amie.huiam.net, Author at Cycle King Blog

Best budget hybrid bikes in 2023 for under £500

by amie.huiam.net | Jun 22, 2023 | Adult bikes, Kids bikes

In the ever-expanding world of cycling, navigating the vast array of hybrid bikes to find the perfect one can be a daunting task. Budget-conscious enthusiasts are seeking the ideal hybrid bike that seamlessly blends versatility, performance, and affordability. Let’s explore the best budget hybrid bikes in 2023 for under £500 available exclusively from Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, your local family bike shop.

With countless options available, our quest to discover the best hybrid bike on a budget promises to unravel a treasure trove of cutting-edge technologies and exceptional value. So, saddle up, as we embark on the adventure to uncover hybrid biking excellence, tailored for the cyclist who refuses to compromise on quality or price.

Why pick a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are by far one of the most versatile forms of cycling. They can be ridden on both smooth city surfaces and low to moderately rough terrains such as gravel paths.
Built with comfort in mind, hybrid bikes are usually equipped with comfortable padded seats and an upright handlebar making for a more relaxed riding position than a road of mountain bike and gives the rider a better visibility and control whilst riding.
Many hybrid bikes will be equipped with frame mounts either to the rear of the bike or on the front fork giving you the option to add carrier racks so you can take luggage on your ride.

Types of hybrid bike

A classic hybrid bike is designed for general-purpose riding, providing a comfortable and versatile option for commuting, leisurely rides, and light off-road trails. These bikes typically feature a more upright riding position, wider tyres for stability, and a focus on comfort and durability. Classic hybrid bikes prioritise functionality and practicality over high-performance features.
Sports hybrid bikes are similar to flat bar road bikes, though the riding position is more upright. They will usually be built up on an aluminium frame which not only makes for a lightweight ride but also resistant to rust. Sports hybrids are lighter in weight, making them ideal for fitness riding, urban cycling and commuting.

Our top picks for 2023

Here are our top hybrid bikes under £500 that deliver by quality and affordability for the perfect ride! Please note that the prices quoted in this article are correct as of 22 June 2023

Classic hybrids on a budget

Professional Metropolitan Commuter Hybrid Bike – £219.99

A compelling option for riders seeking a versatile and stylish two-wheeled companion. This sturdy steel construction means it’s easy to maintain and ride and also features lightweight 700c wheels for fast acceleration with smoother tyres for more comfortable riding on both roads and bike trails.

Salcano Istanbul Commuter Hybrid Bike Cream – £479.99

A delightful blend of elegance and functionality, this sturdy construction ensures durability on urban streets. With a wide host of components included, from front and gear mudguards, a comfortable saddle, and a rear carrier with straps and ergonomic grips, this bike is designed to deliver a smooth and enjoyable commuting experience, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking both style and practicality whilst touring, commuting and running into town at the weekends.

Sports hybrids on a budget

Ammaco Pathway X1 Sports’ Hybrid Bike – £279.99

A firm favourite for cycling enthusiasts on a budget – this star buy is ideal for commuting or leisure, with a comfortable and easy-to-mount step through frame. This sports hybrid can be ridden on both smooth city surfaces and low-to-moderately rough terrains such as gravel paths.

Not too dissimilar to the classic hybrid, sports hybrid bikes are the ideal commuting ride with their robust construction and keen handling.

As featured on our social media.

Falcon Urban Low Step Sports Hybrid Bike Orange – £169.99

Overcome the steepest of hilly commutes with the powerful alloy v-brakes designed to keep the rider in full control. The Falcon bike is suitable for cycling on the road, or gentle off-road riding at the weekend too.

This option has basic SunRun gears hence the bargain price. Our team will always be happy to take you through the options available to you.

Cycle King & Hawk Cycles everyday low prices range offers a remarkable opportunity for budget-conscious enthusiasts to purchase mens and womens hybrid bikes. With a diverse selection available, customers can find the perfect blend of performance, style and affordability. By choosing Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, riders embark on their cycling adventures with confidence, knowing that they’ve made a smart investment without compromising on quality.

