Bikes buying a new bike

Choosing the right bike for your needs and budget can be confusing so the first step is to ask yourself what will you be using the bike for.

Evans Cycles stocks a wide range of bike types from on and off-road race bikes to kids bikes and shoppers.

There are two distinct groups of bikes: on or off-road. A third category - the hybrid - combines some elements of both bikes making it a good choice for low level varied use.

If you plan only to use your bike on-road you have a wide choice of options; drop-handle bar lightweight road bike, ideal if speed is important or you are considering competition; flat handle bar leisure bikes or the conventional shopper style.

If you plan to venture off-road frequently, the type of off-road - or 'mountain bike' - you go for depends on how 'extreme' your riding is - most hybrids will cope with gentle towpaths, but for anything more adventurous a specific mountain bike is required.

Mountain bikes have varying levels of suspension

- rigid, no suspension
- front shocks only, known as 'FS' or 'front suspension' models
- hardtails -shocks front and rear referred to as 'full-suspension'.

Different types of suspension are available depending on the style of riding the bike is going to be used for. The amount by which the shock compresses is referred to as "travel". Once you have identified several bikes that meet your needs the next step is to check their sizing and if possible test ride, as different manufacturers bikes come up in slightly different sizes.

A note on sizing

Bike sizes are given on seat tube length, most manufacturers measure from the centre of the crank axle - bottom bracket - to the centre of the seat tube where it joins the top tube. Always check how measurements are done - some bikes are measured centre to top of seat tube, which can make a big difference. Seat tube length provides your stand over height - the amount of clearance between your crotch and top tube, which should be 3-4inches on a mountain bike though less is needed on the road. The second important measurement is the reach - controlled by the distance along the top tube.

To a certain degree reach can be adjusted with stem lengths and by moving the saddle however these are only for minor adjustments, changing stem length dramatically can alter the handling of the bike.

Getting the correct size is critical for you to feel comfortable and in control on your bike. If possible try several different bikes and ask an expert to check your position for you.