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Cycling is an alternative transport that can help save the environment, so there’s no better time to buy a bicycle. But what’s the best way to make sure your purchase is the right investment? Follow our guide; including how to ensure the bike you choose is protected with help from Direct Line Home Insurance Pedal Cycle Cover.
The basics
The bike you choose needs to stand up to the kind of cycling you will be doing. So if you just want to cycle to and from work on a city route, then a bike that’s suited to road cycling should be adequate for you. If you aim to use it to get out and about in the countryside, then a mountain bike might be a better option. If the bike is for city and country riding, it could be a hybrid that’s best.
However, if you want to take your two-wheeled revolution more seriously – perhaps even use it for professional or competitive purposes – then there is a range of specialist bikes and customisations you can choose to fit this bill (Please note that Direct Line Home Insurance does not cover bikes used for professional purposes or sports). There are also specially designed bikes for men, women and children geared towards size, body shape and that all-important colour choice!
A good place to start for advice is an impartial cycling website such as www.whycycle.co.uk. Look at their ‘Buying your bike’ guide and you’ll see that your bike-buying checklist should include:
- Looking for a bike that’s roadworthy, not a toy
- Buying from a retailer that you trust and like
- Deciding how much you want to spend
- Choosing a bike that’s suitable for the riding you want to do
- Understanding bike jargon before you buy
- Buying a bike that’s the right size
Which store?
You can buy a new bike from a non-bike store such as a department store, from a chain bike store, from an internet-only bike dealer or an independent bike store. Your place of purchase will probably depend on your needs but, generally speaking, non-bike stores usually lack professional expertise and often sell bikes that come in a box and have to be assembled at home. However, if there is a problem you can easily take your purchase back.
Bike stores in a chain can offer some of the most popular bikes but may be expensive. However, their staff should be trained to answer any queries you have, although this can vary from store to store, so don’t be afraid to shop around.
Independent bike stores are ideal for specialist bikes as they usually pay more attention to detail and can order parts in and often make up a bespoke bike for you; they are often staffed by keen cyclists, so the level of service you get should reflect this. Internet bike companies are growing in popularity, but remember you only get to see what you are buying online rather than in the flesh. Your bike will also need to be delivered so this can add to cost, time and potential problems.
Ask the experts
Bike stores may also display membership of a certain cycling body to help give you peace of mind about your purchase. These include the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), the Consortium of Bicycle Retailers (COBR), Cytech and Authorised Dealer of a particular brand, for example Raleigh.
While this does give you some assurance, it doesn’t always mean you are or are not getting the best deal – while holders of a Cytech certificate are top of the bunch (Cytech is an accreditation scheme for mechanics), the training required is expensive so some fantastic experts may not hold it.
By talking to a bike salesperson you should be able to get an idea of how much they know. And the more you know about gears, wheels, frame sizes and your bike ideals before you buy, the better you’ll be able to spot someone who is trying to pull the wool over your eyes! Good dealers should also be able to tell you about ongoing services such as repairs, maintenance and customisation that could help make your ride even smoother.
Buying second hand
Many people now choose to buy second hand, as a better way to get a good bike for less money. Second-hand sites include auction sites such as Ebay but also markets and second-hand bike shops. If you’re buying second-hand, the London Cycling Campaign offers some good advice that applies to bike purchases across the UK.
You should also be aware that some second-hand bikes may be stolen and by purchasing one of these, you are helping thieves to continue their operations. Indeed the next theft could be your bike, so try to avoid this if you can by avoiding hot spots (markets are often the worst) and checking for scratched-out ID tags.
For more details on how to keep your bike secure, check out our guide on ‘Keeping your bicycle safe’. You’ll see that investing in Direct Line Pedal Cycle Cover with our Home Insurance can be a way to give you some peace of mind in case it happens to you.
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