Are you ready to choose your hybrid bike? Choose click and collect and your bike will be ready within 1 hour for collection from your nearest local store – why wait, let’s go riding today!

How to clean your bike after a wet and muddy ride

by amie.huiam.net | Jun 16, 2023 | Cycling advice & tips

We’re sure you’ll agree that the ‘new bike’ feeling is worth bottling up to enjoy all day, every day. Our step-by-step guide will keep your bike looking fresh and brand new, even after the muddiest of rides!

It’s crucial to clean your bike regularly to keep it working smoothly and improve the longevity of your bike. Any built-up dirt will wear through moving parts if left long enough. Please also note the importance of cleaning your bike, whatever the weather! You must ensure regular cleaning of your bike throughout the year. Frequent washing will help to minimise energy wasted through unnecessary friction.

Before you start, make sure you have the essentials. Here’s a shortlist of the basics you will need:

A bucket
Bike cleaner
Bike de-greaser
Brushes and cloths
Lubricant

Check out our range of bike cleaners, de-greasers and lubricants online to get started. Other products that might be useful include:

Specialist polishes
A work stand

Latest Blogs

Step-by step bike cleaning guide:

Rinse your bike using warm, soapy water. The easiest way of doing this is to use a bucket and sponge to avoid high pressure. If you decide to use a garden hose, avoid spraying directly at fragile areas such as the hub (centre) of your wheels, the headset and the cranks and bottom bracket. Warning: Apply caution when cleaning an electric bike to avoid water entering the battery, motor or controls.

Clean your drivetrain using our chain cleaning machine to remove any grease and grime. Remember to brush some de-greaser/drivetrain cleaner onto the other oily parts of your bike such as the cassette and derailleurs. Finish by rinsing your chain and making sure you have removed all de-greaser. This ensures the smooth riding of your bike and so, is a crucial step!

Now it’s time to clean the rest of the bike. This includes the common touchpoints of the bike i.e., the handlebars, brake levers, gear shifters and saddle. Either use a bike cleaning spray to cover your bike and then work away the dirt or use a sponge and some hot water to remove as much as you can. When dealing with disc brakes, it’s ideal to use disc brake cleaner for the pads and rotors. Avoid getting the spray onto other parts of your bike.

Dry with a clean rag/cloth to ensure water does not sit in the bike and cause rust. Focus especially on bolt heads, which are most likely to be missed. Make sure your drivetrain is clean and dry, ahead of step 5.

Re-lube: It’s essential that you re-lubricate your bike before riding or storage. Failure to do so can leave your drivetrain vulnerable to rusting and run the risk of it seizing up. Start by moving the pedals backwards whilst applying the lube to the inside of your chain’s rollers. Use a rag to wipe off any extra on the outside of your drive train which, may attract dirt and grime to your bike. Warning: Be sure not to get any lube onto your braking surfaces.

Now you know the basics; the rest is down to you! Make sure you keep on top of regular cleaning to get the best out of your bike. Shop our range of bike cleaning products here. Cleaning your bike is a handy time to carry out full-bike maintenance. You can check out our helpful bike maintenance guide here.

@cyclekingandhawkcycles The Evo V is a work of art #mtb #bikelife #newwhip #mountainbike ♬ original sound - Gabe Farrell

How can I prepare for the perfect family bike ride?

by amie.huiam.net | May 4, 2023 | Cycling advice & tips

If you’re looking for an activity for the whole family to enjoy this bank holiday weekend, you really can’t beat a good old fashioned family bike ride! They’re a cost-effective day out; the kids love them and it’s a great form of exercise for you and your little ones.

That being said, being unprepared can turn a fun day out into a bit of a nightmare. That’s we’ve put together this guide, to help you make sure your day out on your bike goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Have you checked your bikes?

If you haven’t been cycling for a while, the first thing you want to make sure is that all of your bikes are ready to roll. There’s not much worse than getting everyone excited for a bike ride only to find out someone has a flat tyre! Check over everyone’s bikes making sure the tyres are pumped up, the brakes are working well and everything is oiled up and ready to go.

