Choosing a Bike
Think about the sort of riding you want to do, will you grow as a rider or compete?
What do your mates ride, if you cycle with a group of riders buy something similar
to what they have – that way you can keep up with the kind of riding your group
does. What have you liked and disliked about other bikes you have owned, how much
can you spend and would you get a loan to buy your new bike.
Road bikes are quick and smooth on good roads but not good for any sort of off road
riding. Try out the riding position on road bikes before buying to make sure you’re
comfortable riding, usually for a long time, in a bit of a stretched out position.
Mountain bikes are not so quick on the road but are robust go anywhere bikes designed
for a variety of ride styles. You ride more upright and on just about any surface
with the help of front and rear suspension and wide knobbly tyres. If it's the great
outdoors for you then a Mountain Bike is the way to go.
Comfort bikes are in between MTB’s and Road bikes making them faster than mountain
bikes on the road. Fitted with front and seat suspension these bikes are comfortable
to ride. Brilliant for riding on good sealed roads, cruising to work or going down
to the shops. Off road riding should be kept to light use only.
BMX bikes are solely for hanging it out off jumps and off whopping great mounds
of dirt and Kids bikes are for ages up to about twelve or so then it is worth taking
a look at small size adult range bikes -starting with a bike set as small as it
safely goes at first means they can grow into the bike.
Kid's Cycle Helmet Safety
Ensure that you don't strap too tight as they tend to get tighter as you ride this
may be uncomfortable for your child putting them off using it. The side straps should
pass next to, but not over, the ears with the buckles resting just below the ears.
Kids often tilt their helmets back, when putting them on, exposing the forehead
so check the helmet is resting squarely on your child’s head. Show them the correct
helmet position, perhaps in front of a mirror - we think it's a good habit for
them to have from the outset. It's really easy to pinch the skin under the chin
when helping your child to put on their helmet, it hurts like crazy so take great
care not to as this really bugs kids!