BUYING

WHERE TO BUY A BIKE

Should you shop locally, choose a big chain or buy online?

SO, IF YOU’VE read our guide to choosing a bike you’ll have a good idea of which kind will suit you. The next step is to buy one.

The local bike shop is the obvious place to start, but there are other choices. You may have to travel further than the nearest high street, but one of the big chains like Evans Cycles or Halfords will have a wide choice, plenty of bikes in stock and some exclusive brands you won’t be able to find elsewhere.

Then again, you don’t need to travel at all when there are so many internet-based companies who will deliver to your door. And with bargain bikes on sale from supermarkets, you could pick up your new bicycle while doing the weekly shop.

This is assuming you want a new bike. Shopping on the second-hand market will make your money go further, although it pays to make sure the seller is legit and the bike is in good working order before handing over any cash.

TO BUY A BIKE

TOP TIP

When comparing internet prices with what your local bike shop would charge, keep in mind that a shop may offer free servicing or discounts on parts and accessories.

TOP TIP

Explain what kind of riding you’ll be doing to help the bike shop find something suitable. Look at several bikes to get a feel for which one is best for you and don’t rush to a decision.

LOCAL BIKE SHOP

1Wherever you live, you’re never too far from your local bike shop. Without a big name over the door, local shops rely on word of mouth and keeping their existing customers happy, so as a rule you should enjoy good service. Expect to find a good choice of major cycling brands with examples of many types of bike in stock. A local shop will make sure your bike fits properly, and is a convenient option for servicing and advice. ✓ PROS Convenient; expert; wide choice ✗ CONS May not be as cheap as online

ONLINE

3You can avoid going to a bike shop at all by shopping online. The likes of Chain Reaction Cycles and Wiggle sell exclusively over the internet, but plenty of local bike shops and big chains have an online presence. The internet specialists offer great value, and most bikes are delivered with very little assembly required. There’s no chance ofa test ride, although the law gives you 14 days to try out an internet purchase. Some companies offer longer return periods. ✓ Pros Keen prices; plenty of choice ✗ Cons No face-to-face contact

THE BIG CHAINS

2While the traditional local bike shop can be small with bikes crammed into every corner, the big chain stores are often more like car showrooms with plenty of space. Some big bike shops have exclusive, celebrity-backed brands you can’t find elsewhere. However, you may have to travel further than your local high street to visit one of the big chains. ✓ Pros Plenty of choice; some exclusive brands; special offers ✗ Cons Some chain stores miss the personal touch; may need to travel

SUPERMARKETS

4What could be easier than picking up a bike when you next pop in for a pint of milk? Several supermarkets offer bikes at rock-bottom prices. However, the bike will come in a box and you’ll need to do some assembly yourself when you get the bike home. This style of cut-price bicycle doesn’t have a strong reputation for quality. You could pick up a bargain, or you could end up with a poor bike you’ll soon want to replace. ✓ Pros Very low prices; convenient ✗ Cons Self assembly required

SECOND-HAND, NOT SECOND BEST

Auction sites like eBay are full of second-hand bikes Buying a used bike can be a great way to save money, or to buy a better bike for the same cash – so long as you take a few precautions. The two obvious pitfalls are buying a stolen bike, or one that’s in poor mechanical condition.

Of the two, a bike that’s seen better days is fairly easy to spot. Take a test ride so you can feel if the brakes work badly, the gears won’t shift, or anything seems loose. Look out for frayed cables, worn brake blocks or wobbly wheels.

A stolen bike is less obvious. Ask plenty of questions about the bike and be wary if the seller seems unfamiliar with it. Look for any registration mark which you can check against a national database like www. bikeregister.com, and ask the seller for proof of ownership.

CHOOSE CAREFULLY

Before you set foot in the bike shop, it makes sense to have a good idea of the kind of bike you need. (Our guide to the different kinds of bikes should help: see page 12.)

A good bike shop will help narrow down your choices, asking about the kind of riding you plan to do and how much you are looking to spend. With this info in mind expect the shop to suggest two or three suitable bikes. Always ask for a test ride to help you make up your mind. Most shops will be happy for you to try out a bike provided they have credit card details to act as security. Try to ride the bike on roads or tracks similar to those where you’ll do most of your riding.

If shopping online, use customer reviews to help narrow down your shortlist, and always check the company’s policy on returns.