Latest Blogs

2. Is your child’s bike the right size?

It’s also important that your child’s bikes are the right size for them. Luckily, we’ve got handy guides on how to choose the right bike to fit your child here. If you get stuck, head in to your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles store and one of our friendly workshop staff will be able to help.

3. Is your clothing suitable for a bike ride?

If the bikes are prepared, the next step is to get everyone ready. We all know kids can be quick to moan if they’re too hot or too cold so get everyone kitted out in suitable clothing and don’t forget to pack extra layers if it’s cold, or a cap for when they’re off the bike if it’s sunny.

Sun protection is a must, remember that we don’t get as hot when we’re cycling as the air cools us down so it’s easy to forget that the sun is beating down on our skin. A good sun cream can save a lot of soreness and tears down the line! Finally, check that everyone is happy with their helmets, they should be snug and not move about when they wobble their heads but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.

4. What are the essentials for the perfect family bike ride?

The final step before you get going is to pack some essentials. We all hope that we won’t get a puncture, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! A puncture repair kit and pump will keep you rolling if the worst happens.

Secondly, cycling can be thirsty work so make sure you take a lot of water, either in your backpack or in water bottles, on everyone’s bike. Dehydration leads to tiredness and headaches which leads to lots of moaning!

Last but not certainly not least is snacks. Cycling takes up a lot of energy, so to keep those little legs turning it’s important you keep everyone fuelled up with some snacks. Oaty cereal bars offer long lasting energy that should keep everyone happy, but it’s never a bad idea to take along some sweets for a quick energy boost or a reward for getting to the top of a hill!

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE

Now you’re ready to go! However, remember that it’s not just bikes that go rusty… even the most confident peddlers can lose confidence if it’s been a little while since their last ride. Before you set off, take some time to go through the basics of pedalling, braking and changing gear.

Once you’ve got the basics nailed, it’s time to set some ground rules. For under 10’s it’s safest to stick to cycle paths, but remind them they still need to ride safely. Let everyone know what to do if they come to a road junction, how far ahead they are allowed to go and the importance of stopping when you say so.

Try to pick a route that’s mainly flat to keep everyone happy, children’s bikes are often relatively heavy so hills that may seem easy for you could be a mini mountain for them! Let them know roughly how long you’ll be cycling for and take lots of breaks for drinks and snacks. Do what you can to get them to pace themselves, kids spending all their energy at the start of the day is a sure-fire way to take the fun out of the ride when it gets to the end. Stopping every now and again to look at plants and wildlife is a good way to moderate the pace and let everyone catch their breath.

The most important thing to remember on a family bike ride is to have fun! There’s no right or wrong way to go for a bike ride, whether it’s fast or slow, short or long, if everyone is having a good time enjoying riding their bikes, you’ll be making great memories and staying healthy at the same time.

We love to see when our customers get out riding so remember to take lots of pictures and tag @CyclekingUK if you post them on Instagram or Facebook. We always share our favourites!

The Hybrid Bike Buyer’s Guide

by amie.huiam.net | Apr 5, 2023 | Adult bikes, Cycling advice & tips

For someone who wants a lot of choice when it comes to cycling terrain, a hybrid bike is a very good option.

In this blog, we’ll be going into some more detail on what you should be looking for in your brand-new hybrid bike, as well as some of our suggestions to get you started. But firstly, we’ll talk a bit more on what hybrids actually are.

What are Hybrid Bikes?

Hybrid bikes are an in-between bike, incorporating the best parts of both mountain and road bikes. We find that people who like to use their bikes for a wide range of activities from commuting to fitness activities really fall in love with their hybrid bike. So whether it be on a busy urban commute, or even trekking through woodlands, a hybrid is a great all-rounder kind of bike.

What makes a good Hybrid Bike?

Apart from the versatility, there are a few characteristics you should look out for when making your purchase.

Is it lightweight?

For maximum speed you’ll likely want a bike which has a light frame (as there’s less weight for you to push).

