Best Budget Mountain Bikes under £500 in 2023

Best Budget Mountain Bikes under £500 in 2023

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Adult bikes, Kids bikes

Mountain biking is an exhilarating and adventurous way to explore the outdoors. It’s also a sport that can often be quite the investment! High-end mountain bikes can cost thousands of pounds, making it seem like an inaccessible hobby for some. However, fear not! There are plenty of budget-friendly options available that will still provide an excellent riding experience. In this blog, we’ll explore the best budget mountain bikes under £500 available from Cycle King & Hawk Cycles.

 

TYPES OF MOUNTAIN BIKES:

Rigid: These have no suspension and are good for day-to-day cycling. They’re especially good for those of you who are new to cycling, as they require minimal maintenance.

Hardtail: These have a front suspension allowing for absorption of bumps in the track. We recommend these for those starting out in off-road cycling. They don’t require lots of maintenance but do ensure comfort in your ride.

Full suspension: These are fully equipped with front and rear suspension, and are perfect for anyone who loves a thrill and adventure. If most of your riding will be off-road, these are the best for you.

 

ASPECTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN BUYING A MOUNTAIN BIKE: 

Frame materials: Most budget mountain bikes feature aluminium frames. Which means they are lightweight, durable, and comfortable to ride.

Suspension: Rigid and Hardtail bikes are usually more affordable and suitable for lighter trails.

Wheel size: The most common wheel sizes for mountain bikes include 26”, 27.5” and 29”. They all come with an array of advantages, so if you’re unsure which is right for you, get in touch with your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles’ store.

    • If your main use will be short, fast-flowing trails, 26” wheels are best for you. They’re often lighter and offer better acceleration.
    • Alternatively, for a faster, strong and more comfortable ride, opt for 27.5” wheels.
    • For sturdier wheels, the 29” size will support you better over rough terrains.

Gears: Mountain bikes can have single, double, or triple chainring setups. A single chainring system is simpler and more common in budget-friendly bikes.

Our Top Picks

PRICES  CORRECT AS OF 03/11/2023. PLEASE CLICK BIKE TO SEE CURRENT PRICE.

GT Palomar Mountain Bike Gunmetal Grey – WAS £425, NOW £297.50 (SALE ENDS SOON)

Whether you’re riding on bike paths, dirt tracks or just around the block, the GT Palomar is the perfect hardtail for any cyclist! It’s made from an aluminium frame, meaning it’s lightweight and easy to transport.

 

 

Ammaco Montana 29″ Wheel Mountain Bike Grey –  WAS £429.99, NOW £269.99 (SALE ENDS SOON)

Perfect for the off-roading–enthusiast. The Ammaco Montana is equipped with 29” wheels, ensuring that can experience a smooth and steady ride across those trails.  The bike also features powerful disc brakes, front suspension forks and shimano revoshift 21 speed gears! With this bike, you’re completely in control of your ride.

Ammaco Santos 26″ Wheel Mountain Bike – WAS £379.99, NOW £259.99 (SALE ENDS SOON)

The Santos bike is perfect for light trails and day-to-day cycling. It features a lightweight aluminium frame, wide mountain bike tyres, double wall alloy rims and a powerful v type brake system. You’ll be riding in style!

 

Barracuda Draco 100 mountain bike – WAS £240, NOW £199.99 (SALE ENDS SOON)

The Draco is an amazing budget mountain bike! With mountain bike style solid geometry, front suspension forks, 18 speed running gears and powerful v-brakes – you won’t be missing out on any of the thrills!

 

 

Mountain biking doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, and is in fact, available to everyone! Our everyday low prices mean that we can provide bikes without breaking the bank. You can browse our selection of mountain bikes here. With a range of options, you could be riding your dream mountain bike in a matter of hours! Choose click and collect or home delivery or visit us in one of our stores where our friendly staff will help you find your perfect bike.

 

Prices correct as of 03/11/2023.

