Guide to buying a bike

When choosing a bike to buy, it’s important to make sure it suits your needs. Consider what you want to use the bike for, when you will use it and how often you will use it.

Types of cycles

• Adapted cycles offer features to assist in mobility such as three wheels, or that can be operated by the arms or another person.
• For getting around Glasgow and commuting, you could choose a hybrid bike, or a relaxed and comfortable bike like a city or Dutch bike. Consider a folding bike if you need to store it easily or take mixed modes of transport.
• For road cycling, seek a road bike, which is lighter and built for speed and performance. Road bikes will have a range of gears for hilly routes.
• For off road cycling, look for a mountain bike (MTB). Strong, robust and with chunky tyres they are suitable for multiple terrains, including forest trails and single tracks.
• For children that can’t yet cycle, look at balance bikes. Balance bikes are usually aimed at children ages 2-5, but they can be used by older kids learning to cycle too.

Refurbished cycles

Many of Glasgow’s cycling organisations sell quality refurbished cycles, built from bike donations. The price of a refurbished adult bike typically starts at £80, with children’s bikes starting at £30. Refurbished bikes are also great for kids as you can donate them back to the charity once your child has grown out of it.

Some cycling organisations are accredited by Revolve, Scotland’s national accreditation for organisations that sell quality refurbished and reconditioned goods. Look for the Revolve logo.

By buying a refurbished bike you are preventing landfill and supporting a charity who is reinvesting profits into supporting more people to get cycling. It’s a win-win scenario!

Electric bikes

eBikes are a great way to break down some of the barriers to cycling. They are very versatile and come in all shapes and sizes. eBikes can help you cycle further for longer – and e-cargo bikes can help you transport children or goods!

Testing before you buy

It is important to test a bike before you buy to get a feel for how it rides, fits and suits your needs and circumstances. Most shops will allow you to test a bike in the local area. It is best to call in advance to ask if you need to take anything with you to take the bike out of the shop for a test ride.

There is the option to hire a bike, whether for a day, a week or longer, to get a feel for it.

Other equipment

• A helmet
• Gloves – preferably wind and waterproof to keep your hands warm and dry when it is dreich
• Lights – essential in the winter when the days are short or cycling at night
• A lock

Read our guide to safety and security for more about what to wear to be safe and how to securely lock your cycle.