How To Buy A Bike In London

Buying a bike in London is not as straightforward as it might seem. There are many things to consider before making your purchase.

The first thing to consider is the type of bike that you want, whether it be a road bike, mountain bike or something else. This will depend on where you plan to use the bicycle and what kind of terrain you will ride on.

The second thing that you should think about is how much money you have available for your purchase and what kind of budget you have set yourself.

How much does it cost to buy a bicycle in London?

Bikes cost anywhere between £150 and £15,000, but the average Londoner should aim to spend between £400 and £800 on their first bike. For this money you will get a reliable machine made by a well-regarded brand with decent components.^[1]

How do you get a bike in London?

Hire a Santander Cycle in London Simply download our Santander Cycles app or go to any docking station terminal with your bank card and touch the screen to get started. There’s no need to book – hire a Santander Cycle, ride it, then return it to any docking station.^[2]

Should you buy a bike in London?

Yes, it is good idea to have a bicycle in London. I have lived in London and had a car, a motorcycle, and a bicycle, as well as be able to walk and take public transport.^[3]

How do I start buying a bike?

Set your goals. Set your budget. Choose a shop. Choose your gears. Choose your brakes. Get the right size. Do you need suspension? Take a test ride.^[4]

How much do bikes cost UK?

Mintel has revealed that the average price of a bicycle in the UK is just £233. The figures come as part of a wide ranging report into the state of the bicycle market in the UK. The report reveals fewer Brits are buying bikes while the value of bikes is on the up.^[5]

Do you need a license to ride a bicycle in London?

Currently, anyone can pedal on UK roads, whether or not they have passed a cycling proficiency – the riding skills test renamed as Bikeability in 2007.^[6]

Are there public bikes in London?

London bike hire key information You can hire bikes using London’s public cycle hire scheme, Santander Cycles. Riders will find 800 docking stations and 12,000 bikes to hire around London. It costs £2 to access a Santander Cycles bike for 24 hours, and the first 30 minutes of each journey are free.^[7]

How safe is cycling in London?

There were 0.68 fatalities per 100,000 cyclists in London. This compares to 1.77 in Amsterdam, 1.04 in Copenhagen and 0.75 in Paris. There were 1,299 accidents per 100,000 cyclists in London. This compares to 1,019 in Amsterdam, 218.44 in Copenhagen and 318 in Paris.^[8]

Do I need a helmet to ride a bike in London?

Wearing a helmet whilst cycling is not a legal requirement in the UK. A cycle helmet is designed to reduce the impact to the head of a person cycling in falls or collisions while minimising side effects such as interference with peripheral vision.^[9]

How much should you spend on a bike UK?

The research company Mintel found that the average price of a new bicycle in the UK was £233 (~$313) in 2014. In September 2020, The Bicycle Association reported this figure to be £365 (~$490). This is only a starting point. It only covers new bicycle sales.^[10]

How much should I spend on a road bike UK?

Possibly a bit more than you think. If you’re buying a new road bike, the experts at British Cycling recommend spending at least £500 on an entry level bike to get something that is light enough, comfortable enough and reliable enough to enjoy your riding experience.^[11]

What should we know before buying a bike?

Find the Purpose of the Purchase. The selection of a bike to buy is based on the purpose of its purchase. Conduct a Thorough Research. Inspect the Bike Thoroughly. Check the Chassis Number. Servicing Record. Ensure Proper Documentation. Negotiate the Price.^[12]