The most important consideration once you've selected the right type of bike for your needs is to buy the right size frame.  Bikes differ, for example, from shoes in that if you purchase the wrong size of shoe it will never really fit.  With bikes, so long as you have the right frame it can be tailored to suit your riding style.  Saddles obviously go up and down, but decent ones also move forwards and backwards.  This can effect how much weight falls on the handlebars and your balance.  The handlebars can be adjusted for height, but also rotated for comfort.  As can the position of the brakes and gears.  Pedals can be altered to personal taste to provide extra grip.  So long as you have the right size frame, the bike can be adjusted to suit.

So how do you pick the right frame?
The rule differs, depending on whether you want a road or mountain bike.  For road bikes, the usual rule is inside leg minus 10-11" to the largest available frame.

For mountain bikes, the rule is inside leg minus 12-13", to the smallest frame.  The reason for this is to keep the weight low for easy handling and to provide sufficient crutch clearance in the event of a fall or near fall. 
                   
What is the best riding position?
Men and women tend to ride in different positions due to physical differences in anatomy.  Women tend to prefer a more upright position, with straight backs and feet firmly on the ground.  Men often prefer to balance on tip toes, which provides a more aggressive stance when riding.  The most efficient riding position in almost all cases can be found by adjusting the saddle so that your leg is almost straight when the heel of your foot is on the pedal in the '6 o'clock' position.

Why are some bikes more expensive than others?
Buying a bike is a bit like buying a bikini, in that the more you spend, the less you get.  Higher priced bikes use much lighter materials and better components throughout, which means they handle better, are much easier to pedal and more rewarding to ride.  As only about £9 a week can allow you to get an £750 bike, our recommendation is to use the Cycle to Work Scheme to get a decent bike.

So which bike is right for me?
We have a wide selection of bikes from a range of manufacturers, but to make it really easy for you to get started we have created a series of special ranges for employees.  These ranges consist of some of the very best bikes available, eg the Cape Wrath has won gold awards for the last three years.  Simply tell us what you're looking do with your bike and we will send you the relevant range.

We really want you to enjoy your cycling and will be pleased to help you decide which is right for you on an individual basis if you are still undecided.  We've set up a special email help line choice@bikeplanetuk.com and will be glad to receive your enquiries and orders.