A cambridge guide - buying a bike
Photo taken by @rdf_urban
Cambridge is famous for many things and cycling is definitely one of those. Google pictures of Cambridge and you more than likely see images with bikes in them. Cycling is by far the easiest way to get around our beautiful city but what do you need when it comes to a bike?
This guide has been created so that you can make the best choice possible when it comes to getting a bike for living in Cambridge.
Types of bike
There are many types of bike on the market and knowing what to get can be hard, but generally, they can be broken down into a few groups.
Road bike - Great for going fast but not the best for going around town. Generally, the high end of price so not the best for a bike around town.
Mountain bike - Looking to go off-road and as the name implies on mountains. Then this is the bike for you. However, the steepest hill in Cambridge is probably a bridge so not really something that is needed.
Hybrid/ commuter bike - A cross between the two above. A good all-round bike not specialising in anything like the road or mountain bike does.
Sit up and beg - more of a classical bike where the handlebars curve back to the rider and enable you to sit up more upright.
Folding bikes - As the name suggests these fold down so that they take up less space or are easy to carry.
Gears
Gears on a bike can be a great asset. They help make things easier when going up slopes and enable you to maintain a higher speed without having your legs move at light speed.
Fixed - More common on the velodrome fixed gearing has become popular with some people. Hard to control and no freewheeling.
Single-speed - Nice and simple with little to go wrong. You will need some good leg muscles when it comes to a hill or reaching high speeds though.
3-5 gears - Not as simple as a single gear bike but you do have a few options. Good for getting you over that hill and help you reach a higher speed.
Multiple - Often seen on mountain or road bikes where you’ll have 10+ gears. This is all designed around performance and making things easier or faster. This will have more to go wrong and will need regular servicing.
Luggage
Carrying things on a bike can be a challenge, but you do have a few options to make life a little easier.
Basket - A classic look and very practical. Having a basket strapped to the front of your bike gives you a place to carry things plus it’s in your line of sight so you’ll know if anything falls out. Baskets are generally always mounted on the bike so you’ll have to remove items from the basket to carry them anywhere once you are off your bike.
Pannier - This is a bag that is attached via a frame to your bike. These bags are detachable so make it a great option for use around town as a general bag as well as a way to carry things on your bike.
Backpack - Nice and easy. A bag on your back is an easy option as it doesn’t get in the way when you're cycling and can be used when you’re not on the bike.
Accessories
So you have a bike but what else do you need to make your cycling as easy as possible. Some of the items below are a must, and others are a nicety.
Must
Helmet - our bodies are valuable, make sure you protect them to the best of your ability a well-fitted helmet is a must.
Lights - see and be seen. It’s not just about being able to see where you’re going but to also make you visible to other road users. Removable USB lights are our recommendation.
Lock - security is a must. We’d recommend a strong D-lock which will make things hard work for anyone trying to steal a bike.
Pump - keep your tyres inflated as it’ll make peddling a lot easier and the performance improves.
Optional
Mudguards - come the wetter months these are a really good idea as without them we’ll get dirty and wet from cycling about.
Seat cover - This can be a good option for that wetter month.
Reflective clothing - again good for visibility but also protection from the elements.