Buying a bike in lockdown

[hopefulhalf]

Just that really. I have come to terms with the fact we are unlikely to go on our booked holiday in July. Luckily I haven't yet paid for the hotel and can cancel without charge. It's £800 I thought it would be nice to make sure everyone has a nice bike to ride during our staycation. In normal times I'd go to a big bike shop probrably 20 miles away. Has anyone bought online ? Any suggestions ?

Your bike shop might still be open, they are deemed ‘essential’ so give them a call. They may be able to deliver or do a collect service. Unless you have a good working knowledge of bikes I wouldn’t buy online (you’d have to build it yourself for starters).

I would ask if there's a small independent bike shop near you. The one near me has loads of bikes, new and used and will also build bikes and set them up for you. They're allowed to be open and will be grateful for the business.

Thanks guys I will check, I had assumed everything (except supermarkets and pharmacies) were closed. I like to see a bike IRL (and if I'm homest handle it) before commiting and I think returning a bike bought online would be a complete ball ache

I’d have a good look at some YouTube tutorials on how to pick a bike.
What do you want from the bike, shopping? Off road tracks (knobbly tyres) cross bike or as there now called gravel bikes - a cross between a mtb and road bike

Do your research

Are you buying for children, make sure you get them some gears on there bikes, don’t make it hard for them to cycle whilst mum and dad have easier bikes to use

Remember the lighter the bike the easier in principal it will be to ride and more enjoyable. But it doesn’t mean you have to have the lightest bike

Hope you enjoy 😊

Our local bike shop is open by appointment. Do a google search and see whats round. Avoid Evans, I'm hearing their customer service is rubbish.

The most important thing is to get the right size frame.

Avoid Evans, I'm hearing their customer service is rubbish
I've had many years of excellent service from Evsns and not just at one branch either..