Christmas gifts for cyclists

Christmas gifts for cyclists

by | Oct 2, 2023 | Adult bikes, Cycling advice & tips, Kids bikes

Choosing the right Christmas gift can be tricky, and it’s even harder when your loved ones are all out of ideas! Whether you’re looking for the perfect Secret Santa present, or a cycling gift to surprise that special someone, our gift guide is sure to help. We’ve rounded up our top cycling gifts and stocking fillers, the best bikes for surprising your kids this Christmas, and a guide to our top picks of Men’s and Women’s bikes and e-bikes for an adventure filled 2024.

Cycling stocking fillers & Christmas gifts

If you’re looking for gift ideas for your loved ones or struggling to find the perfect gift for a cycling enthusiast who has everything, fear not. There are plenty of accessories and additions that we’re sure they’ll love, which will make the perfect stocking fillers this Christmas.

Helmets

Wearing a helmet is a key part of safe cycling, which is why this is a great gift to protect your loved ones this Christmas. It’s important that a cycling helmet is well fitted. If you are unsure about sizing, our expert in-store team can offer advice as to the most suitable size. Feel free to visit us in store for more information.

Oxford F15 Helmet in Blue

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Oxford Urban BMX 53-59cm Green

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Clothing

Whether you are buying for a stylish cyclist, or someone looking for comfort and safety, specialist cycling clothing can make an ideal gift. For those who cycle regularly, base layers and cycling trousers offer warmth and protection from the bad weather. Cycling jackets and sunglasses are both practical and stylish, and our range of reflective and hi-vis cycling clothing are perfect for those dark winter days and worthwhile buys for any commuter.

Our top picks for cycling wear:

Giant cycling long sleeve Jersey

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Lycra cycling shorts coolmax padding

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M-WAVE rayon sunglasses grey

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Pumps & Accessories

For the avid cyclist, a CO2 cylinder refill or and compact hand pump is an essential tool to have on-hand should they get a flat tyre. Our top picks include:

Genuine innovations small saddle bag tyre inflation CO2 kit
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Raleigh travel workshop kit

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Locks

For cyclists at any level, a secure bike lock is sure to be a useful and practical gift. There are many different varieties, such as cable, hoop, and U-locks to name a few, which all offer different storage and compatibility options. View the full range of bike locks here or check out our top picks:

Oxford hoop 4 cable lock 4mm x 600mm red
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Oxford sentinel plus 14mm X 320mm U-lock in black

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Water bottles

Water bottles and bottle racks can be an ideal stocking filler, whether you’re looking for a more stylish upgrade, or simply a replacement for a well-used bottle, we have a wide range of styles to choose from. View the full range here, or check out our top picks below:

XLC BC-S06 side loading bottle cage

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Zefal sense soft 80 bottle 800ml black

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Kids’ accessories

There are plenty of add-ons to kids’ bikes that any little elf would love for Christmas. Why not gift a fun addition to a kids bike, such as a bike bell or horn, or even one of our special electric varieties which make 3 different sounds.

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If their stuffed animals like to come along for the ride, a cute seat for their little friends would make for a really nice addition to their bike. Imagine the fun they’d get out of going on an adventure with their favourite toys this Christmas. View our full range of kids bike accessories here.

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For the loved one who has everything

If you’re still not certain as to what would be the perfect gift for Christmas, then maybe a gift voucher is the way to go. Pick the value of your gift card from £10, £20, and £50 vouchers, redeemable both in-store and online.

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The best kids’ bikes for Christmas

Balance Bikes (£39.99 – £119.99)

If you’re buying for a young child (2 – 4 years old), a balance bike is sure to light up their Christmas morning. The perfect “first bike”, balance bikes are great for toddlers, as they are a great way of getting them ready to move onto a peddle bike once they get a bit bigger. You can view our full range of balance bikes here – Our top picks for balance bikes are:

Hawk scoot balance bike green

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Ammaco flow magnesium balance bike

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Scooters 
(£39.99 – £169.99)

We stock big wheel and mini scooters that are sure to encourage any child to get outside and explore. From brushing up on pro tricks, to cruising around the park, a scooter is sure to bring a lot of fun throughout the year. Check out our full range of big-wheel and mini scooters here.

