If you live in a built-up area, or fancy commuting to work by bike, a road bike could be the option for you. From their sleek design, to lighter frames, these kinds of bikes perform very well in urban environments, but which should you buy? Buying a bike can be a bit daunting, but thankfully, you’ve come to the right article. Learn about what you should be looking out for when in the market to buy a brand-new road bike, and some other very handy tips to know before your purchase.
Essential characteristics of a road bike
Every category of bike has something unique for what they’re trying to accomplish. Mountain bikes have a sturdy frame and wider tyres, for example – but what is desirable in a road bike is actually quite different in comparison.
Speed
These kinds of bikes are built with swiftness in mind. The larger wheel sizing and narrow tyres are great at cutting through the air, reducing drag and improving aerodynamics. Think of a road bike like wearing a pair of running shoes, designed with speed in mind, not so much for running over unstable terrain (we’ll talk about road bikes that can do this later on).
Lightweight
Since their performance is designed for riding on hard, smooth surfaces (like roads and paths), some durability can be sacrificed with a lighter frame. This doesn’t mean that your road bike will easily break, of course not, just that there’s less chance of going through rough patches that could put strain on the frame. Since you likely won’t be climbing mountains on a road bike, it means that your bike is a lot lighter. And as you know, less mass to pedal means the faster you can go.
Efficiency
The emphasis on speed and reducing the weight of the machine as much as possible means that your road bike is rather efficient. Every component is designed to make your ride as smooth as possible, from the wheels, to the frame encouraging you to sit in a forward-leaning position. You’ll lean into the wind, rather than your body causing more resistance sitting upright. These tiny details and adjustments culminate into one and result in a bike which is built to get you to and from in the quickest time in flat environments.
‘Perfect road bike’ checklist
1. Group sets
If you’re unfamiliar with what a group set is, it’s simply the name for both the brakes and gears.
Brakes
Like anything you buy, the more you spend the better quality you’ll get – and your group set is no different. Higher end models might come with disk brakes, which work better in wet conditions and are great when cycling on hills. However, this doesn’t mean to say that rim brakes don’t do a good job (many races have been won without using disk brakes, so they’re not an inferior product).
Gears
Better quality gears also mean that shifting up and down whilst riding is easier. You have more choice in gears and also larger cogs in the cassette, which are perfect for going up hills if you want to put less strain on your legs.
2. Wheels/tyre size
When purchasing a bike, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the wheels it comes with. If you’re just starting out, you likely won’t be looking to get better ones until you’ve gotten into the sport more, meaning you’ll want to have the best standard tyres possible whilst your passion grows.
Spokes/inner wheel support
So that you know you’re getting a strong set of wheels, it’s a good idea to observe how many spokes they have. Their strength is determined by the support inside the wheel, so knowing this will ensure your wheels can last for as long as possible.
Tyre width
To increase speed efficiency, you’ll want to look for a bike that comes with quite narrow tyres. To reduce air resistance and make your rides as smooth as possible, try to look for a bike which has a wheel tyre width between 25mm – 28mm.
Tyre frame clearance
Lastly, if you plan on going a bit more off-road with your road bike, then you’ll want to make an effort to find the tyre clearance of the frame. Opting for a frame that is a bit wider in this department can make swapping out your road wheels for something more adventurous easier.
3. Saddle
Unlike other kinds of bikes, the saddle equipped with a road bike is not cushioned. This means that if you’re riding into work without padded shorts, then you’ll most likely have to endure the working week with a sore bum.
Saddles are easily swappable, and you might find that doing some shopping around is needed to make your ride as comfortable as you like. You could easily replace the default one for a very well cushioned seat instead (hopefully you’re commute won’t be as painful if you do)
4. Pedals
This can be a bit of a surprise to first time buyers, but most road bikes actually don’t come with pedals.
Some lower end models are equipped with flat pedals, but we’d recommend for the mot efficient experience, you invest in clip-in pedals. These make it so much easier to pedal, as clipping in enables you to pull up on the pedals as you cycle along.
5. Suspension
It’s not an essential in road bikes, as you won’t likely be going over any huge dips.
Even if you invest in a gravel bike, you’ll find there isn’t really any suspension either. If you think this is a deal breaker, then perhaps a mountain bike is more your speed.
6. Frame material
If you’ve test ridden some road bikes before, you might have realised that ther material of the frame can actually make quite a difference in its performance.
