Start With What You Have
Most new members already own a bike—whether it’s a basic hybrid, an old mountain bike, or a budget-friendly road bike. There’s no need to upgrade immediately. Stick with the bike you’re familiar with for your first few club rides. Just make sure it’s mechanically sound: check the brakes, gears, tyres, and ensure everything is well-lubricated and functioning properly.
Before your first group ride:
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Ride your bike regularly to build confidence.
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Ask clubmates for tips on saddle height, riding position, and general maintenance.
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Consider a quick safety check or tune-up at your local bike shop.
When You’re Ready to Upgrade
After a few weeks of regular riding, you’ll have a clearer idea of what type of cycling you enjoy—whether it’s road cycling, commuting, touring, gravel, or even racing. That’s when you can start thinking about a more specific type of bike to suit your goals.
When you’re ready:
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Visit local bike shops to test different styles and sizes.
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Bring along an experienced club member if you can—they’ll help ask the right questions.
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Compare prices online but be mindful that proper bike fitting and aftercare are worth paying a little more for locally.
Choosing the Right Type of Bike
Here are some of the main options to consider:
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Road Bikes – Lightweight and built for speed on tarmac. Great for club rides and sportives.
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Gravel Bikes – Versatile for both on- and off-road routes, ideal for UK lanes and trails.
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Mountain Bikes – Designed for rough terrain, not ideal for road group rides.
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Hybrid Bikes – A mix of road and mountain bike features; good for commuting and casual cycling.
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Touring Bikes – Strong and comfortable for long distances with pannier racks and stable geometry.
Consider Your Budget
Prices vary from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Entry-level road bikes can start around £600–£800 and go up from there. Leave room in your budget for essential accessories:
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Helmet
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Mudguards
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Lights
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Lock
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Mini-pump & multitool
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Water bottles & cages
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Cycling computer or GPS (like a Wahoo or Garmin)
Fit Matters More Than You Think
Regardless of budget, the most important factor is that the bike fits you properly. An ill-fitting bike can lead to discomfort or even injury. Many reputable bike shops offer professional bike fitting services, which can make a huge difference in your performance and enjoyment.
Don’t buy any bike without riding it first—even a short test ride can tell you a lot about fit and comfort.
Frame Materials: What’s Best?
The frame is the heart of your bike. Here’s a quick overview of popular materials:
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Aluminium – Lightweight, affordable, and common in entry-level bikes.
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Carbon Fibre – Very light and stiff; preferred for racing and performance.
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Steel – Strong, durable, and comfortable; great for touring or long-distance riding.
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Titanium – Premium quality, lightweight, and long-lasting, but pricey.
Each material has a different feel and trade-off between weight, comfort, and cost.
Components & Extras
Other important choices include:
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Wheels & Tyres – Lighter wheels improve speed, but durability matters for everyday use.
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Gearing – Choose based on terrain. More gears are useful for hilly areas.
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Brakes – Disc brakes are now standard for better stopping power in all weather.
Don’t forget high-visibility clothing and lights—visibility and safety should always be a priority, especially on winter rides.
And Finally… It’s OK to Want It to Look Good
Let’s face it—part of the fun is showing off your shiny new ride on the club run. Choose a colour and style that you love. You’ll be more excited to get out and ride it.