycling for life. And you need to be safe!
You have three main options:
- Borrow a bike. Perhaps you know a keen cyclist that has has a old one they’d be happy to lend you (most do). Maybe you know someone that bought a new bike, but hasn’t used it. There is also a cycle hire company the island.
- Buy a second-hand bike. You could try: local newspapers, such as the Islander, adverts in shop windows and – of course – Ebay. The Community Cycle Centre is a group of volunteers that recycle donated bikes, giving them back to members of the community in return for a donation; you can increase your chances of getting a bike from the centre if you’re prepared to help in fixing up your new bike.
- Buy a cheap new bike. We have a number of bike shops within easy reach of Hayling – and Hayling Cycles in Elm Grove is a Cycle Hayling supporter. Don’t be tempted to spend a lot. Budget, say, £150-200. Spending a lot more than that before you know whether, and how much, you’ll be cycling could be an expensive mistake.
Some things to look for:
- Size – you need to be able to adjust the seat position so:
- Your knees are slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal rotation
- You are able to touch the ground with both feet so you can stop safely
- Gears – they help a lot to get you going and to keep going once you’ve started, avoid single speed bikes unless you know what you’re doing
- Mudguards – you’ll want to be protected from the elements while you get around
- Suspension – or lack of. Suspension adds weight but is of little benefit to casual cyclists (folding bikes are an exception – they need suspension to be comfortable)
- Man’s bike or woman’s? Bikes without a crossbar used to be considered essential for preserving women’s modesty. These days they can be just as useful to men with mobility issues. It’s important, though, for women to have a female fit saddle if they are going to cycle any distance – look for a deep groove or cut-out in the middle of the saddle.
If you’re buying second hand, make sure:
- The brakes work effectively (if the brake pads are worn, make sure you can replace them)
- Gears change smoothly
- The chain, gears and gear-changing components are rust-free and not worn
- You can change the seat position (freeing up a rusted-in seat post can be impossible)
- The tyres do not look worn
We’d be happy to try to answer any specific questions you might have here.