Cycling

Shop local

Online deals may look appealing but your local bike shop will be able to offer tailored advice on bike size and fitting.

When your bike eventually needs servicing the local shop will be your first point of call so it is worth getting to know them from the start.

Right tools for the job

There are many types of bikes and a wide variety of uses they can be put to.

You should be clear about what you want to do with your bike and the local bike shop will be able to help you choose.

Most bikes are versatile enough to be used in a variety of situations but thinking about what you want to do with your bike will help narrow down the choice.

Budget

'You get what you pay for' is often true when it comes to bikes.

A reliable new bike that will last and be comfortable to use can be bought for about £200. You can spend more money to get lighter, better engineered or more specialist components.

Second-hand bikes are available from many bike shops and online. A bike shop will know where the bike has come from and may have serviced it as well.

If buying online, be aware that you are buying the bike 'as seen' and always check the frame number at BikeRegister and Immobilise to make sure the seller owns the bike.

Accessories

There are a great many products aimed at cyclists not all of which are essential. Here is a short list of the most useful accessories:

• lights - it is a legal requirement at night to use white lights in front and red lights at the rear 
• trouser clips to keep your trousers clean and prevent them from getting caught in the chain or pedals, which can cause a fall 
• mud guards to keep your clothes clean 
• chain guard to cover the chain so you do not need trouser clips (a standard part on traditional bikes but available as an add-on too)
• rack and panniers to carry your things on the back of the bike instead of on your shoulders – it is more comfortable and you can carry more 

Clothing

No special clothing is required to ride a bike. Comfortable clothes are fine.
Anything you wear that could get caught in the chain or wheels of a bike needs to be tucked in or tied away.
You should invest in a set of inexpensive waterproof/breathable over-trousers and top. There are also rain capes that are popular with many people. Of course, if it does rain you can stop for a coffee and cake until it passes. 

Helmet

If you choose to wear a helmet it is essential that it fits correctly and that the straps and buckles are adjusted correctly. This means it must cover your forehead and not move about. The chinstrap should snugly accommodate two fingers between the buckle and your chin.
A badly fitted helmet will offer almost no benefit and may introduce its own risks. Helmets should conform to British Standards BS EN 1078:1997