With concerns about contagions on public transport, the advent of fair weather and the expansion of cycle lanes, interest in bicycles has soared. The humble bike offers increased freedom and fitness, minus the crowded tube carriage. Whether you’re a cycling nut or a total novice, we round up the best bikes for any budget to buy online, and the cycling kit to help you put the best pedal forward.
Avoid the crush of public transport and explore the option of doing essential journeys by bike. Not only is it easier to keep a safe distance, but it can also save time, money and increase your daily exercise. This infographic compiled by Essential Living shows how much time you save by cycling some of London's busiest tube journeys.
Pashley's Britannia Women's Classic Bike is picture-book pretty, with a wicker basket and feminine 1920s design. The sprung leather Brooks saddle is by far the comfiest ride, moulding to your body and providing suspension to smooth out potholes. Five gears and low-maintenance brakes make it easy to navigate different terrains, whether you're cycling through fields filling the basket with wildflowers or pedalling furiously along the Embankment loaded up with groceries.
Pashley Britannia Women's Classic Bike, £755 – buy here
Silicon Valley bicycle specialists Superstrata bring cutting edge tech to cycling with custom 3D printed carbon fibre bicycles, which are uniquely fitted to each rider. Since launching in the UK on 13 July, the brand has exceeded £2 million in pre-orders. You can view, test ride and pre-order the Superstrata's Oxford bicycle (in both classic or e-bike edition) in store at Selfridges.
From £4,999, pre-order in store at Selfridges
The Brompton B75 Folding Bike is designed for ultimate flexibility. It folds down to a third of its size – small enough to take on trains and to store easily in the pokiest of flats, or under a desk. Weighing in at under 12kg, it's relatively easy to pick up and carry and fits into an Uber, so you can avoid cycling home in the rain or after one too many drinks.
Brompton B75 Folding Bike, £745 – buy here
Much more than a big kids’ toy, these nifty electric scooters have been buzzing around everywhere recently. Already a phenomenon in Paris, Stockholm and San Francisco, they have finally been approved by the UK's Department for Transport. Invest early to enjoy fast, effortless and eco-friendly transport. There’s no sweaty exertion, no getting your skirt caught in a bike chain and you can even scoot in heels (if the French fashionistas are anything to go by).
The reliable and chic all-black Xioami Mi M365 scooter whizzes along at up to 15.5mph and has five hours’ battery life.
Xioami Mi M365 scooter, £449 – buy here
An object of lust for the most serious cyclists, the Pinarello Dogma F12 is the cycling equivalent of the most souped-up Ferrari. The innovative Italian bike has 10% lateral stiffness and -10% torsion, which translates to more power and less drag, helping you to beat personal bests and pedal with the power of Chris Froome. So if you're ready to really invest in a bike, this is the model to geek out over and covet.
Pinarello Dogma F12, £12,000 – buy here
With a classic Dutch design and the option of electrically powered pedal assistance, the Pendleton Somberby-E Electric Hybrid Bike boasts the best of both worlds. So you can channel vintage charm while still getting up hills with ease. Eight-speed gears, built-in mud- and chain-guards and removable battery (lasting five hours) deliver on practicality, while the mint green, navy or maroon colour options and dainty frame ensure you arrive in style.
Pendleton Somberby-E Electric Hybrid Bike, £999 – buy here
If you plan to scale hills, race through rocky outccrops and take the path less travelled, you need a bicycle that's up to the challenge. The Cannondale Topstone AL Sora is a great mountain bike option for city dwellers. The high volume, grippy tires and sporty handling make it adept for off-roading, while the light alloy frame makes it nifty enough for weaving through commuters on busy London roads.
Cannondale Topstone AL Sora, £950 – buy here
Italian bike-maker Colnago is recognised around the world for master craftsmanship and functionality. The A1R 105 aluminium road bike is one of its classic (and more affordable) models, durable and comfortable enough for the daily commute and sophisticated enough to hold its own among the real racers.
Colnago A1R 105, £849, was £1,599 – buy here
Designed especially for children, Frog Bikes are the easiest to learn and thrive on – from those first balance bikes, to racing around doing wheelies. We like how they are unisex, so can be passed down among siblings, cousins and friends as they are outgrown.
Frog Bikes, £145 - £650 – buy here
If you feel safer sticking to the paths but want more speed and ease than walking, this affordable folding scooter is just the ticket. Light, small and easy to pick up and carry, it makes getting from A to B seamless.
Invert Adult Commuter Scooter, £125 – buy here
Get all the cardio of a big bike ride without leaving the house by converting your bicycle into an exercise bike with a turbo trainer. The Tacx Antares Rollers are an affordable way to maximise workouts and to get more out of your bicycle… plus it means you can ride while watching TV.
Tacx Antares Rollers, £164.99 – buy here
We love Bobbin for safe but stylish helmets that don't totally ruin your outfit. The minimalist design and broad selection of colours means you can reflect your personal style… and the kids' selection offers plenty of cute mini-me and family-matching opportunities.
Bobbin helmets, £29.50 - £44 – buy here
If backpacks unbalance you and shoulder bags get in the way, cart around your stuff in a satchel designed to attach to the front of your bike. Fill it with spare clothes, shopping or general detritus, then unclip it and take it with you. And if you're an all-weather cycler, either pick a waterproof design or keep a stash of old plastic bags inside to keep everything dry.
1. Altura Vortex waterproof front roll bag, £59, buy here.
2. Brompton shoulder bag with cover and frame, £95 – buy here.
3. Brompton game bag with cover and frame, £310 – buy here.
Accessories can be pretty as well as practical, so show some personality by bedecking your bike with a basket or colourful bell.
1. Bobbin Ding Dong bell, £9.95 – buy here
2. Bobbin Chestnut basket, £28 – buy here
3. Bobbin Express basket, £27 – buy here
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