Our top picks for this Christmas are:

Sullivan lean and glide tri scooter rocket fuel

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Professional scoot-x 10 inch wheel scooter orange

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Invert supreme 1-7-12 stunt scooter black/neon purple

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Boys’ and Girls’ bikes (£89.99+)

From cycling to school, to family bike rides and adventures with friends, a new bike is sure to keep them fit and healthy whilst having fun! Suitable for 4 to 10 years+, we have a great selection of kids’ bikes for both boys’ and girls’ that are sure to delight and bring joy this Christmas. Our top picks are below:

Salcano Cherry girls bike 16 inch (suitable for 5-6 years)

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Professional Rock Face 20 inch bike (suitable for 7 years+)

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Top Men’s bikes for 2024

Ammaco Axxis Mountain Bike

The Ammaco Axxis is perfect for those looking for an easy-to-ride bike. The single speed feature means you can simply get your helmet and go. The bike also offers all standard mountain bike features such as good suspension, a nifty kickstand, and disc brakes.

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Salcano XRS077 Road Sports Bike Green

If your loved one is more of a road bike enthusiast, the Salcano XRS077 is a great choice. Coming equipped with 14 speeds, this incredibly versatile bike is great for exploring.

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Chill-e Low Step Folding Electric Bike Orange

A good bike for commuting is essential, so why not add some oomph with an electric folding bike. A folding electric bike is perfect for saving space and energy, making the daily commute that little bit easier.

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Top Women’s bikes for 2024

Worchester Lifestyle Bike Mint Green

The Worchester lifestyle bike is perfect for leisurely rides, combining comfort and effortless style. From visiting the seaside and cycling along the front, to taking a leisurely ride around town, this bike ticks all the boxes. The front basket and pannier rack are handy additions, too. University students really gravitate towards this bike for the style and convenience it offers.

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Ammaco pathway X1 sports hybrid bike grey

If you’re looking for an all-rounder, the Ammaco Pathway is a fantastic investment. This sports hybrid bike is ideal for road cycling and mountain biking, perfect for a simple commute or for getting muddy in woodland bike tracks!

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Ampere tourer s electrical bike teal

This bike’s very powerful motor certainly can deliver, with a range of up to 75 miles on a single charge. In addition, the whole frame is very lightweight coming in at 22kg – it’s sure to provide both comfort and performance on any road or trail.

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These are just some of our top picks, so be sure to check out our to full range of men’s and women’s bikes here.

Visit us in any of our 23 stores nationwide so that we can tailor your recommendations and get the right gift ready for the big day.

Bike size guide

For kids, we have an easy way of determining what size would most likely suit them best by segmenting our catalogue into age ranges.

In addition, every kids’ bike product includes the wheels size in the description, making it easier to navigate and find the best fit. You must remember that kids are always growing, but this doesn’t mean you should buy a bike that is far too large for them. It’s unsafe for them to cycle around on a bike larger than they should ride, so keep this in mind when purchasing.

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For adults, and kids reaching the 10 –11 age range, it’s the frame size that is measured instead of the wheel size. The frame measurement is typically taken from the centre of the bottom bracket, right to the top of the seat tube for reference.

Instead of the general assumption of age, a person’s height is considered to find the right bike. Our products in-store and online clearly highlight the frame size.

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Top Bike Accessories & Spares for 2023

Top Bike Accessories & Spares for 2023

by | Sep 26, 2023 | Adult bikes, Cycling advice & tips, Kids bikes

Locks

If you frequently cycle in public and need to leave your bike unattended, then a secure bike lock should be a top priority. At Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we stock three different types of lock to keep your bike safe and sound when unattended.

