How to get back into cycling after time off the bike? Choose the right equipment to suit you

There are more options than ever which can present a paradox of choice, but getting a little advice can make a big difference, says professional coach Marshall Thomas

'You don’t have to spend a fortune as long as it’s fit for purpose' (Getty)

Finding the right bike can be an expensive endeavour, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is choosing the one that suits the job. Buying a hybrid when you want to take part in fast racing is going to leave you frustrated; likewise buying a rapid road bike for a commute over rough road surfaces might bring about a few unwanted flat tyres that leave you choosing the train or bus instead.

Right now there are more options than ever. Electric bikes have sometimes been given a ‘cheat’ reputation, unfairly so: they are brilliant, allowing you to travel further in quicker time while still getting a workout, and giving you the ability to choose exactly how hard that workout should be. The alternative of a moped is worse for the environment and physical health, and the stigma of an e-bike is fading. Fold-up bikes, touring bikes and mountain bikes all do different things for different people, so the most important thing is to do a bit of research before you buy.

When it comes to what makes the right bike, it is a case of “how long is a piece of a string”, according to Marshall Thomas, a professional cycling coach and coach trainer on British Cycling’s education programme. “You don’t have to spend a fortune as long as it’s fit for purpose. It’s a good idea to check out the advice of a local bike shop. Ask: is this fit for purpose? They might just suggest a couple of tweaks.”

And when it comes to choosing the right equipment, it is not just about the bike. “A big piece of advice I’d give is to buy a pair of shorts. Ditch the jeans. Your bum is in the saddle and you want it to be comfortable. The padding is designed to fit closely, whereas seams on jeans can be a pressure point. Lycra’s got a bad name but it does a good job.”

Ultimately, it can just be about getting a bit of direction, too, to steer you down the right path. A few words with someone in the know can go a long way.

“Consider a cycling coach,” says Thomas. ”Consider professional advice. People in any walk of life are welcome to just plod on, but a coach, even if it’s just for a chat, can help. For one-to-one advice or prescriptive plans it would probably be best to see a Level 3 coach. Some charge a consultancy fee but most usually give advice for free. Goals, for example: a coach would be able to answer those and tailor them for specific needs and riders.”

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