The most common materials are aluminium, steel and carbon fibre.
Aluminium and Steel
Often found in the lower price point of road bikes, these frames have a high strength to weight ratio. Bikes from around the £250 – £1000 mark often use this for their frames.
Carbon Fibre
Anything from +£1000 is where you’ll begin to see this used in road bike frames. Carbon fibre is a more durable material than the others we’ve mentioned previously, but this does mean you’ll have to spend quite a bit more in comparison.
If you’re between the two, it might be a good compromise to go with an aluminium frame and have a carbon fibre fork, as it reduces the frames weight slightly and can also cause vibrations in the handle bars.
If you’re looking to get into road cycling or need a bike that is handy for commuting, then the Ammaco Pace Road model could be perfect for you.
This model comes equipped with a steel frame and double wall alloy rim wheels, so we’re sure that this bike will serve you for a long time. It is a very good starter and can of course be upgraded with better components as you progress.
A step up from our starter bikes, this Salcano model is a great model for those looking to improve their road cycling. Equipped with high quality Shimano gear sets, and doubled walled wheels, this new addition to your road cycling arsenal is sure to take you to the next level.
Can road bikes be used on other terrains?
Whilst ‘road’ is in their name, they can totally be used off road too. What you’ll want in a road bike which can off-road too is the ability to equip it with chunkier tyres, and also some larger gears.
Adjusting your road bike to better suit terrain that is a bit looser can really spice up your rides and commutes. Making the required change to a road bike, or buying one specially made for both road and gravel will mean you can go faster than a mountain bike on road, and go off road.
How much should I be willing to spend?
It can cost £450 and upwards to get a good road bike that could last you quite a while. You can also invest in better parts as time progresses too, meaning that your bike can develop with you on your road bike journey.
We have a wide variety to suit all budgets, and our dedicated staff in store can help you in making the right decision too.
Are woman’s road bikes much different?
Apart from the obvious size difference, there are a few alterations between a men’s and woman’s road bike. From the saddle being better equipped to seat a woman, to a narrower handlebar, these small adjustments can really make a difference in the quality of ride.
However, this doesn’t mean a woman must have a woman’s bike. Whatever is most comfortable is what you should go for, and there is always the ability to customise your bike for the best experience possible.
How can we help you today?
After reading our guide on road bikes, we hope now that you know what to look out for on the most important components on a road bike. With all this knowledge, you’ll now confidently know what you want out of a road bike, and just how much you’re willing to spend.
If you’d like some extra help in deciding what road bike would be best for you, then feel free to come down to one of our 23 stores throughout the midlands and south of England. Our staff will happily help you pick out a brand-new road bike, ready for you to start riding on straight away, or take a look at our selection of road bikes online.
We’re sure that you remember learning how to ride your bike for the first time, and now the time has come for you to be the teacher. Before showing them the ways of the bicycle, it’s vital that you ensure they’re safe on their cycling adventures.
In this blog, we’re focusing on 5 tips for keeping your child safe on their first bike. As well as making it safer for them, it’ll also make the process a little less stressful for you.
1. Bike Sizing
The first and most important step to ensuring your child’s safety is finding them the right bike. Don’t buy a bike expecting your child to ‘fit into it’. Ask for help from one of our in-store experts or check out our guide on ‘How to choose the right bike for your child’.
In short, a bicycle is suitable when your child can sit comfortably on the seat, their feet reach the ground, and the handlebars are no higher than their shoulders. You should also consider foot brakes as well as hand brakes to give your child even more protection. Read on to learn more about the correct options for you.
2. Bike options
Your child doesn’t have to go to a bike straight away – we have other bike models on offer that can help develop their confidence on two wheels.
Balance bikes are beneficial for toddlers in developing their coordination and confidence skills. These are very good starters, as it makes it a whole lot easier for your child to progress to a bike since they have developed their balance already.
Tricycle
Great for boosting children’s independence, and for people with disabilities. They are more stable than a standard bike, with the frame closer to the ground, making gathering momentum much easier.
Training wheels
We advise keeping stabilisers on for as long as it takes your child to feel comfortable when riding their bike. This will take time so be patient!
