Buying a bike

It's healthy, it's fun, it's cheap, it's easy and it's environmentally friendly.

Whether you have been inspired by the Tour de France or prodded by your conscience to buy a bike, get out there and start having fun!

But where do you start? A high street chain, a warehouse or a local independent specialist? New or second-hand? A fold-up commuter bike, the ultimate downhill off-roader or a sleek, lightweight racer?

Where to start

Work out exactly what you want to do on your bike and what you expect to do most often. Are you planning the occasional weekend ride with the family, off-road adventure in the local woods or for commuting?

Deciding what you need the bike for will help to make the choice of bicycle more manageable. A specialist bike shop is likely to give you the best advice on what to buy, but second-hand bikes may be a good option.

Price range

Bike costs depend on build quality, suspension and gears and can range in price. When choosing a new bike, bear in mind that efficient cycling depends on reducing friction and weight as much as possible. Wide tread tyres work best when ploughing through mud, but take much more effort per mile when popping out to the newsagents.

It is the same with having a full suspension, as the effort input is translated into turning the wheels round when on tarmac, so the suspension is rarely used but the weight of the suspension can slow the bike down.

Road racers, even Tour de France stars, do not have suspension on their bikes. Consider a bike with front suspension if you are considering dual purpose.

Gears

The number of gears available ranges from 5 to 25 but consider the use of gears. If cycling up hills, 18 or 21 gears might be useful, but if cycling on flat, tarmac surfaces, try 10 gears.

Comfort

Choosing the right kind of saddle and making certain that the bike fits you, will ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Any reputable shop will be happy to let you try the bikes out in the shop. Remember to take as long as you need to make sure you are buying something that is your size.

Accessories

There is lots of choice when purchasing panniers for long journeys, lights, bells and helmets, although not compulsory, a helmet is highly advisable.

Do explore other protective clothing options on the market, as most have the additional advantage of being of high visibility, so that car and truck drivers will clearly see you. A bike pump and puncture kit can be essential pieces of kit, which could save you from a lengthy walk home one day.

There's a fair bit to think about, but get it right and your view of the Kent countryside will never be the same again!