Cable locks, sometimes called chain locks, are usually composed of a large cable and a combination code or lock and key. If you’d rather not carry around a key, combination code variations such as this Oxford Combi Chain are perfect!

The second type of lock are shackle locks, or D-locks, a sturdy and secure option. Many of these, such as this OnGuard Bulldog lock, are on the larger side but many come with mounts so you can attach them to your bike. If you prefer to travel light, the Masterlock Mini D-Lock, at 15cm is of a more compact size to ensure easy transport.

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Finally, we also stock heavy duty chains. These tend to provide the utmost protection for your bike which we’d recommend if leaving it for a long period of time. If your local area is prone to bike thieving, we’d also suggest that you consider using more than one type of lock for additional safety. Check our of full range of bike locks here.

For more information on our bike lock options, feel free to message us on Facebook or visit your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles store to discuss with one of our expert staff members.

Helmets

Protecting your head while cycling is extremely important and strongly advised. In the potential occurrence of a crash or fall, you are significantly less likely to experience any serious head injuries. Wearing a helmet doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or look unsightly. At Cycle King we’ve got helmets to suit all styles, here are some of our top picks for 2023:

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Ammaco Road Helmet & LED Light in Grey/Blue

This Ammaco road helmet, in the matt grey and blue colourway, is perfect for both men and women. It comes in three sizes, meaning it can cater to all and includes a rear dial adjustment to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The star of the show with this helmet is it’s LED light at the back. The light includes 3 functions: constant, flashing, and strobe lighting. These lighting features ensure you’re safe and seen while cycling at night but also enable you to signal to other road users if required.

Lights

In these darker, winter months, ensuring you are seen while riding your bike is crucial. According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR), it is illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors. This includes a white light showing from the front of your bike and a red light showing from the rear.

At Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we stock a large range of lights that can be easily installed on your bike at home. These include white front lights, red rear lights, and complete light sets. Visit our website or your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles store to shop our full collection of lights so you can find the perfect match for your bike!

Cycle Computers

A cycle computer could be the perfect addition to your next bike ride! Many of our cycle computers include a large number of functions that provide valuable information about your bike ride. Some of the stats often featured include speed details (e.g. actual speed, maximum speed and average speed), cadence, trip distance, time cycling, and calories burnt. Our cycle computers are mostly compatible with any type of bike, meaning it could be the perfect accessory for you and your bike!

Some of our favourite cycling computers include these green and pink wireless Giant Continuum computers which come complete with a replaceable rubber case and backlight to ensure you can read them in the dark! At only £24.99 they’re an affordable way of taking your cycling to the next level.

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Guide Your Child to Cycling Success: Ditch Stabilizers Confidently

Guide Your Child to Cycling Success: Ditch Stabilizers Confidently

by | Sep 18, 2023 | Kids bikes

Learning to ride a bike becomes a core memory for many children. It’s an exciting milestone, not only for children but also for parents. It’s a skill that brings a sense of independence, especially when the stabilisers are removed. Knowing when to remove the stabilisers and understanding the right bike size is crucial in making this transition smooth.

We’ve put together this guide to help you introduce the idea of cycling without stabilisers and building your child’s confidence on a bike.

 

Why is it important to ditch stabilisers?

Stabilisers offer stability and balance, making them a key attribute when children are first learning to ride a bike. They help build confidence, encouraging children to continue learning. However, if used for too long, they can hinder a child’s ability to develop balancing skills.

 

When should I remove my child’s stabilisers?

Deciding when to remove stabilisers depends on the child’s individual progress. Typically, most children are ready to have stabilisers removed between ages 4 and 6. Look out for these signs to see if your child is ready:

  1. Balancing: If they can balance on their bike while coasting, with their feet off the ground, they’re likely ready.
  2. Confidence: Are they willing to try riding without stabilisers? If yes, then try it!
  3. Basic pedalling: They should be comfortable pedalling, starting and stopping on their own.

