Cycle Safety: Choosing the right bike for you
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When buying a new bicycle, there is a wide range to choose from, so it's worth considering how you intend to use it. Some bikes are designed specifically for certain uses, for example, off road or racing, while others are more adaptable to everyday use. The following summary of bike types and features will help you decide which style of bike is right for you. |
For more information contact 020 8547 5865 or email travel.awareness@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.
| Mountain bikes (MTB) | Originally designed for off-road cycling, the wide range of gears, suspension and good manoeuvrability have made these equally popular with urban riders. However, the knobbly tyres make pedalling harder, so it is advisable to fit city tyres ("slicks") if you rarely go off road. The riding position may not be as comfortable as a hybrid for everyday journeys and items such as mudguards and carrier racks will usually need to be fitted seperately. |
| Hybrids or city bikes | These have lighter, smoother tyres and a slightly modified MTB frame, with a more upright riding position especially adapted for urban cycling. They are often sold with mudguards and other utility fittings as standard. Hybrids can cope with a wide range of terrain and are a good option for everyday trips. They are of less use for sports or specialist cycling. |
| Road or racing bikes | Drop handlebars, light wheels and thin slick tyres make these the most efficient and fastest bikes for the road. However, they are more prone to punctures and do not cope well with poor surfacing. You may also find the riding position less comfortable than a hybrid for everyday journeys. |
| Folding bikes | These are specifically aimed at those who want to combine cycling with other modes of transport. They are ideal for bus or train commuters who want to cycle to and from the station. However, their small wheels and limited range of gears make them only really suitable for relatively short urban journeys (although true enthusiasts have been known to make long distance treks!). |
TIP: Try a friend's bike or ask your local bike shop for a test ride before you buy!
Once you have chosen the right bike for you, it's important you get the one with the correct frame size for your build and height, and then have it adjusted to suit you. Generally, the height of the frame should suit the length of your legs (so it's comfortable without having to raise the seat too far) and the length between the seat post and handlebars should fit your upper body size.
TIP: While many bikes are sold as unisex some manufacturers make versions designed especially for women which take into account the differences in build.
Adjusting the bike to suit you
The seats and handlebars of most bikes can be adjusted in a number of ways to suit the rider or type of riding. This will help improve your cycling experience and help avoid unnecessary aches and pains.
If you are buying a new bike, your bike shop will make the adjustments for you. If you've had your bike for a while, it's worth checking for the following:-
- Seat height: this should be set so that your leg is almost straight when you're sitting on the saddle with one heel on the pedal at its lowest point. Note, too low can be hard on the knees, too high can be bad for the lower back.
- Seat position: this can be adjusted forwards or backwards - as a general rule, your kneecap should be directly above the mid-point of the pedal when the pedal is at its furthest point forward.
- Saddle: The saddle should be level, or tilted forward very slightly for greater comfort.
- Handlebars: the reach, angle and height can all be adjusted either with a spanner or Allen key, or by changing the stem. A good cycle shop can help with this. It's worth remembering that a more upright riding position will help you look around more easily, either in traffic or just to enjoy the view.
With a properly sized and adjusted bike you will avoid discomfort and injury. However, you may need to persist with minor alterations until the bike fits perfectly or visit your bike shop for advice.