Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bike should I buy?
| Riding Style | Recommended Bike |
|---|---|
| Roads and commuting | Road bike or Hybrid bike |
| Daily commuting | Commuter bike or Hybrid bike |
| City riding | Hybrid bike or Commuter bike |
| Gravel roads and mixed terrain | Gravel bike |
| Mountain trails | Mountain bike (Hardtail or Full Suspension) |
| Long-distance touring | Touring bike |
| Fast road racing | Road bike |
| Maximum speed on flat roads and racing | Aero road bike |
| Carrying children, groceries, or heavy loads | Cargo bike (Longtail or Front-loading) |
| Bikepacking and multi-day adventures | Gravel bike or Adventure bike |
What size bike do I need?
Bike sizing depends on:
- Height
- Inseam (inside leg length)
- Frame geometry (which varies by manufacturer)
Example:
| Rider Height | Approximate Road Bike Size |
|---|---|
| 5’2″ (157 cm) | 47–49 cm |
| 5’6″ (168 cm) | 52–54 cm |
| 5’10” (178 cm) | 56 cm |
| 6’1″ (185 cm) | 58 cm |
| 6’4″ (193 cm) | 61 cm |
However, two bikes with the same frame size can fit differently.
Quick Tip :
If you’re between sizes:
- Choose the smaller frame for a more aggressive riding position.
- Choose the larger frame for greater comfort and stability.
A professional bike fit can make a dramatic difference, especially if you’ll be riding regularly.
Do I need disc brakes or rim brakes?
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Pros
- Excellent stopping power
- Perform well in wet weather
- Better control on steep descents
- Require less hand effort
Cons
- Slightly heavier
- More expensive
- More complex maintenance
Rim Brakes
Pros
- Lighter
- Simpler to maintain
- Less expensive
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Reduced performance in rain
- Wear down wheel rims over time
- Less stopping power on long descents
Recommendation
For most riders today, hydraulic disc brakes are the better long-term investment because they offer consistent braking in a wider range of conditions.
What accessories should I buy with my bike?
Essential Accessories
Helmet
A properly fitted helmet is the single most important safety accessory. Modern helmets are lightweight, well-ventilated, and designed to reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash.
Bike Lock
If you plan to leave your bike unattended, invest in a high-quality lock. A Sold Secure Gold-rated D-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock offers much better protection than inexpensive cable locks.
Front and Rear Lights
Lights aren’t just for riding at night—they also improve your visibility during the day. Rechargeable LED lights are bright, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Mini Pump or CO₂ Inflator
A flat tyre can happen at any time. Carrying a mini pump or CO₂ inflator ensures you can get back on the road without waiting for assistance.
Spare Inner Tube and Tyre Levers
Punctures are one of the most common cycling issues. A spare tube, tyre levers, and a pump are enough to fix most flats in just a few minutes.
Multi-Tool
A compact cycling multi-tool allows you to tighten bolts, adjust components, and make basic repairs while out riding.
Comfort and Convenience Accessories
- Water bottle and bottle cage
- Cycling gloves
- Padded cycling shorts
- Phone mount
- Saddle bag for tools and spares
- Mudguards (great for commuting and wet weather)
- Rear pannier rack for carrying bags
- Kickstand (mainly useful for commuters and hybrid bikes)
- Cycling computer or GPS device to track rides
Optional Performance Upgrades
Once you’ve ridden your bike for a while, you may want to consider:
- Clipless pedals and cycling shoes
- Heart rate monitor
- Power meter
- Tubeless tyres
- Better saddle if the stock one isn’t comfortable
Recommended Starter Kit
For most new cyclists, these accessories provide the best value:
- Helmet
- Bike lock
- Front and rear lights
- Mini pump
- Spare inner tube
- Tyre levers
- Multi-tool
- Water bottle and cage
These essentials cover safety, security, hydration, and the most common roadside repairs.
Is an electric bike worth it?
An e-bike may be worth it if you:
- Have a long commute
- Live in a hilly area
- Want to arrive at work without being sweaty
- Need to carry children or shopping
- Are returning to cycling after a long break
- Want to replace short car journeys with cycling
The electric motor provides assistance only while you pedal, making hills and longer rides much easier without taking away the cycling experience.
Advantages of an Electric Bike
Ride Further
The motor assistance reduces fatigue, allowing you to cover greater distances comfortably.
Climb Hills More Easily
Steep climbs become much more manageable, making cycling practical for more people.
Commute Comfortably
You can arrive at work fresher, especially if your route includes hills or strong headwinds.
Carry Heavy Loads
Cargo e-bikes make transporting children, groceries, or work equipment much easier.
Ride More Often
Many owners report cycling more frequently because riding feels less physically demanding.
Potential Drawbacks
Higher Cost
Quality e-bikes generally cost significantly more than equivalent non-electric bikes.
Heavier Weight
The battery and motor add several kilograms, making the bike harder to lift or transport.
Battery Charging
You’ll need to recharge the battery regularly, and batteries typically require replacement after several years of use.
More Complex Maintenance
Although many components are the same as a standard bike, the electrical system requires specialist servicing if problems arise.
Should you buy one?
If your goal is transport, commuting, replacing car journeys, or making cycling easier and more practical, an electric bike is often an excellent investment. The extra cost can be worthwhile if it encourages you to ride more often and rely less on a car.
Environmental Benefits: By replacing many short car journeys, electric bikes can help reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way of travelling.
An e-bike is simply another type of bicycle designed to make cycling accessible to more people. For the right rider, it can be one of the best cycling purchases they’ll ever make.
Upcoming Events
Everest Camp Trek
Walking Holidays
Explore The World
Upcoming Tours & Destination
Fuerat aestu carentem habentia spectent tonitrua mutastis locavit liberioris. Sinistra possedit litora ut nabataeaque. Setucant coepyterunt perveniunt animal! Concordi aurea nabataeaque seductaque constaque cepit sublime flexi nullus.