 

How can I make the transition to no stabilisers easier?

  1. Choose the right location: Find a safe, flat and open area to practice riding.
  2. Lower the saddle: Adjust the saddle to a height where the child’s feet can touch the ground comfortably.
  3. Keep it slow: Begin with short, gentle pushes and focus on balance. Take breaks if they need to!
  4. Encourage steering: Introduce steering and turning as they gain more confidence.
  5. Practice makes perfect: Regular practice will help a child to master riding without stabilisers.

 

How to choose the correct bike for your child?

Childrens’ bikes are measured by wheel size, rather than by frame size. Children do grow very quickly, so this will need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right bike. If the bike is too big for the child, their safety will be compromised and will most likely discourage the child from cycling. Check out our handy guide on kids bike sizing here.

Important points to consider when choosing the right bike for a child:

 

  1. Comfort and feel: Ensure your child feels comfortable on the saddle, can easily get on and off, can reach the handles and breaks, and that they can reach the pedals without stretching.
  2. Adjustability: Look for bike with adjustable saddles and handlebars to accommodate your child’s growth.
  3. Test ride: If possible, have your child test ride the bike to check comfort and fit.

 

Kids’ bikes for those starting off

We have a large selection of kids’ bikes, with 12-inch wheel bikes starting from £199.99. If you’re stuck on which bike is best for you child, visit your local Cycle King store and our friendly staff will assist.

Boys’ bikes

 

Professional Spider Boys 12 Inch Wheel Kids Bike Black – £199.99 (on sale for £109.99)

The spacious large rear basket and low step frame makes it easy to operate and carry your shopping back home or if you are heading into work with a rucksack and laptop bag, you won’t have to carry it all the way on your back, thanks to the large basket at the rear.

Ammaco Rocky 14 Inch Wheel Kids Bike Green and Black – £219.99 (on sale for £129.99)

This starter bike really packs a punch! With a hi-tensile steel frame and forks, powerful V-brakes, BMX style handlebars, your child will be the coolest kid in the village! It’s worthwhile noting safety features such as enclosed chainguards, to keep those little fingers away. Stabilisers are easily removeable, whenever you are ready.

 

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Girls’ Bikes

Professional Miami Miss 12 Inch Kids Bike Pink and Purple – £199.99 (on sale for £119.99)

The perfect bike for any princess! You can ensure safety and durability with this bike’s steel frame, calliper breaks and enclosed chain guard. Equipped with adjustable stabilisers, so you can raise them or remove them whenever your little lady is ready! The best part? There is a rear dolly seat to keep her favourite dolly safe at all times.

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Ammaco Misty Girls 14 Wheel Kids Bike White and Purple – £219.99 (on sale for £114.99)

The Ammaco Misty girls’ bike is perfect for any little girl, keen for an adventure. It’s lightweight but built just like an adult bike, to ensure durability. With steel frames, front and rear v-brakes and adjustable stabilisers.

 

 

Riding without stabilisers can be daunting at first, for both children and parents. By understanding when to make the transition and ensuring your child’s bike is right for them, you can make the experience much more enjoyable. Remember, patience and encouragement are key in helping your child become a confident and skilled cyclist. Try to pick a flat route to keep everyone happy, bring snacks and take lots of breaks. The most important thing is to have fun cycling! Before you know it, you’ll be cycling to the school runs instead of driving.

 

Pop into your local Cycle King store, where your child can try out different bikes, and our friendly expert staff will be able to help you in finding the perfect bike for your child. We even have an in-store height chart! Also check out our blog on keeping your child safe on their bike for more tips and information.

 

Prices correct as of 18/09/2023.

 

Adult Tricycles and Bicycles: What’s the difference?

