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Home > Tips and advice > Buying a bike

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Buying a bike

There are lots of different types of bike available so it's important to make sure that you buy one which is the right size and suitable for what you need to use it for. This page contains information about what you should consider when buying a new bike.

Buying a bike for an adult

When choosing a new bike, it's often cheaper to buy a fully equipped bike with easy-reach handlebars (curving towards you), mudguards, a lighting system, a rear rack (with quick-release panniers) rather than buying these separately.

Decide what your main use of the bike will be:

• "Hybrid" bikes are usually the best for most cyclists. They look like mountain bikes but are lighter, have narrower tyres and mudguards. The upright riding style is good for cycling in towns. They can also be ridden on the majority of forest tracks and canal towpaths.
• For off-road cycling (along rocky tracks, down steep hills) opt for a "mountain bike". For undemanding rides look for medium-fat tyres and a light frame (fat knobbly tyres make pedalling harder and slower when riding on roads).
• If you're looking for a fast bike to ride along roads (e.g. into town or to work) then opt for a "touring/racing" bike which has narrow tyres, and lots of gears. This will mean that you can go faster with less effort.
• For short trips; folding bikes are light enough to carry on a train or bus, and fold up small enough to put in the boot of a small car.
• When two people want to ride together, tandems go faster than solo bikes and are more aerodynamic.

Decide how much you want to spend

• You should try to buy the best you can afford. You get what you pay for. If you pay more for a bike, expect it to be more durable, lighter, have more features, and be nicer to ride. It is a good idea to have a budget in mind before you go to a bike shop.

Make sure the bike is the right size

• The right size bike is essential. One size does not fit all! The inside leg measurement is the most important as this determines the frame size you need.
• The key to knowing whether the bike fits you correctly is how comfortable it feels riding it. If you are buying a bike from a bike shop they will let you try before you buy, and help you to choose the right bike.
• There should be at least 12cm between your crotch and the cross bar when you straddle a mountain bike, and 3cm or more for most other bikes.
• When sitting on the saddle, you shouldn't feel that you are stretching too much to reach the handlebars, or that there is too much weight on your hands.

Buying a second hand bike

• If you're buying a second hand bike, make sure the seller really owns it. If you think that it might be stolen, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• Purchasing second-hand is difficult, and there's a lot to be said for shopping around and taking someone with you who knows what they are talking about. Avoid buying bikes that are unseen/untried/on the cheap (they are never bargains) or flat-packed/self-assembly/auction website bikes.

Buying a bike for a child

Attachments to adult bikes

For younger children or longer family rides, consider a child attachment for your own bike. These can give kids a thrilling sense of speed and ease at an age when they would be struggling to keep up on their own bike. Here is a quick rundown on the 4 options available:

• Baby Seats (9 months to 3 years approx, 1 passenger) - Basic seats generally have a weight limit of 15kg (34lb). Better quality seats tend to be made of ABS type plastics (the type used for car bumpers), and may feature headrests, feet supports and handlebars. All child seats must be CE marked. 9
• Trailers (1 to 4 years approx, 1 or 2 passengers) - A kiddie cycle taxi! They can carry 45kg (100lb) on average. The trailer attaches to the back of the bike frame. Most trailers come with weather covers and safety flag. They should fold almost flat without the need for tools. Signs of a quality trailer are: quick release wheels, 5 point harnesses, taped and reinforced fabric seams, alloy rims and hubs.
• "Tag-Along" (4 to 9 years approx, 1 or 2 passengers) - A "Tag-Along" has one wheel, and pedals (no steering). It attaches to the seat pillar of your own bike. Your children an pedal whenever they want to help out, or freewheel and enjoy the ride! Tandem versions for 2 children are also available.
• Towbars (4 to 8 years approx, 1 passenger) - A Tow Bar converts a standard child bicycle into a "Tag-Along bike". The front wheel of the child's cycle is raised to stop them from steering. The child may pedal to help out or freewheel. Your child can ride alone when you unclip the towbar.

Choosing a child's bike

• Tricycles: (ages 1 to 3) - The first step in learning to ride! Trikes teach steering and pedalling. They are best usedindoors, or in a flat enclosed area. Encourage
• 2 wheeled bikes: Take your child along and try out a range of bikes before buying. Bikes should be marked British Standard BS6102/1.  
• Cheaper bikes are usually heavier (often made of steel). More expensive bikes are lighter and made of alloy metals. Lighter bikes are easier to control, more comfortable to ride and last longer.
• Most children's bikes have handbrakes (handlebar brakes that you grip with your hand). Look for coaster brakes (footbrakes on the back wheel that work by pedalling backwards) for younger children as these can be easier to use.
• Ideally the hub, spokes and rim of the wheel should be metal. Chain guards help keep shoe laces and trousers out of the teeth of the chain.

How to choose the right size bike for a child

• Don't be tempted to buy a bike to 'grow into'; the frame has to fit from the word go. Children's bikes come with a wheel size range of 12", 16", 18" and 20". As a rough guide:
  • Ages 3-6: 12" (31 cm)
  • Ages 4-8: 16" (41cm)
  • Ages 7-12: 20" (51cm)
  • Ages 10+: 24"/26" (61-66cm)
• Ask the bike shop to put the seat right down.
• When straddling the centre bar, the child should be able to keep both feet flat on the ground with about a 4cm clearance between their crotch and the bar. As they grow you can raise the seat.
• When sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar, your child should be able to just touch the ground with both balls of the feet.
• When seated on the saddle ask your child to reach for the handle bars. They should only have to bend slightly. They should be able to straighten their arms completely, but comfortably, without bending at the waist.
• Make sure your child can reach the brakes easily and can squeeze them enough to stop the bike.

Where to shop

As with adult bikes it's important to buy a good quality bike. Bike Shops can help you to choose the right bike for you child. If your child plans to cycle any distance on the bike or they want to cycle regularly to school, it will be safer and more comfortable for them to have a good-quality bike rather than one bought from a toy shop. You can view a list of Shrewsbury's bikes shops; Shropshire also has a specialist children's bike retailer called Islabikes.