3. Brakes
One of the most important parts of learning to ride a bike is when and how to use the brakes. Our range of kids’ bikes come with brakes that are specially designed for their smaller hands. Here is a breakdown of the types of brakes we offer for children learning on their first bike:
Coaster brakes
Also known as back-pedal brakes or foot brakes, coaster brakes are on most kids’ bikes. They are simple in design and require zero maintenance. However, when they’re removed, they cannot be replaced.
Coaster brakes are most suitable when your child:
Is familiar with coaster brakes from previous bikes.
Has a disability that will make hand brakes difficult to use.
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Hand brakes
Much like what is on a standard adults’ bike, they’re useful when your child:
Has proven coordination skills, strength and confidence when riding a bike.
Have used hand brakes with a previous balance bike and are confident enough to use with their first pedal bike.
Is confident when pedalling and looking to progress.
Whatever the final verdict, make sure your child is comfortable with braking before they take to the road.
4. Rules of the road
Before any trip out, check your child knows the rules of the road and ensure your child is accompanied by a family member. This can bring many further benefits to help your child fall in love with the outdoors. Want to explore more? Click here for some great ideas for cycling with your kids.
You should also ensure all bikes are well-maintained before hitting the road to avoid any accidents or embarrassing calls to friends and family!
5. Equipment
Lastly, but certainly not least, consider the other equipment your child needs.
These are important in helping your child gain confidence before going onto 2 wheels. Plenty of our kids’ bikes come pre-equipped with these, but you can also buy them individually should your kid need a pair.
If they’re still a bit uneasy but are ready to progress from stabilisers, then a parent handle could be a good option. This gives you a bit more control of their cycling efforts without stabilisers supporting them constantly. Parent handles provide a good balance of support and independence that are sure to help your child develop their confidence.
A child should never be without head protection when riding a bike. Ensure that the helmet selected fits their head correctly, as one which is loose or in the wrong position won’t provide all the benefits a helmet gives.
Hi-vis vests are a good idea to equip your child with, especially if your child is beginning to ride on the main road. Make sure they’re visible to all road users, as this will help in preventing any accidents which could potentially occur.
In case they need to make themselves aware of to other road users, like on a busy road, then investing in a bell and horn could be a good idea. We have quite a range, some being more practical and others more playful, but nonetheless do a good job.
You can always trust our in-store team to offer you advice or alternatively, take a look at Cycling UK for a complete list of bike riding essentials. You can also search through our vast array of equipment across our website and in-store.
Hopefully you’re now feeling confident to take the leap on your child’s new adventure with a brand new boys’ or girls’ bike. Our team are more than happy to provide additional advice to meet your needs. Let their cycling journey begin!
This year, Cycle King & Hawk Cycles launched our first ever TV advert, which was featured on SkyTV. It’s all about getting out on a cycling adventure with your “mini me” or family member this summer. Watch below:
Is your child your ‘mini me’ ?
Do you think of your kids like a little version of you? Do they copy your every move? Dress the same and constantly look up to you? Take a look at our recent ad for #minime inspiration.
We would love to see what you and your #minime get up to this summer, so be sure to tag @cyclekinguk in your Facebook and Instagram posts and use the hashtag #minime.
Take a look at some of our matching kids and adult bikes to get Mini-me ready:
This bike comes in a variety of sizes (from 16 inch to 23-inch frames) which makes it a great mini me bike. In the ad, our cool mountain biking Grandad and Granddaughter were having all the fun in the world, covered in mud, and so could your family. For a similar kid’s bike,
This fabulous Mum and daughter duo were riding this bike with style. A Classique bike is perfect for a leisurely ride through the park and has a convenient front basket, perfect for putting a picnic in if you fancy it. Available in an 16″ or 19″ frame, suitable for teenagers and adults.
Summer Cycling Adventures
Summer is officially here, and we’re all for going outdoors with the family. Whether you’ve managed to get lots of plans booked in or still doing your ‘fun activities to do during the summer holidays’ research, we’ve got you covered. At Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we’ve got a few points to cover on why you should enjoy a summer adventure – so let’s delve straight into it.
Children love the outdoors
Cast your mind back to when you were little; all the fun times you had on your bike. Whilst children of this generation have a lot more screen time, they still love to cycle around and breathe fresh air. Especially since lockdown, we’ve come to appreciate the freedom of going out, and so have the kids. Instead of another summer of being cooped up, a fantastic change of pace may consist of taking the family on a bike ride adventure this summer.