Adult Tricycles and Bicycles: What’s the difference?

by | Aug 2, 2023 | Adult bikes

Contrary to popular belief, tricycles aren’t only for children. We’ve seen that trikes are becoming more and more popular as they are great for those who might not be in their cycling prime or have mobility issues. 

 

Who are tricycles designed for?

 

Trikes are built for cyclists that feel uneasy on two wheels. Many people in the 70+ demographic favour trikes for this very reason. We find that buyers have often become less confident or struggle to cycle with the aches and pains they face daily.

So, if you’re in need of a method of transport that offers extra support and storage, then look no further.

 

What are the main differences between a tricycle and a bicycle?

 

  •  The number of wheels:

    Three wheels is of course sturdier that two. Individuals that struggle with keeping their balance would hugely benefit from an extra wheel. Getting on and off becomes easier too, especially when a tricycle has a low step frame.

    In addition, tricycles are built lower than a standard bike, so it will be easier to maintain your position with a lower sense of gravity.

     

  • Back support: 

    Riding on 3 wheels puts less pressure on your back, meaning you can ride for longer without experiencing as much pain than you might on a normal bike. The added support is sure to make your cycling trips far more enjoyable.

    You can also upgrade your seat to one which is padded for extra bottom support. We have seats designed with comfort in mind that are easily swappable with most tricycles.

 

  • Inclines made easier:

    The extra support means that you won’t need as much effort when going up a hill, unlike being on a bicycle.

    As mentioned before, the added stability makes the need to actively balance a thing of the past, so you can put all your concentration on getting up that hill and reaching the end of your ride.

     

  • Brakes:

    Each bike must have 2 sets of independent breaks to comply with road regulations, and this is no different for a tricycle.

    The main difference here is that the back set of wheels on a tricycle requires another kind of brake, a drum brake (as shown here). It might take a bit of getting used to in the beginning, but it’ll feel normal soon enough.

    There are a range of trikes that use a variety of brakes, so when selecting yours be sure to investigate what kind of brakes it uses. Our in-store team will be there to answer any questions.

OUR TOP 3 ADULT TRIKES

 

Ammaco Free and Easy 26 Inch Wheel Adult’s Trike – £599.99

The spacious large rear basket and low step frame makes it easy to operate and carry your shopping back home or if you are heading into work with a rucksack and laptop bag, you won’t have to carry it all the way on your back, thanks to the large basket at the rear.

Mission E-bike Electric Adult Tricycle Black – £1,965.00

Do you need a tricycle with the potential to carry a lot more than just shopping? This model does all that and more in a sleek black finish.

The ‘pedal- assist’ function works exceptionally well. The motor starts when pedalling begins, providing a safe, comfortable ride with an adjustable speed up to 15mph- the legal limit. Just one charge will cover a distance of around 20 miles on level ground on the highest setting, and further on lower settings.

 

 

 

Mission E-Mission Electric Adult Tricycle Silver- £1965.00

Not a fan of black? You’ll be pleased to know this customer-favourite comes in silver too!

 

Adult Trikes Safety Tips

Before buying a tricycle, it’s important to know that there are risks when riding one in comparison to a normal bike.

 

Trikes can be hard for motorists to see

Since they’re lower set, it can make it a bit harder for people in motor vehicles on the road to see you. This is more of an issue for recumbent tricycles, ask at your local store to find a solution for you.

You can invest in accessories such as flags and lights to improve your tricycle’s visibility on the road.

 

Turn carefully

A trike can be a bit tricky to turn in if you’re not used to it, so be sure to take your time and get used to manoeuvring before riding on the road.

Try using yours in a park or on a quiet road first before making the leap onto a busy one – it’ll improve your confidence and make your ride much more enjoyable (and safe).

 

Browse our full range of adult trikes at Cycle King and Hawk Cycles.

Or if you prefer to view our range and try them out in person, simply visit any of our 23 stores where our friendly team will be available to offer advice and help you choose the right one.