Buying Guides
Practical advice for choosing and looking after a cycle, written by the shop.
What Is Bike Geometry and Why Does It Matter?
Beyond frame size, the angles and measurements of a frame shape how a bike actually handles.
How to Choose the Right Tyre Type for Your Terrain
Tread pattern and width should match where you actually ride, not just how the bike looks.
Understanding Gear Ratios: Why Some Bikes Climb Easier
Gear ratio, not gear count, is what actually determines how easy a bike feels to climb on.
Front Suspension vs Rigid Fork: Do You Need Suspension?
Suspension helps on rough terrain and adds weight and maintenance everywhere else.
How to Choose a Bike for City Commuting
The best commuter bike prioritises reliability and low maintenance over speed.
Kids' Bike Sizing: A Height-to-Wheel-Size Guide
Kids' bikes are sized by wheel diameter, roughly matched to height and age.
How to Choose a Bike Basket or Pannier
Front basket, rear rack, or pannier bags — what actually suits how you carry things.
How to Choose a Bike Lock: Types Explained
U-locks, cable locks, and chain locks each suit a different situation.
Understanding Bike Warranty: What's Usually Covered
Warranty terms vary by brand and part — here's the general shape of what's typically included.
How to Choose the Right Helmet Size
A helmet only protects if it actually fits — here's how to get the size right.
What to Check Before Buying a Second-Hand Bike
A used bike can be excellent value — if you check the right things before handing over money.
How to Choose a Bike for a Beginner Adult Rider
The right first bike for an adult is rarely the most feature-packed one — here's what actually matters.
How to Choose Bike Pedals: Flats vs Clipless
Most everyday riders are better served by flat pedals — here's when clipless actually earns its keep.
How to Transport Your Bike by Car
Roof rack, trunk rack, or inside the boot — what actually keeps a bike safe on the move.
Steel vs Aluminium Bike Frames: Pros and Cons
Two common frame materials, two different rides — neither is simply "better".
How Often Should You Service Your Bike?
There's no single number — it depends on how much and where you ride. Here's a reasonable rule of thumb.
How to Adjust Your Saddle Height Correctly
A two-minute adjustment that fixes most of what makes a bike feel wrong.
Disc Brakes vs Rim Brakes: Which Should You Choose?
Both stop a bike safely — the real differences are weather performance, maintenance, and cost.
Cycle Tyre Pressure: What PSI Should You Run?
The right pressure range is printed on your tyre — here's how to read it and why it matters.
MTB, Hybrid, or Roadster: Choosing the Right Type of Cycle
The three most common cycle types explained by what they're actually built for, not just how they look.
Bike Maintenance Basics: A Beginner's Checklist
Five checks that take under ten minutes and catch most of the problems that end up as a breakdown mid-ride.
Types of Gears Explained: Which Setup Fits Your Ride
Single-speed, derailleur, or hub gears — what the numbers on a spec sheet actually mean for how a bike rides.
How to Choose the Right Frame Size
Ride a frame that's the wrong size and nothing else about the bike matters. Here's how sizing actually works.