Cycling – your bike and accessories

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Buying a bike
Buying a bicycle can be a challenge! There are many different types and brands to choose from. Before buying a bicycle you need to consider:

• How often you are likely to ride
• What sort of riding you will be doing – for fun, to get to school or work, off-road exploring, long distance touring or racing
• Where you will be riding – suburban streets, country roads, gravel roads, bike paths or off-road
• How much you would like to spend.

Choosing the right type of bike, the right size and the accessories you need to ensure safe cycling are important decisions. Basic bike maintenance will keep you safe.

Choose the right type
Some are right for one particular purpose only, whereas others perform well in several settings.

Road bikes are perfect for all kinds of road riding – from riding to school or work to racing in triathlons or even touring. They are designed to give you better handling, cornering and sprinting, whether riding or racing. Road bikes are designed and built to maximise aerodynamics and minimise weight. They have thin tyres, dropped handlebars and a range of gears. Mountain bikes (MTBs) are designed to tackle different terrains. They allow you to choose front and rear suspension, which provides good traction on rough terrain. They have wide tyres with a knobbly tread which is good for control. Hybrids can be used for bicycle trails and city streets. They combine the best features of road bikes and MTB’s and are ideal for commuting, fitness or fun. They feature an upright riding position to make cycling more comfortable. BMX bikes are designed to tackle a range of tracks and trails from cruising to doing tricks or going vertical. However, they are not the best bikes for commuting. The low seat position means that riding long distances can be uncomfortable and the absence of gears makes it difficult to climb. Fold-up bikes are lightweight and easy to use and store. These multipurpose bikes are perfect for commuting, holidays, picking up the paper or going for a ride with the children.

Choose the right size and fit
Bicycle frames come in different sizes while seats and handlebars can be changed or adjusted for fit. Getting the right size is one of the most important aspects in choosing a bicycle. Comfort, handling, aerodynamics and efficiency all rely on the right fit.
Things to consider are:

• frame size
• crank length
• seat height and angle
• stem length and height
• handlebar width and rise.

These all need to fit your body shape and size.

How to choose for children
Make sure the bicycle fits the child. Take your child with you when you shop for a bike so they can try it out. Don’t buy a bike for the child to grow into as oversized bikes are dangerous.

For more information, refer to the Travelsmart Buying a Bicycle (153 kb) brochure.

Accessories
Adding the right accessories to your bicycle can tailor the bicycle to your individual needs and improve the quality, safety and enjoyment of your riding experience. Some accessories are required by law but others are optional.

Accessories required by law are:

• an approved helmet which must be worn at all times
• a bell or warning device
• a red reflector at the rear
• at least 1 effective brake
• a front white light and rear red light when riding at night

Helmets are extremely important in reducing the serious injuries inflicted on cyclists by motor vehicles. All cyclists and passengers must wear a helmet approved by Standards Australia (labelled AS2063). Your helmet must always be correctly positioned and securely fastened. Choosing a bicycle helmet requires care. Fit and comfort should be placed ahead of price or visual appearance. Get professional advice from a bike shop on how to match your head shape and helmet size as good fit is essential for maximum protection.

Other items for safety and comfort

• clothing needs to be comfortable eg cycling shorts (knicks). Consider wearing colourful clothes or fluorescent safety gear as this increases your visibility to drivers.
• shoes
• gloves
• mudguards
• racks and panniers
• pump
• repair kit and small tools
• water bottle.

For more information refer to Travelsmart Cycling Accessories (122 kb) brochure.

Bicycle maintenance
A well–maintained bicycle will give you increased performance, more reliability and safety. Servicing and repairing your bicycle is inexpensive and by doing some daily and weekly maintenance you can reduce the need for repairs.
Regularly check:

• tyres
• wheels
• brakes
• chain
• lights
• reflectors.

Give it a thorough service at least once a year.

For more information refer to Travelsmart Basic Bicycle Maintenance (114 kb) brochure.

Other important information

• For more information on buying a bicycle, please visit your local bike shop.
• When leaving your bike, lock it to an immovable object. Keep a record of its serial number in case it is stolen.