The Ultimate Bike Buying Guide

Buying a bike should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading to the next level or starting from scratch, the choice can be huge. That’s where we come in. At Ribble, we help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters — your riding style, your goals, and the right bike to get you there.

This guide takes you step-by-step through the key things to consider before you commit.

Before diving into the specs, think about the kind of riding you’ll actually do. Your style sets the tone for everything else.

• Road Cycling – Clocking up miles on smooth tarmac? You’ll want a lightweight road bike designed for speed, efficiency, and all-day comfort.
• **Off-Road Adventures **– Gravel or CGR bikes give you the freedom to leave the tarmac and explore mixed terrain without losing pace.
• Commuting or Casual Riding – Our SPORTFIT bikes take the best of our award-winning range and reimagine them with a flat-bar setup. You get the same performance, comfort, and versatility — just with a more upright position for extra confidence and control. Perfect for city commutes, cycle paths, and relaxed weekend spins, they’re built to make every ride feel easy and enjoyable.
• Longer, Hillier Rides – An e-bike with smooth pedal assistance helps flatten out climbs and extend your range so the route, not your legs, sets the limit.

Once you've nailed down your riding style, it's time to consider which bike type fits your needs best.

• Road bikes - Lightweight, fast, and built for tarmac. Perfect for racing, sportives, and high-mileage training.
• Gravel bikes - Wide tyres, robust frames, and off-road confidence, without losing the ability to stay fast and smooth.
• Allroad bikes - Versatile and designed for smooth roads and light off-road riding. They feature slightly wider tyres than road bikes, ensuring optimal comfort and control on rougher roads.
• SPORTFIT bikes - take the best of our award-winning models and add a flat bar for a more upright, confidence-inspiring position. Perfect for riders who want the same performance, comfort, and
• Electric bikes - Your effort, amplified. Make light work of hills and longer distances while keeping the look and feel of a high-performance bike.

The frame is the heart of your bike, and the material it’s made from will affect the weight, handling, price and ride quality.

• Aluminium – Lightweight, affordable, and rust-resistant. A great balance of performance and value.
• Carbon Fibre – Light, stiff, and smooth-riding. The go-to for performance riders chasing speed and comfort.
• Steel – Known for its durability and silky ride feel. Heavier than aluminium or carbon, but unmatched for long-distance comfort.
• Titanium – Strong, corrosion-proof, and lighter than steel with the same smooth ride feel. A true “forever” frame.

Choosing the right bike size is everything. The wrong size can make even the best bike feel wrong and the right fit can transform your riding comfort and performance.

• Measure Up – Use your height and inseam to find the right frame size as a starting point.
• Fine-Tune with a Fit – Handlebar reach, saddle height, and position all affect how your bike feels. A proper bike fit can improve comfort, prevent injury, and help you ride more efficiently.

The Bike Fitters – Our professional bike fitting service ensures your new Ribble is tailored exactly to your body, goals, and riding style. Whether you're buying new or fine-tuning your current setup, we bring the fit to you for total comfort, performance, and confidence; all from the comfort of your own home. Find out more here.

Gearing and braking systems are important factors that affect your riding experience.

• Gearing: More bike gears help with steep climbs; tighter ranges are better for flat, fast rides.
• Brakes: Disc brakes or rim brakes?. Disc brakes dominate now, especially hydraulic versions for all-weather stopping power.

Your contact with the road — and one of the easiest ways to change how your bike rides. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade your wheels, it could be more cost-effective and performance-improving in the long run.

• Road – 25–32mm slick tyres for speed.
• Allroad – 32–38mm for a balance of grip and rolling speed.
• Gravel – 40–50mm knobbly tyres for loose or uneven terrain.

Set your budget — then look at what gives you the best performance for your money. Spending a little more can mean better components, lower maintenance costs, and longer lifespan.

Think about any accessories you might need to enhance your riding experience:

• Helmet: Safety first! A good helmet is essential and one that fits correctly too. Measure your head circumference before committing to purchasing one.
• Lights: If you’re riding at night or in low-light conditions, bike lights are a must.
• Locks: Protect your investment with a strong bike lock, especially if you’re thinking of cycle commuting.
• Mudguards & Racks: If you plan on riding in all weathers or need to carry luggage, mudguards and racks are essential accessories.

Buying a bike is an investment, so the after-sales should match the quality of the product. At Ribble, we pride ourseleves on our customer service excellence and even provide a sizing service so you can find your perfect bike size before you buy, ensuring you get the most out of every ride.

Visit one of our showrooms for expert guidance and personalised support. Plus, with Ribble's 30-day test ride(exclusions apply) , you can try out your new bike with confidence—if it's not the perfect fit, simply return it within 30 days.

Selecting the perfect bike may feel daunting at first, but understanding your riding style, the specific type of bike you need, and the essential components to consider can simplify the process significantly. At Ribble, we're committed to guiding you through your decision and helping you find a bike that aligns with your needs, budget, and future cycling aspirations.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to take up cycling or an experienced rider, start your adventure today by exploring our complete range of bikes and accessories!