The sheer variety of bikes in a cycle shop can be a bit overwhelming. Row after row of bikes. Prices that range from ‘affordable’ to ‘need a mortgage’. All different shapes, sizes and colours. Which one is the one for you? The bike you choose can be a personal statement about who you are, so choose wisely and it will become your new best friend.

You can click on each bike for more details:

  • Mountain Bike

    This is what many people view as a ‘normal’ bike with chunky tyres and an upright seating position...
    This is what many people view as a ‘normal’ bike with chunky tyres and an upright seating position. A lot of mountain bikes now come with a front shock-absorber to smooth out the bumps in the road ahead. They make a good ‘all-rounder’ if you’re looking for a bike for most occasions as they can be used comfortably on both roads and bumpier tracks. Choose this bike if... you ride both on and off road regularly
  • Fully Suspended Mountain Bike

    Great for off-roading and rough terrain, but not so great for road riding and smooth terrain...
    These might look the business but they will make longer rides harder as the rear shock-absorber will use up some of the energy you’re putting into the pedalling. They’re great for off-roading and rough terrain, but not so great for road riding and smooth terrain. If you want to ride more than a mile or so on roads, it’s probably better to stick with a normal mountain bike. Choose this bike if... you ride off road on trails and rough terrain
  • Road Bike

    Skinny tyres and a crouched riding position make for less resistance and easier pedalling on smooth tarmac...
    Sometimes called a ‘racer’ these bikes are built for speed and aerodynamics. Skinny tyres and a crouched riding position make for less resistance and easier pedalling on smooth tarmac surfaces. Beware though that they are called a road bike for a reason and rough terrain, even a gravel path will shake your spine to pieces. Choose this bike if... you ride longer distances on smooth tarmac and you have a need for speed
  • Hybrid

    Mixes the skinnier tyres found on road bikes with the more comfortable upright seating position you get with a mountain bike...
    A hybrid bike mixes the skinnier tyres found on road bikes with the more comfortable upright seating position you get with a mountain bike. They are really designed to be used on tarmac so don’t suit rougher terrain. A hybrid bike is well suited to city riding and commuting. Choose this bike if... you do a lot of city riding on smooth tarmac and like a comfortable ride
  • Electric

    Suddenly that hill won’t be so tiring and you can get from A to B faster and easier than before...
    Electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that will assist you with your pedalling. They don’t let you sit back and do nothing! Suddenly that hill won’t be so tiring and you can get from A to B faster and easier than before. The bike will weigh more than a standard bike and aren’t easy to pedal if the battery runs out though, so they aren’t suitable for everyone. Make sure the range on the electric bike you choose is suitable for the journeys you intend to make. Choose this bike if... you would like a helping hand with the pedalling
  • Folding

    These bikes fold up to make them more portable. They are built to be compact and easy to carry...
    These bikes fold up to make them more portable. They are built to be compact and easy to carry when folded up. This often means that there are sacrifices made in other areas such as having smaller wheels and less rigidity than a ‘normal’ bike. Ideal if you want to be able to take your bike anywhere (well, most places) and some even come with carry cases for the ultimate in portability. Modern folding bikes often ride so nicely that you would think it’s just a normal bike. Choose this bike if… you need to take your bike on public transport or into offices
  • Fixie

    They offer better control of your speed if you are regularly speeding up and slowing down...
    Fixies are making a comeback in recent years. They have no freewheel so the back wheel only turns when you’re pedalling. There’s no coasting down hills with one of these. They offer better control of your speed if you are regularly speeding up and slowing down, and they are often used by bicycle couriers for this reason. Not for everyone but good for inner city riding, particularly if you cycle in and around heavy traffic. You can even cycle backwards, not that you’d probably want to. Choose this bike if... you like to be different and stand out from the crowd
  • BMX

    BMX bikes have small frames and small wheels designed to make tricks and jumps...
    BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross and is a sport in its own right. BMX bikes have small frames and small wheels designed to make tricks and jumps easier. They are great for what they are designed for and the city has loads of BMX parks to hone your skills on. They’re not so great for going very far as they have one low gear and a riding position that you won’t want to sit in for long. Choose this bike if... you want to give the BMX park a go