The Ultimate Bike Buying Guide

Buying a bike is an exciting journey, whether you're a dedicated rider looking to upgrade or a beginner taking your first steps into the world of cycling. With so many options available, choosing a bike can feel a little overwhelming to some. At Ribble, we can help you consider your needs, preferences, and riding goals.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making that all-important decision.

Before diving into the technical aspects, you must first identify what kind of rider you are. The type of riding you plan on doing will determine the kind of bike that’s right for you.

• Road Cycling: If you plan to clock up plenty of miles on tarmac, a lightweight road bike designed for speed and efficiency is ideal.
• Off-Road Adventures: If you'd like the versatility to extend your rides beyond the road, tackling mixed terrain routes, gravel or allroad bikes may be your best options.
• Commuting or Casual Riding: A hybrid bike blends road and allroad bike features, perfect for city commuting or leisurely weekend rides.
• Longer Hilly Rides: Struggling to keep pace on hilly group rides or finding yourself limited by terrain or distance? A pedal-assisted electric bike will help you conquer steeper gradients or smash that ride that takes you outside your comfort zone.

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

• Road bikes are lightweight and fast. They are designed for paved surfaces and are ideal for racing, fitness, or long-distance journeys.
• Gravel bikes are built for adventure on mixed surfaces like gravel paths, dirt roads, and even tarmac. With wider tyres and a sturdy frame, they are great for off-road exploration whilst retaining enough speed and efficiency to mix in the odd road ride.
• Allroad bikes are 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 surfaces without compromising their on-road speed and agility.
• Hybrid bikes are an adaptable option that combines the features of road and allroad bikes, making them great for commuting and recreational cycling.
• Electric bikes (e-bikes) amplify your pedalling efforts via an electric motor, making them an excellent option for commuting, long rides and flattening out the hills so you don't have to confine your rides to flat terrain.

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 corrosion-resistant. Ideal for beginners and mid-range bikes. ** Carbon Fibre:** Lighter and stronger yet more compliant than aluminium, carbon fibre is known for offering a smoother ride and superior performance, making it a favourite amongst competitive cyclists and cycling club stalwarts.
• Steel: Renowned for offering exceptional durability and comfort, the natural suppleness of steel ensures a buttery smooth ride. However, as the heaviest of the frame materials, steel bikes can feel a little less lively than lightweight alloy or carbon models, yet its the exemplary ride quality offered that makes steel bikes as popular as ever.
• Titanium: A premium material known for its strength, resilience, and corrosion-resistance. Titanium frames exhibit the same supple ride qualities and legendary durability as a steel frame but at a reduced weight.

Choosing the right bike size is crucial for both comfort and performance. A bike that's too big or too small can lead to significant discomfort and even injury.

• Height & Inseam Measurement: Your ideal bike frame size is typically based on your height and inseam length. These measurements help ensure the best fit.
• Test Ride: If possible, test-ride various bikes to see which feels most comfortable. You should be able to reach the pedals and handlebars comfortably without overstretching or feeling cramped.

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

• Gearing: Bikes come with different gear ranges to suit various terrains. Understanding bike gears is tricky - bigger gears give you more options for tackling hills, while smaller gears are more efficent on flatter terrain. Think about the kind of terrain you’ll ride and choose a bike with gearing that matches.
• Brakes: Modern bikes almost exclusively feature disc brakes or rim brakes. Disc brakes, especially hydraulic ones, offer superior stopping power in wet and muddy conditions, making them a great choice for all-weather cyclists.

Wheels are the best single-component performance upgrade you could possibly apply. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade your wheels, it could be more cost-effective and performance-improving in the long run. Your choice of tyres and wheels depends on the terrain you plan to ride.

• Road Bikes: These bikes typically come fitted with narrow, 25 - 32 mm slick tyres for fast and efficient riding on smooth tarmac roads.
• Gravel Bikes: Wider 40 - 50 mm tyres with deep treads for tackling rough and uneven surfaces with confidence.
• Allroad Bikes: Slightly wider 32 - 38 mm tyres than standard road bikes, which are designed to enhance traction and control on mixed surface rides without compromising on-road speed.

It's important to set a budget before you start shopping, and to stick to it. A bike's price point will vary depending on its components and materials. Keep in mind that spending a bit more upfront can save you money in the long run, as higher-quality bikes feature reliable components which require less maintenance and are longer lasting.

Below are three of Ribble's high-quality road bikes representing the entry, mid, and advanced price ranges.

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!