Benefits of a family bike ride
With the lovely weather we are fortunate to have had recently, it’s always worth stepping outdoors to enjoy it. Taking the family out on an epic bike adventure is sure to be a day to remember (and maybe even a highlight of the kids’ summer holiday). Not only is it really fun, but a big family bike ride is also great for a whole host of health reasons.
Go somewhere new and experience something different
A switch of scenery from what your children are used to can be highly beneficial to understand the world around them. And for adults, it’s also nice to go out and experience something out of the ordinary.
Quality time spent together
Whilst cycling through muddy paths or picturesque countryside, the time you all spend having fun is sure to make you grow stronger bonds. Having a bit more quality time is sure to put a smile on the children’s’ faces and ultimately give them some good times to remember.
Build up your child’s confidence
Finally, whether they’ve just come off training wheels or are getting the hang of it, taking your kids out on a ride is a definite way of improving their abilities. The more time spent riding the better, as their experiences of cycling will help them evolve into well-traversed cyclists.
If you and your kids are daredevils, then perhaps some time at the skatepark is more your thing. If you’re anything like our Grandma and Grandson on their BMXs, then you’ll need some extra protection. These helmets and pads are a great way of reducing the chances of bumps and bruises.
To celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne and in memory of this special Jubilee weekend, we have compiled 70 great cycling routes from your suggestions. We would love to see your photos of your cycling adventures on social media, so don’t forget to tag us! (@cyclekinguk)
As we’re sure you know, it’s the Queen’s Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne. She has seen so many changes in the world, and bikes are no exception.
The Cruiser – a classic of the 50’s and 60’s
The Cruiser was developed way back in 1930’s USA but gained its popularity in the 50’s and 60’s. The bicycle had a stable steel frame, single speed mechanicals and balloon tires. It was a product unlike any other, being an adaption of the cruiser motorbikes from WW2. The product came with a faux petrol tank and a battery powered headlight that defined the look of this classic. However, as time progressed, bikes started to become far lighter, meaning that the market shifted to cyclists preferring the European inspired racing bikes. This unfortunately led to the cruisers eventual decline in sales.
Choppers, BMX and Mountain Bikes, the thrills of the 70s & 80s
As new build techniques improved, the demand for a new bike interpretation of a classic motorcycle, the Chopper arose. Created as a kid’s bike, the most notable features of the bike were its banana seat (that made carrying passengers and doing wheelies easier) and the ape hanger handlebars. The Raleigh Chopper was one of the best-selling children’s bikes in the UK and the model is considered a classic amongst collectors and in the childhood memories of many.
The BMX was also inspired by a motorbike. Developed from motocross bikes, they began their life in the 70’s but really exploded into popularity, especially in the UK, in the 80’s where they became the must have for all kids and teenagers. They’re still rather popular today, with riders of all ages choosing this classic bike.
Next up came the Mountain Bike, born from the realisation that off-road cycling was a struggle, especially for riding down rugged hillsides. A hybrid of the BMX and a road bike was needed. Old Cruisers were modified by riders for off-road terrains as their balloon tires were readily available and could endure a lot, and their heavy and sturdy steel frame came in use for slamming against rocks and but were too heavy in mud. So, through the 70’s and 80’s companies started to develop bikes that were fit for the off-road experience. These bikes were far lighter and used durable materials like aluminium. Much like the BMX,Mountain Bikes are a popular choice for both children and adults and have definitely stood the test of time.
The concept of electric bikes dates back to the late 19th century but it wasn’t until the now that battery technology has been sufficiently advanced to really enable these bikes to take off. Bikes have come on leaps and bounds and there are now many model types and battery sizes suitable for any type of rider, this bike is a fantastic way to get around and makes cycling accessible to a wider age range. To round off our 70 years of bikes all together, take a look at this electric Cruiser-style bike, now that faux tank isn’t so faux anymore!
If you’re interested in any of our BMX’s, Mountain Bikes or Electric Bikes, take a look at our huge range and even save yourself some money on our selected Jubilee offers.
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Enter our Jubilee competition!
We’re celebrating in style! Be in with the chance of winning a stylish new bike or a £70 giftcard. Head to our Instagram or Facebook to enter today!
