Buying a bike

bicycles

One thing which is particularly important to think about is what type of bicycle to use or buy in Cambridge. Cambridge is very flat so you do not need many gears, and three speed city bikes are very popular and practical. If you have brought a valuable bike with you, you might consider investing in some good quality locks. Cycle theft is the most common crime affecting Cambridge students, so don’t spend more than £200 unless you are willing to invest at least 20% of the cost of the bike on locks.

There are lots and lots of bike shops in Cambridge, although the quality of bikes marketed at students can vary enormously. As a rule-of-thumb you might want to spend £150-200 brand new, or £60-£100 second hand. While cheaper bikes are certainly available be a little wary of special deals where a mountain bike will be sold to you complete with lights, lock and a basket: these bikes can be unsuited for on-road riding, and the locks which come with them may be cheap, and therefore easy to break through.

bike shops

Cambridge is full of bike shops. The following shops offer a student discount:

5% of repairs at The Bikeman, Market Square.
10% off goods at Howes Cycles, Regent St.
10% off accessories at Mike's Bikes, Mill Road.
10% discount at Blazing Saddles, Cherry Hinton Road.
10% discount on accessories (excluding plugs and oils) at Wilco Motor Spares, Mill Road.
5% off new bikes, 10% off spares, accessories and clothing, 20% off labour charges
at Townsends Light Blue Cycle centre, 72 Chesterton Street