Which bike?

Virtually any bike can be ridden virtually anywhere and on any terrain: in theory. There are so many choices of bikes that all appear to do the same thing.

Please don't be put of by mass if different types of bikes, most will do most jobs but the market has specialised and this can be confusing. At Quest Adventure our job is to listen to what you tell us about the way you want to ride and where you want to ride and then we can show you the type of bike that best suits your needs. We will encourage you to ride one so that you understand the differences between the bikes that you are interested in.

There are too many bikes. What are they all for? Our Glossary of bikes may held explain

For more information about getting started go to COMMUTER or for cyling in Worthing click here

Once you/we have selected the right type of bike we can help you get it perfect for you.

Here is a check list of things that you might need to consider:

Fit:

Everyone needs their bike to fit - at Quest Adventure we'll set your bike up like a made to measure suit.
Some fit issues to consider

• Women usually require different saddles and higher handle bars.
• A bike must fit and its length is the most crucial factor in determining comfort. We can adjust the length by moving the saddle or changing he stem.
• Saddle height and position, handle bar height and width, stem length will all be adjusted and we'll send you away with a comfort guarantee
• We'll invite you to bring it back to make any adjustments to improve comfort and performance.
• Comfort guarantee - if it doesn't feel right, we'll adjust or change parts until it does.

Weight

Probably the most important feature of any bike. This is the reason to spend more. There is a simple formula for deciding how much to spend: more money = less weight. Weight may be an issue particularly if you are riding hills or lifting the bike. Buy as light as you can afford.

Essentials

• Helmet - light, comfortable, airy and cool these days, we recommend wearing one for every ride.
• Lock - you don't want to lose your pride and joy.
• Lights - Be seen and be safe.
• Rack - Use the rack to carry things, fit bags or a child seat to it.
• Bags - If you are travelling by bike you may want a bag either for you back, shoulder, the front of the bike or the back, for a couple of tools of for your shopping.
• Mudguards - Stay dry

Clothing

There is no bad weather - just bad clothing

• Whether it is hot cold or wet we have the right clothing to keep you comfortable
• Shorts - light weight, lycra, heavy duty, casual, lengths
• Tops - race, baggy, cool, warm
• Base layer - keeps you feeling dry, keeps you warm
• Gloves - for protection, comfort and warmth.
• Protection - light weight wind protection to breathable water proof jackets and trousers

Types of bike

First ask yourself what type of riding your will be doing

• Commuting,
• Family rides
• Fitness
• Mountain biking leisurely
• Mountain biking hard
• Road touring
• Road riding for fitness
• Road racing
• Time trialling
• Trials

Will I need 10 bikes?

No you will not need 10 bikes and most people will only have one and only ever need one. At Quest Adventure we will advise you on the best type of bike for your intended uses and will explain where it will perform and where and how it will be compromised. Our job will be to minimise the compromises.

See our glossary of bike types

Government Green Transport Plans have opened the door to employees getting up to 50% off the retail price of a new bicycle. Things are kept simple, Cyclescheme undertake the administration of the company scheme once the criteria have been agreed upon with the employer. Many smaller companies just get their payroll to handle the admin. If your company deals with Halfords and you'd rather deal with us, simply order a Marin and everything will be handled by us. If you need more information or want your company to get invovled got towwww.cyclescheme.co.uk for more details. Read more in an article in This is Money on www.thisismoney.co.uk/tax-advice

Philosophy - 'Try before you buy'

We would expect every bike to be tested by any new buyer. If it is a full suspension mountain bike or road bike we probably have a demo bike or can get one for you to try. We still let every customer try each bike around the block to ensure that the size and fit and correct.

Comfort guarantee

We specialise in setting up bikes for our customers. The saddle position, stem and handle bar position can all be adjusted to ensure a comfortable ride. We will even change the stem if it helps improve your comfort. If necessary we will even change the stem free of charge once you have ridden the bike for a week to make sure that the bike is just right for you.

Our bikes sold with a free services for first year

Every customer is invited back for a free first service within the first 2 months to ensure that all is running well and in tip top condition. This is an ideal time to pick tips on how to ride, where to ride and what you might need to get to further add to your riding experience.

Increased cycle use

The use of healthy and sustainable forms of transport in some of the northern and the German-speaking countries is so far ahead of ours in the UK as to make any comparison embarrassing. The UK National Cycling Strategy pointed out "in Switzerland there are more hills, Sweden has colder winters and Germany higher car ownership, yet each has five times the share of bicycle trips in the UK".

Over 6% of car trips in cities are less than 6km and could partly be replaced by walking or cycling.
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/