Once you know what type of bike you need, you can begin to look at the different bikes which are available. This will ensure that you have a rough idea of what you are looking for and won’t be swayed by any hard sells by sales staff in the larger stores.

If you choose to shop online, follow the same steps as you would for any online purchase – use a comparison website. If you can, purchase through a cash-back site and use a cash-back credit card . Websites such as factorydirectbikes.com, bikes2udirect.com, bargainbikes.net and factoryonlinedirect.co.uk sell bikes at reduced rates. Compare the prices first on a price comparison site such as moneysupermarket.com or pricerunner.com

It is best to go to an actual shop and test out the different bikes even if you aren’t going to purchase the bike in-store.

Second hand bikes

If you are only going to use the bike for leisure consider buying the bike second hand. Have a look on eBay, gumtree.com, Amazon, craigslist.org and freecyle.org to see if there’s anything suitable.

When buying a second hand bike on the high street, go to smaller independent shops rather than the big chain stores, and always haggle for a better price. If there is no leeway in the price, try getting freebies thrown in, such as: better pedals, tyre repair kits, spare brake pads and extended warranty.

Some of the smaller shops may have notice boards or know of local people who are selling older bikes. Consider looking at local free papers to see if anyone is trying to sell a bike – they are usually unwanted presents in good condition. If you are buying a new bike to replace an older edition, think about giving it to the charity re-cycle-east.org, who send bikes and bike parts to Africa, or bikerecycling.org.uk.

Tips for buying a second hand bike

• Always have a test ride because comfort and safety are the key things to look for. Saddles can be changed but if you don’t feel comfortable when riding it’ll be because the bike size and type isn’t right for you.
• Check the bike's brake and gear cables to ensure they are clean and non-frayed. Test the brakes during your ride.