We stock a few variations of lightweight frame materials in our hybrid range which include:

Lightweight Aluminium
Hi-tensile Steel
Lightweight Alloy

Essentially, the lighter the frame, the easier it is to pedal.

Handlebars

Unlike road bikes, the handlebars on a hybrid are placed into an upright position. This means that you’ll be positioned on the bike upright too, making it a more comfortable position for long rides.

These kinds of handlebars do compromise your potential for extreme speed compared to a road bike with dropped handlebars. It is very much a case of personal choice and the style of riding that you prefer. If you are all about speed, then it is worth considering a road bike, but if it is utility and multi-terrains that interest you then a Sports Hybrid is the way to go.

Wheels

The size of the wheels you go for can make quite a difference in your ride quality.

Smaller wheels are nimbler, making it a bit easier to take turns. We’d suggest that if you mostly cycle on roads, then these wheels equipped with thinner tyres would best suit your commute.

On the other hand, if you like the thrill of going fast on off-road trails, then wider tyres would likely suit you better. Remember, the larger surface area and wheel diameter increases your traction and speed in forests – ensuring the best ride possible.

However, if you still want the best of both worlds, then it’s a really simple fix to make your hybrid ready for any kind of terrain by having two sets of tyres. Swapping wheels out is a very simple job, and all it will only take a few minutes (with practice).

Brakes

Both kinds of brakes work well on a hybrid bike, being V and Disc brakes.

We would suggest, however, that it would be more beneficial for those who like off-roading to opt for disc brakes. This is because they’re more precise in their stopping power, even with a greater mass, making them very beneficial to a cyclist on loose terrain.

Suspension

Again, like brakes, the importance of this varies depending on what you’ll be doing on your hybrid bike.

We have in our range of hybrid bikes the option to have forks with built-in suspension, and those which do not offer any of these capabilities. A cyclist sticking to the main roads likely wouldn’t have a need for suspension, whilst one who enjoys the bumps and jumps that come from off-roading would need such a feature.

Saddle position

Depending on what sort of saddle your bike comes with, you can adjust the position of yours to suit your cycling style.

To get the most speed out of your hybrid, it is better to position it so that you’ll seat yourself further down the saddle. This aggressive setting makes it easier to put more force down on the peddles and, henceforth, increase your speed.

If going fast isn’t your top priority, then keep the saddle level. This will force your back into an upright position and encourage you to sit up on the bike. But you can still get some good speed in this position on your hybrid bike.

Latest Blogs

Our top picks for Mens’ Hybrid Bikes

Falcon Urban Sports Hybrid Bike Green

This model is a great starter hybrid bike as it comes with the essential features for a great price.

It is better suited to commuting with its V-Brakes and Hi-tensile steel frame, but does not come with suspension on the forks. You can still enjoy some less intense off-roading, but not as much in comparison to our other hybrid bikes on offer.

Ammaco Road Runner Pro V Sports Hybrid Silver

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this hybrid model in a cool silver and yellow colourway.

Being equipped with zoom front suspension, preinstalled propstand, and a 21 speed gearset, this model is a great pick for those who want a bit more off-roading in their cycling life.

Salcano Istanbul Commuter Hybrid Bike Grey

Being in the higher end of our mens’ hybrid bike selection, you’ll be able to experience the full braking power of Shimano hydraulic brake discs.

This hybrid is far better suited to the rough terrains of a bike trail, making it the ideal choice should you really want to tear up the racetracks.

Our top picks for Womens Hybrid Bikes

Falcon Urban Low Step Sports Hybrid Bike Orange

With the model using high quality trekking tyres, you’ll find that going between terrains won’t require a change of wheels – making your bike very easy to use wherever.

This bike can handle some off-roading, but is mostly designed for simpler rides on flat roads.

2021 GT Transeo Sport Fitness Bike in Blue

Sweep through traffic jams with this sports hybrid option in an electric blue colourway.

Equipped with Shimano gears and a lightweight aluminium frame, you’ll have no problems speeding on flat terrain in addition to some off-roading capabilities.

