Cycling can be an expensive pursuit, with enthusiasts prepared to spend up to five figures on top-end road bikes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get around it’s possible to pick up a new bike for the cost of a couple of tanks of petrol, and you can save even more on figure-hugging Lycra by cycling in your civvies.
If you’re shopping at the affordable end of the market, it’s safe to assume you may be new to buying a bike, so we’ve rounded up the best budget bikes from major UK retailers, as well as a couple of entry-level models from established, big-name brands. All are ideal for leisure riding and starting your active travel journey, although it might be worth investing more if you’re looking for a commuter bike. Fortunately, the Cycle to Work scheme can make this a much more manageable and affordable outlay.
At £170, it’s hard to find a cheaper model than this hybrid bike from Halfords’ in-house brand, Apollo. A steel frame provides you with a strong and durable bike and its upright position, swept-back handlebars and wide tyres deliver a comfortable ride on roads and paths. An 18-speed Shimano-branded gearing set-up is a highlight at this price. It’s available in two sizes (18in, 21in) and should fit anyone from 1.6m to 1.9m tall.
Decathlon is renowned for making high-quality bikes at budget prices and the French firm’s Riverside line is aimed at leisure riders tackling everyday terrain. Although the range starts with the £199.99 Riverside 100, the cheapest model with stock in all sizes is the 120. For the extra £50, you get better wheels, a slightly reduced weight, and an eight-speed Microshift drivetrain that should be able to handle all but the most extreme inclines. The frame, fork, stem and handlebar have a lifetime guarantee, while the rest of the parts come with a two-year warranty.
Evans Cycles’ Pinnacle range has been going since 2006, so you’re in safe hands when saddling up on its entry-level Lithium 1. It’s the most off-road-friendly budget bike in our round-up, in large part thanks to its grippy 40c Vee Speedster tyres, and has room for chunky 2.2in MTB tyres if you really want to venture off the paved surfaces. Evans is part of the Fraser group, so you can also try one for size in branches of Sports Direct and House of Fraser.
Trek is one of the world’s biggest cycling brands and its most expensive rides tip into five figures. Its entry-level hybrid, the FX 1, is more expensive than almost all the others here, but are you actually getting more bike for your money? Well, no – but that’s kind of the point. Its light, aluminium frame requires a lot less effort to ride than the steel alternatives above and its 21-speed Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain is a higher-quality range than any of the cheaper alternatives. It’s the finishing kit, though, where you’ll notice a big difference: the smattering of Bontrager components boost comfort at each of the bike’s key touchpoints (saddle and grips).
A £499 bike is probably the upper limit of what can be considered a budget model.The Sirrus 1.0 is the most affordable model in Specialized’s range and, like the Trek FX 1 Disc, it’s a hybrid bike with a skeleton that combines an aluminium frame and steel fork. It too has a Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain, although the 14-speed set-up provides a similar range for slightly less weight. Where it falls down is its V-brakes – a slightly outdated form of braking even on budget bikes.
