Cycling: Where do I start?

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Getting the right bike: For a little while now, cycling has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the UK. With British athletes on podiums worldwide, the spotlight has been shining on the sport, inspiring budding cyclists of all generations.

But as much as one doesn’t forget how to ride a bicycle, getting started isn’t always as simple as hopping on. With so much confusing lingo and bicycles ranging from a few hundred pounds to literally thousands, getting the right kit for the right experience is essential to unlocking your cycling bliss!

So here’s a simple guide to choosing the right steed:

Ask yourself what you want to do? Your hubby might be one of the road-mad, lycra wearing individuals congregating around Richmond park or at the top of Box Hill, your friend at work might be hitting the trails on the latest full suspension machine, but take a moment to focus on the one who will be riding: That’s you!

Think of it as spectrum with road racing and downhill mountain biking as extremes and then everything else inbetween. As you place yourself on the chart of the kind of riding you want to do, the bike frame and components will change to better suit your needs. Something to understand is that the more you verge towards the extremes the more expensive your bicycle will be as it will need to be more technical.

The Road Bike:

Model Shown: Specialized Dolce Sport £750.00

Built for speed the road bike should be light weight with drop handlebars to give you an aerodynamic position and maximum power in your legs.

Frame: Aluminium or Carbon for lighter weight
Handlebars: Drops for lower position
Brakes: Rim breaks for weight or disc for efficiency
Pedals: SPD SL clip in pedals for power
Wheels and tyres: Narrow and light weight for speed
Clothing option: Tight jersey and padded shorts for aerodynamics and long distance comfort

The commuter hybrid:

Model Shown: Specialized Vita Sport £500

Built for reliability and speed the commuter hybrid is designed to get you to your destination safely and quickly. This bike category is great for short and fast distances where you might need to hop on and off frequently. This bike is also perfect for the woman looking to get into cycling to increase her fitness level.

Frame: Aluminium or Carbon for weight
Handlebars: Flat for increased control
Brakes: Rim break for weight or disk for safety (you can brake faster and sharper with disk brakes)
Pedals: Flat so you can easily put your foot down at traffic lights
Wheels and tyres: Mid-weight for reliability and increased puncture resistance
Clothing option: Casual comfortable, high-vis for safety

The All-Terrain Off-Road bike:

Model Shown: Specialized Myka Disk 650B £400

Don’t be confused by the title the All-Terrain bike is not for every terrain and will definitely not do on steep downhill tracks or long distance riding. This bike category is perfect for recreational use and enjoying going on easy trails with the family.

Frame: Aluminium for durability
Handlebars: Flat for manoeuvrability
Brakes: Disk for safety
Pedals: Flat so you can easily put your foot down
Wheels and tyres: 650B wheels (27.5’’) for manoeuvrability, heavier tyres with tread to be stable on the trails
Clothing option: Loose shorts with padded liner and quick dry top

The Mountain Bike:

Model Shown: Specialized Rumor 650b £1600

The mountain bike is designed for comfort and precision off road and is the perfect companion for the adventurous rider. Ideal for uphill trail climbs as well as more challenging downhill tracks, the mountain bike will allow you to explore your surrounding and beyond.

Frame: Aluminium for durability or carbon for lighter weight
Handlebars: Flat for manoeuvrability
Brakes: Disk for safety
Pedals: Clipped in SPD for power and control or flat so you can easily put your foot down
Wheels and tyres: 650B wheels (27.5’’) for manoeuvrability, 6fattie for more grip and 29’’ for speed, heavier tyres with tread to be stable on the trails
Clothing option: Loose shorts with padded liner and quick dry top

If you want to find out more information on how to get into cycling, local dealers and local training events sign-up to Specialized newsletter at https://www.specialized.com

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