Salcano Istanbul Commuter Hybrid Bike Cream

Equipped with lockout suspension and a Shimano hydraulic disc brake system, this is one of our top picks for use on any kind of terrain.

Enjoy 24 speeds and a handy pannier rack in a very attractive cream colour.

Our top picks for Electric Hybrid Bikes

You can, of course, choose to electrify your hybrid bike. Not only would one make your cycling less strenuous, but they also come with other beneficial features.

Lectro Adventurer 26 Inch Wheel Electric Bike Silver Single Gear

If you need a good first electric bike, then look no further. The Lectro range are excellent value for money, making them a go-to for many cyclists looking for some extra power.

The 250w motor is sure to make your commuting far easier and is hardly noticeable, including the 7AH battery sneakily hidden inside the frame

Dallingridge Malvern 700c Wheel Electric Bike Silver (Womens’ & Mens’)

Get the most out of your bike with the Dallingridge electric hybrid range. These models can achieve up to an impressive 50 miles of electric assistance, and with it’s Suntour suspension, you’ll have a blast on all kinds of terrain.

They have a very quick charge time of 4-6 hours, as well as coming equipped with pannier racks and mudguards, they’re certainly a worthwhile investment for all your commuting and off-roading needs.

Frappe FSD M800i 700c Wheel Electric Bike Aqua Blue

Our Frappe hybrid electric bike has the added bonus of having front and rear lights installed into the frame, and powered by the battery pack.

This bike also comes with a hydraulic brake system which is bound to improve your safety whilst out on the road or doing some gentle off-roading.

Accessories for Hybrid Bikes

Some of our hybrid bikes do some with accessories fitted already, but for those that haven’t, these ones are definitely worth considering.

Mudguards

Even if you’re not cycling on dirt tracks, you can still pick up mud and dirt on your clothes. Installing some mudguards onto your hybrid is a very good idea, as you wouldn’t want to get your smart work clothes dirty whilst commuting.

Panniers

These aren’t quite as useful for off-roading, but for general bike riding they’re a very handy addition.

Instead of balancing a heavy backpack, or even shopping bags in your hands whilst cycling (something you should never do), strapping them securely on a pannier rack is sure to save you some aggravation.

Lights

These are a legal requirement when riding at night time, so should be fitted onto your bike if you’re commuting to and from work during the winter time.

Some of our e-bikes actually come with them integrated into the bike, but for most cases a standard set is sure to do the job.

If you’re now in the mindset to make your brand new bike purchase a hybrid, then feel free to browse our whole selection here. In addition, you can pop into any of our 23 stores across the midlands and south – our expert staff will be happy to help you find the hybrid of your dreams!

The Cycle to Work scheme explained

by amie.huiam.net | Mar 17, 2023 | Adult bikes, Cycling advice & tips

If you’re looking to save money on your journey to work, or simply want to commute in a way that’s healthier for you and the environment, the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme is a huge incentive to do so. Read on to find out what the scheme actually is, in addition to how you can go about getting a brand-new bike so that you can travel to work in style.

What is the Cycle to Work Scheme?

This scheme is a government incentive for workers to start cycling to work. The scheme offers great savings for those looking to purchase ladies’ bikes or men’s bikes to commute on, from anywhere between 25% – 48%.

Actually, getting your bike is a rather simple process and can be easily negotiated with your employer:

First, inform your company that you’re interested in the scheme…of course they’ll need to be providers of the scheme for you to get the benefit (but more on this later on)
Next, you’ll need to pick out the bike you want and any accessories you need (like a helmet, lights, his-vis clothing, etc.) and work out the total using a Cycle to Work Scheme
This will then be taken into account with your employer, which will lead to an agreement on how much the company will effectively loan you and the repayments that will be taken directly from your salary
At the end of your term, you can either pay a small sum to own everything outright, or give your bike back to the company

‘Where does this discount come from?’ you’re probably asking. Well, this is because the company is buying the bike as a tax-free benefit. This makes the scheme a win-win for everyone involved. It’s a win for you as you’ve got a shiny new bike to use both for getting into work and in your personal time. It’s great for the government, as this deduction in the bike’s cost means that you’ll be more inclined to use a cleaner method of transport, cutting Co2 emissions. And lastly, it’s a win for your company as they can provide you with this extra benefit which will help improve your motivation at work (and maybe even save on some car parking space).

