Cycling is a great all year sport, so if you are just starting to take up the hobby you won’t be disappointed. We’ve put together this handy cycling guide to help you on your cycling journey so sit back and discover the right bike for you.
For those more experienced cyclists, take a look at our list of bike shops and discover which is best for the type of bike you’re after.
We know bikes and all the equipment that comes with them can be expensive so check out our deals page to see if you can knock something off your price tag. Don’t forget to head to our cycling clothing page if you’re looking to pick up a new outfit.
Best online cycling retailers
Even if you know exactly what you need, you might need help finding the best online shops for your needs. Check out our recommendations below.
1. Hargroves Cycles Hargroves Cycles offer a variety of bicycles and cycle equipment at a competitive price.
Award winning, Hargroves Cycles offers high quality brands at an affordable price tag. They offer road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid/commuter bikes, kids bikes and more.
2. Probikekit Probikekit is a must-know site for cyclists, they offer a range cycling gear and equipment.
Whether you are just starting out or you have been around the block a few thousand times ProBikeKit has something for you. They offer customers cycling clothing, components, accessories, nutrition and technology.
3. Ribble Ribble is dedicated to designing, manufacturing and selling bicycles to the highest standard.
Each Ribble bike sold is hand-assembled in Britain. They also stock clothing, accessories and equipment from a range of brands, all at affordable prices. They offer road bikes, cyclocross bikes, triathlon bikes and urban bikes for their customers.
Design your own bike
For all orders above £49.99 standard delivery is free
4. Chain Reaction Cycles Chain Reaction Cycles is a one-stop destination for bicycles, spare parts, clothing and accessories.
A one-stop destination for bicycles, spare parts, clothing and accessories. Chain Reaction Cycles support team ensures you get the right product for you. They offer their customers road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, kids bikes and more.
5. Rutland Cycling Rutland Cycling offer bikes from top brands, a range of cycling clothing and equipment.
Rutland Cycling stocks top bike brands, including Giant, Liv, Specialized, Trek, SCOTT, Cube and Cannondale. They offer customers a range of road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes, folding bikes and more.
6. Evans Cycles Evans Cycles has a long history of providing high quality bikes for customers across the UK.
Evans Cycles offers a great range of bikes, clothing and accessories, as well as loads of parts and components to keep your bike in tip-top condition. The bikes they offer include road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, folding bikes and electric bikes.
7. Cycle Surgery Cycle Surgery offer a great range of top brands and bikes great for all types of cyclists.
Cycle Surgery holds a strong position in the cycling market, with 30 stores nationwide offering top brands. They stock road bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes, kids bikes, folding bikes and electric bikes.
8. AW Cycles AW Cycles has been serving cyclists since 1994.
Road bikes, mountain bikes, E-Bikes, commuting bikes, leisure and kid’s bikes. From the occasional joy rider to the pro-level athlete, AW Cycles has something for everyone.
9. Wiggle Wiggle has been providing bikes for cyclists since the 1920s.
Wiggle's core philosophy is that being active outdoors is great and the site stocks everything you need for your cycling experience. They offer road bikes, mountain bikes, urban bikes, electric bikes and more.
10. Tredz Tredz stocks over 500 brands and a range of cycling equipment for customers.
Tredz offer UK cyclists everything from road bikes to the latest fitness technology. They also offer a great range of clothing and accessories including all the protective gear you'll need for a safe ride.
If you’re thinking of making cycling a regular occurrence, you’ll want to purchase the right bike for you and your needs. In short, there are four types of bikes you’ll be looking at: road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and kids bikes.
Road bikes: These bikes have thin frames and tyres and are ideal for riding smooth, paved surfaces. If your plan is to ride to work, the shops, or around your local park, then this is what you’ll be looking for. They’re also the bike of choice for touring and racing.
Mountain bikes: Designed for off-road riding, mountain bikes have a sturdier frame and thicker tyres than road bikes. These tyres are knobbly, so they can manipulate the harsh terrain you’ll be encountering, like dirt, gravel, and steep rocky paths. They also have suspension in the front to absorb the impact of bumps (though you can purchase a no-suspension mountain bike if you desire).
BMX bikes: Fond of hanging around skate parks? Prefer tricks and dips over roads and trails? Then this is the one for you. BMX bikes are sturdy with thick, lightweight tyres and frames, allowing for jumps and tricks.
Kids bikes: Pretty self explanatory, children’s bikes are smaller in size than their adult counterparts and are robust enough to cater for learners. For this reason, they’re designed to be ridden on smooth, paved surfaces.
In order to boost your performance and comfort whilst cycling, you should also think about getting your bike professionally fitted for your height and leg length.
Cycling Weekly’s Best Road Bike Award
Sealskinz All Weather Cycle Gloves from Wiggle
These all weather cycle specific gloves are completely waterproof and windproof, comfortable and breathable, with pressure point padding and box finger construction.
They also have a touchscreen feature on the thumb and index finger so you can avoid taking them off during a ride.
Sportiva Womens Carbon 105 Special Edition from Ribble
The Carbon 105 id designed with female specific geometry to enhance control and confidence for any ride or distance.
The bike is fitted with the ever-popular Shimano 105 11 speed gearset which offers excellent crisp gear shifting.
Voted ‘Best in Test’ by Cycling Weekly for Best Road Bikes under £1,000.
The R872 105 Special Edition has a combination of a full carbon race frame, a full Shimano 105 groupset and Fulcrum Racing Sport Wheels, all for less than £1,000! Now in Black and Silver.
Save £400 on this Special Edition bike from Ribble cycles
The Shimano’s high performance Ultegra gearset is paired with the R872’s stiff and well balanced full carbon frameset, making it light weight for your benefit.
If you’re planning on commuting in your new gear, check with your employer to see if you’re eligible to participate in the government’s cycle to work scheme. Take a look at our page on cycle to work schemes for more information.
Best online cycling clothing retailers
Get it cheaper! Use a discount code to save money off your buy, or take advantage of an epic sale. Hurry – these never last long!
Chain Reaction Cycles
Save £40 when you spend £150
Get ready for Christmas! Spend £100 on your new outfit from MTB at Chain Reaction. Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to a perfect gift. T&Cs apply
Christmas is around the corner! Spend £100 or more on the new season MTB clothing at Chain Reaction Cycles and get £25 off your order with this discount code! T&Cs apply
With Cycle Surgery you know you're getting the best price! If you find a better price somewhere else, Cycle Surgery will happily match it for you! T&Cs apply
Searching for a bargain from Evans Cycles? Explore this clearance sale and choose from all their latest and greatest deals rounded up in one place! T&Cs apply.
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