Terms and Conditions:
The competition will end on Wednesday 1st June at 2pm. The winners for each weekly prize will be announced on Saturday 4th June 2022 on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Eligibility: Employees of Cycle King or those associated with the operation or promotion of the competition are ineligible to enter. Any such entries are invalid. For delivery of the prize, you will be required to be available at a specified time and place.
Entry: Entrants must like, comment and follow @cyclekinguk on the associated social media platform (Instagram or Facebook). Entrants may enter as many times as they wish by tagging multiple accounts.
The prize: Each entrant is limited to winning one prize per competition. The prize is subject to availability and to winner confirmation. The Promoter will not deliver the prize to any address outside of mainland UK.
The first selected winner will win a Snob Halo. The second will win a Bridgford bike. The third selected will win an Ammaco Axis and then fourth will win a £70 giftcard. No cash alternative will be provided and any prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
If for any reason the winner chooses not to take up the prize or any part of the prize, the promoter reserves the right to ask the winner to confirm this in writing and, whether or not such confirmation is received, the promoter will be able to retain or dispose of the prize (or part of the prize) at its own discretion.
The Promoter will endravour to deliver the prize to the winner within fourteen (14) working days from the date of winner confirmation. The prize will only be posted to a UK mainland address directly associated with the winner, the Promoter does not accept liability in the instance that the address given by the winner is incorrect or changed.
Winner selection:
Unless stated otherwise in the interaction information, the winner will be randomly selected, and subject to eligibility and winner confirmation (and, for competitions where entrants are required to provide information, providing such information correctly).
The winners will be contacted as soon as practicable on or after the competition date. The winners will be contacted by the Promoter either via direct message or a reply to their post on social media, depending on which platform they entered on. Once the winner has been contacted, they must send a direct message to The Promoter to receive their prize. The Promoter will try to contact the winner over a 4-week period.
If the winners cannot be contacted or successful contact is not made within the time periods set out this may result in forfeiture of the prize and the Promoter reserves the right to disqualify that entrant (without further liability to that entrant) and offer the prize to the next eligible entrant and thereafter until a winner is found.
Contact Details and Further Information:
If you have a comment, query or complaint about the Promotion you may register it by phone on 01223 214999. You will need to provide some or all of the following information:
(a) Your name
(b) Your email address
(c) The IP address of your computer
(d) If possible, your internet service provider
(e) The date(s) and time(s) when you experienced problems
(f) The nature of the problem you experienced
(g) A contact telephone number you can be reached on, if necessary
Queries will be addressed as soon as possible.
If you require any information to be provided in an alternative format for accessibility reasons, we will be happy to discuss your requirements and endeavour to provide a suitable alternative.
E-bikes are a good way of keeping in shape and are really good fun. At Cycle King, we understand our large variety to choose from can be a bit daunting for a first-time buyer – but fear not, we have compiled a quick guide to help you get the right one for your needs. Take a look at what your shiny new E-bike could look like today.
Benefits of an E-bike Longer rides
A fully charged battery enables you to ride on far longer, thanks to motor assistance. The added assistance makes a huge difference to those who don’t have as much mobility today as the days they were on training wheels.
Alternative transport
Instead of going out in the car, taking your E-bike means not only a saving in cost but also a way to reduce your impact on the environment. We find that people enjoy taking in the scenery on their way to the shop on an E-bike, something that’s quite hard to appreciate on a cramped bus or train.
Which Electric Bike is suitable for you?
First thing you should know is that there isn’t just one kind of E-bike. Here are several brands and models we recommend.
Lectro
Lectro offer a few variations of E-bikes that suit any rider.The Suburban, fantastic for commuting, the Adventurer, perfect for exploring country roads, and the Summit, designed with mountain biking in mind. With their lower price point, they make very good entry level E-bike.
Ampere and Wisper
Perhaps your busy commuter life means that you need a bike that compacts down. A folding bike would be great, and even better if it was electric. The Wisper 806 20” Folding Electric Bike and Ampere Mode FoldingElectric Bike are some models that we recommend for the busiest of workers that need some help after a long day in the office.
Battery is just as important
You have the bike, now you need to know how large a battery you need. Before buying, take a look at what options are available for the bike you like. Understand their mileages on a full-charge in the product description and go from there.
Of course, spending £1000+ on a new E-bike is quite the investment but it’s one we’re sure you won’t regret making. For more advice, why not visit your local store and explore the E-bikes we offer.
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