What are the benefits of cycling to work?

If you can easily travel in to work on a bike, then it is definitely an opportunity you should grab by the handlebars. Among the plethora of benefits, we’ve boiled it down to 5 great reasons you should consider the scheme.

Improves your fitness

Getting on two wheels is a fantastic way of keeping up your fitness levels (even if you opt for a power assisted E-bike). If your commute is 10 miles each way, for example, then you’d actually be burning around 4672 calories a week (that’s equivalent to 9 burgers!). Daily exercise can make a huge difference to your overall health.

Good for the environment

Cycling to work is not only good for you, but the planet. You might be surprised to know that from a year’s worth of commuting 10 miles each way, you could save as much as 365kg of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere by car (that’s as much as 17 trees can absorb in one year).

It’s great for your mental health

Unlike a car, bus, or train journey, cycling to your work gives you some much needed ‘me time’. Instead of having to focus on the road, or be distracted by your phone inside squashed public transport, biking into work gives you an opportunity to absorb your surroundings. A survey by We Are Cycling UK found that 91% of participants deemed off-road cycling to be very important to their mental health. Even if your ride into work doesn’t go into the dirt tracks, you can still appreciate the little things on your way to work and detox your mind for better mental health.

A bike can actually save you time

If you’re frequently stuck in rush hour traffic jams, or even long train delays, you’ll find that these issues will melt away when you commute by bike. Being more agile (and having the option to skip traffic by walking on the pavement with your bike) makes waiting around a thing of the past, meaning you can crack on with your day.

Improve your sleep quality

All that extra exercise is bound to tire you out during the day, making it a bit easier for you to fall asleep when your bed is calling. Not only will you feel more refreshed in the morning, but commuting into work by bike is likely to help make your sleeping pattern far more regular.

What Cycle to work schemes are available?

There are a few schemes in which you can go with to get the bike of your dreams, but this is mostly dependant on your employer.

Bike2workscheme.com

It’s a very simple process for both employer and employee to get cycling. All it takes is for the employer to register, and for both parties to sign the hire agreement in order to get the bike and accessories you need.

Cyclescheme.co.uk

Available to any employer, and all it takes is a simple form to give everyone in the office or site a choice to cycle into work.

NHS’ Cycle to work scheme

This is specific to NHS staff; in that you’d need to contact your NHS Employers HR department to get the ball rolling here.

Am I eligible for the Cycle to work scheme?

There aren’t any specific requirements for employees to be eligible for any of the schemes we’ve mentioned. However, what makes you eligible is whether your employer is open to becoming a part of the schemes. A lot of companies do, however, and it’s as simple as asking if this is something they carry out for their employees. For the employer looking to get more people on bikes, it’s a good starting point to ask employees if they would be interested, making everyone’s commute greener and a bit more enjoyable.

It often depends on your employer, you’ll have to get talking to them to see if this is something they do
Unfortunately, some will not have this as an option but hopefully where you work can help you get the ball rolling with getting a brand-new bike

We hope that after reading this blog, you’re now inspired to get involved with the scheme and make a difference to both the environment and your own health. It is probably a lot simpler than you thought, so there’s no excuse for you to not get cycling!

What if your employer isn’t in a scheme?

Even if your employer isn’t apart of any schemes, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a new bike.

Buy on Finance

You also have the option to split payments over a time period, just without the taxable benefit. We offer Klarna finance which is a very affordable way to pay for a brand-new bike and accessories in 3 payments over 3 months. As a partnered brand with the schemes we’ve mentioned, you can easily browse our hybrid bike range or visit one of our stores today to see which bikes and accessories would suit you best. For the best commuter experience, we recommend our range of folding electric bikes – compact enough to go under your desk yet powerful enough to get you to work and back. Simply view our mens’ and womens’ bike range and see for yourself how a bike could really change your working life.