Cycling Basics

How do I choose the right bike?

We offer a wide range of bicycles including children’s bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes.

The most important aspect of choosing a bicycle is deciding where you want to regularly ride as this determines the right type of bike to buy .

Our expert staff are always available to provide you with sound guidance on choosing the right bike for your needs.

How do I choose the right size of bike?

It’s very important to buy a bike in the right size, whether for your child or for yourself.

It is tempting to buy a bike for your child that is too large to give more “growing room” but your child will not be able to control the bike safely, which can spoil their enjoyment of cycling and lead to accidents.

Please have a look at our guide to choosing the correct size.

Visit our Bicycle Sizing Guide for even more info!

Do I need to assemble the bike?

Your bike will receive a pre-delivery inspection to make sure it is safe to ride before you collect it from our store.

If you would like your bike delivered it will be shipped to you by courier. We will have performed the same inspection on your bike as we would if you were collecting in store but we do need to package it for transit. This means you will have to perform some minor assembly once the bike is delivered. This assembly can vary between bikes but normally will include fitting the front wheel and pedals. Some bikes may need the handlebar bolting on but this is very simple. Some children’s bikes will require stabilizers to be fitted.

Included with your bike will be instructions explaining how to perform these tasks. The direct line to our workshop is also on the instructions if you have any questions at all relating to the assembly of your bike.

It will be supplied with a manufacturer’s handbook and servicing instructions.

How do I service my bicycle?

We offer a free service on your new bicycle at our Horsham store, which should be taken after 4-6 weeks of regular use.

Bicycles benefit from being kept clean, the chain oiled and the tires kept inflated at the recommended pressure in the handbook.

If you require further servicing we offer very competitive servicing rates and discounts on any replacement parts or upgrades.

At what age can children start cycling?

Many manufacturers offer a 12” wheeled bicycle with stabilisers which is generally suitable for children aged 2-3 years old, but this depends on the child’s height and experience.

A more recent development has been bikes without pedals and no stabilisers, which encourages young (2-3 years old) children to quickly develop great balance so they can progress to a regular bicycle with no need for stabilisers.

Where do children learn to cycle safely?

Many schools have partnerships with the government’s approved cycle proficiency training provider Bikeability.

The ‘National Standard for Cycle Training’ is the Government’s approved cycling proficiency test, and Bikeability can provide children with the right skills to safely cycle on the highway.

Many schools also offer ‘bike trains’, where children can join an approved cycling adult on a set route to and from the school.

Where do adults learn to cycle safely?

Your local authority will offer cycle proficiency training for adults, this is often free or available for a small fee.