Cycling is a great way to get outdoors and boost both physical and mental wellbeing. You can go at your own pace, start small and gradually build up stamina.
However, if you’re new to cycling, choosing the right bike can feel overwhelming. With so many different types of bikes out there, knowing which one to choose, particularly as a beginner, can be a challenge.
To help you kickstart your cycling adventures, we’ve narrowed down our best bikes for beginners and what to consider when making your choice.
What type of cycling?
Before you start looking at new bikes, it’s important to think about what type of cycling you’ll be doing. Are you looking for a simple bike to go on leisurely rides at your own pace? Maybe you’re looking to start cycling to work or explore mountain biking. Either way, knowing what type of cycling you want to do is the first step.
What type of bike?
There are a few different types of bikes available for those looking to get into cycling, each with their own specific features and benefits.
Hybrid bike
A hybrid bike combines both speed and durability, making it perfect for commuting, casual rides, and light off-road trails. Versatile, comfortable, and easy to ride, it’s ideal for riders of all levels.
Mountain bike
A mountain bike is a great choice for beginners looking to explore off-road cycling. With its sturdy frame, wide tyres, and suspension, it provides stability and confidence on uneven terrain, making it easy for new riders to enjoy trails and outdoor adventures.
Electric bike
An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, features pedal-assist technology that provides a boost while you ride, making it easier to tackle hills and longer distances. Ideal for beginners, e-bikes help build confidence, reduce effort, and make cycling more accessible and enjoyable.
Commuting and leisure bikes
For those looking to cycle to work or embark on leisurely weekend rides, we highly recommend the Carrera Parva. Available for both men and women, the Carrera Parva is an excellent choice for beginner cyclists due to its lightweight aluminium frame, which makes handling easy and comfortable for new riders.
Its straightforward design includes reliable gears for smooth shifting, while the flat handlebars provide a natural, upright riding position ideal for building confidence. The Parva’s versatility also makes it perfect for commuting, leisure rides, and exploring bike paths, giving beginners a well-rounded, easy-to-ride bike to start their cycling journey.
The Carrera Crossfire 2 for men and women, features 24-speed gears, which are easy to use and help beginners tackle varied terrains with confidence. Additionally, its hybrid design combines efficiency with durability, making it perfect for commuting, leisure rides, or exploring trails, giving beginners the flexibility to try different cycling experiences.
Mountain bikes
If you’re thinking of venturing into the world of mountain biking, there are plenty of options available for beginners to help you start off slow and build up your confidence.
The Carrera Vengeance (men’s and women’s) is an excellent entry-level mountain bike for beginners eager to hit the trails. Its lightweight yet durable aluminium frame is easy to handle, making it perfect for riders learning to navigate off-road terrain.
The bike features a front suspension fork that absorbs shocks, ensuring a smoother ride over rough surfaces. With 16-speed Shimano gears, the Vengeance allows beginners to easily tackle hills and varied terrain, while its powerful mechanical disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power in all conditions. The wide, grippy tires provide stability and traction, making it a confidence-boosting choice for those new to mountain biking.
The Carrera Hellcat ( men’s and women’s) is another fantastic option for beginners venturing into mountain biking. The lightweight frame is perfect for building confidence on the trails, while the front suspension fork offers 100mm of travel to absorb bumps and ensure a smoother ride over uneven terrain. With 16-speed Shimano gearing, it provides plenty of range for tackling climbs and descents with ease. The Hellcat also features powerful hydraulic disc brakes, delivering superior stopping power in all weather conditions. Paired with wide, knobby tyres for excellent traction, the Hellcat is a reliable, high-performance bike for new riders ready to explore the great outdoors.
Electric bikes
An e-bike is a fantastic choice for beginner cyclists, offering pedal-assist technology that provides a helpful boost when needed. This makes tackling hills or longer rides much easier, helping new riders build confidence and enjoy cycling without feeling overwhelmed.
With its comfortable design and intuitive controls, an e-bike ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience, making it perfect for those just starting their cycling journey.
Our top e-bike pick is the Carrera Subway (men’s, women’s), an excellent choice for beginners as it combines ease of use with comfort and versatility. The pedal-assist motor offers seamless power to tackle journeys with less effort, helping beginners build confidence and endurance.
With wide, puncture-resistant tyres, it delivers a smooth ride on various surfaces, from city streets to light trails. Reliable disc brakes provide consistent stopping power in all conditions, making it a safe, user-friendly option for those new to cycling.
That concludes our top picks for the best beginner bikes. Choosing the right bike as a beginner is all about finding a balance between comfort, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you’re exploring trails, commuting to work, or taking up cycling for fitness, the right bike can make all the difference in building confidence and enjoyment.
From reliable hybrids to beginner-friendly mountain bikes and e-bikes, there’s something to suit every rider’s needs. At Halfords, we’re here to help you find the perfect match and get you started on your cycling journey with expert advice and support every step of the way.
