16 Of The Best Bikes To Buy
BEST AFFORDABLE BIKES
Bobbin Bikes Noodle, £495
Don’t let your wallet get between you and the open road. With a sleek steel frame, eight-speed gears and 700c wheels, this classic-looking bike will move you around with ease.
Available at BobbinBikes.com
Gazelle Van Stael, from £749
This stylish town bike from Dutch brand Gazelle is a winning combination of retro styling and modern technology. It comes with full mudguards, low-maintenance hub gears, a smart Brooks saddle and one very loud bell.
Available at GazelleBikes.com
Giant Bicycles Escape 3, £399
Boasting a lightweight aluminium frame and upright positioning, this affordable bike is suitable for city streets and country roads alike. Full marks for the puncture-resistant tyres – guaranteed to keep you going on more adventurous rides.
Available at Giant-Bicycles.com
Temple Classic Singlespeed, from £615
Made to order in Bristol, Temple cycles are modern classics. Entirely customisable, they offer single-speed gearing to keep maintenance levels low. This is a light and practical ride that won’t disappoint.
Available at TempleCycles.co.uk
BEST URBAN BIKES
Cannondale Synapse AL 105, £1,200
Suitable for daily commutes as well as longer weekend rides, this popular model offers a more upright position that’ll help you cycle faster and longer. Clever micro-suspension technology will protect you from bumps in the road.
Available at EvansCycles.com
Pashley Clubman, £1,095
Made for reliable and agile city cycling, the Pashley Clubman matches a simple aesthetic to some neat design. With shallow drop racing bars for aerodynamic riding, three gears and double-wall alloy rims for a lighter, more resilient wheel, it’s a smart choice.
Available at Pashley.co.uk
Temple Cycles Classic Lightweight, £775
Weighing in at just 10kg, the nine-speed Temple Classic comes with a chic Reynolds steel frame, a pearly powder-coat finish and top-quality alloy parts throughout. Ideal for long day rides and light touring.
Available at TempleCycles.co.uk
Whyte Bikes Shoreditch, £699
Named after East London’s bike theft hotspot, if you can hang onto this bike you’ll be in for a treat. A light frame keeps the overall weight down, while bump-dampening tyres and an ultra-wide, single-ring drivetrain mean it’s happy tackling mixed terrain.
Available at Whyte.com
BEST ELECTRIC BIKES
Brompton M6L 6 Speed Electric Bike, £2,715
Providing a much-needed boost on long work commutes, this folding bike can be charged safely inside your hallway or workplace. Small wheels mean fast acceleration and increased manoeuvrability through busy streets.
Available at Brompton.com
Canyon Endurance-ON 7.0, £2,799
This electric road racer gets our vote for fusing comfort and functionality. Well suited to long distances, it provides a seamless, sturdy ride and has three power settings, giving you extra watts with the click of a button.
Available at Canyon.com
Canyon Roadlite-ON, £3,499
At just 15kg, this super-light electric bike has the sporty feel of a fitness bike, making it ideal for workouts, quick commutes and leisure rides. The hi-tech motor will keep you cruising at a steady 25kph.
Available at Canyon.com
Giant Bicycles Entour E+1 Electric Bike, £2,099
Aimed at urban and recreational riders, this industry favourite uses intelligent technology to provide just the right amount of support needed for a comfortable ride. Unlike other brands, Giant also offers the chance to try before you buy.
Available at Giant-Bicycles.com
BEST FOR FITNESS
Temple Cycles Adventure Disc, £1,795
Two years in the making, this adventure bike is built to handle rough terrain and keep pace on tarmac. Pricey it may be, but its anti-rust coating gives extra durability while the wheels are handcrafted by a local specialist.
Available at TempleCycles.co.uk
Giant Contend 1, £749
Developed for aspiring riders looking to elevate their experience on the road, this sleekly designed bike will help you push the pace and ride more miles. Its innovative D-Fuse seat post helps reduce road shocks while an aluminium frame delivers efficient climbing and snappy acceleration.
Available at Giant-Bicycles.com
Giant Trinity Advanced Pro 2, £2,999
The expert’s choice, this bike was built for top-level athletes. An aero machine with an appetite for speed, it comes as a race-ready package that won’t disappoint.
Available at Giant-Bicycles.com
Pinnacle Ramin X 2020 Mountain Bike, £775
Whether it’s an endurance feat over the Himalayas or a Saturday spent exploring more local trails, this industry-favourite mountain bike from Evans Cycles has you covered.
Available at EvansCycles.com
HOW TO BUY THE RIGHT BIKE
Ready to get going? Cycling and triathlon coach Matt Bottrill shares his top tips for identifying the ride that will work best for you…
Think About Your Needs
Be clear about the sort of riding and terrain you want to tackle on your bike and consider the amount of time you want to spend in the saddle. Seek advice from an expert if you’re buying your first bike – I would recommend getting in touch with your local independent bicycle retailer so they can guide you towards the correct bike for your individual needs. Lots of brands also have great websites that support you through the shopping experience with online guides.
Get The Right Size
I can’t stress the importance of getting sized correctly. A wrong-fitting bike can result in a negative cycling experience and potential injury. You want to feel in complete control, with a comfortable hand position on the bars and easy reach of the brakes. Liv Cycling has a helpful fit guide to support consumers on sizing for different models.
Learn The Gears
The gears on a bike help to tackle varying terrain. Learning how to shift may seem basic, but gearing practice and shifting efficiently is something even veteran riders can work on. Proper gearing will improve your speed and make your ride more efficient. It can also increase your endurance on longer rides.
Think About Upkeep
It’s important to get your bike serviced regularly. This is an investment in your on-road and personal safety. This can cost around £30 a month, depending what needs doing to your bike.
Don’t Dismiss Electric Bikes
E-bikes are suitable for everyone, no matter your level of fitness – they’re all about getting places faster, and they’re super fun to ride. When looking for an electric bike, focus on the motor and battery as these are the key features that give you the benefit when riding.
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