5 best bikes for beginners

Looking for your first cycle but don’t know where to turn? We’ve searched out the best buys for these recommendations

(Getty Images/Cultura RF)

When it comes to purchasing your first bike, the choice is endless, making it tough to know what to go for.

Here are the five best buys on the market right now.

1. Boardman CX Comp

This is actually a cyclo-cross (off-road) bike, but it’s so versatile that you can tackle pretty much any terrain on it, making it a great option for those wanting to try various cycling disciplines.

If you leave on the chunky tyres it comes with, it’s good for commuting, can be used on trails and can even tackle some less demanding mountain bike routes. Alternatively, put on thin, slick tyres and treat it as a road bike.

It has pannier mounts and comes with Shimano’s impressive Sora gears, which are outstanding for this money.

£650, Halfords, Buy it now

2. Planet X RT-58 v2

Planet X is based in Yorkshire, which means you’d probably have to buy this bike without seeing it. But it’s worth it, because this is an excellent machine at an outrageous price.

Planet X is a highly rated manufacturer and this model comes with Shimano Sora gearing.

And even if it goes back up to its usual price of £499, it’s still a steal.

£439, Planet X, Buy it now

3. Specialized Allez E5

Specialized is one of the biggest and most sought-after brands in cycling, and this is its hugely popular entry-level road bike.

It comes with solid components from front to back and you’ll look great out on the road.

£575, Evans Cycles, Buy it now

4. Felt Z85

Merlin Cycles is selling off its 2016 Felt bikes and has knocked more than 40 per cent off the prices.

The pick of them is the Z85, which is down from £899, looks brilliant and comes with the impressive Shimano Tiagra gearing.

Stretch a little further to £645 and you can get the F75 model, which comes with Shimano’s even better 105 gears.

£525, Merlin Cycles, Buy it now

5. Boardman Road Team Carbon

If you can push your budget further still, this bike is worth the extra investment.

The frame is made entirely from carbon, which is lighter, faster and more comfortable than the alloy models above and gives you an all-round more enjoyable ride.

It also means that if you get really serious about cycling, you won’t need to upgrade as quickly as you would with a cheaper bike.

£800, Halfords, Buy it now

The London to Brighton Bike Ride is happening on Sunday 18 June. Take on the challenge and help beat heart disease. Sign up now at bhf.org.uk/l2b2017