There are many different types of bikes available to suit all terrains.

No matter what your goal is, there’s always an option – from road-racing bikes and off-road mountain bikes, to relaxed hybrid and electric bikes.

The options can be overwhelming, but the team at your bike shop can help you choose a bike to suit your needs.

Every bike is perfectly designed for a specific style of riding. So, first up, decide what type of riding you’ll be doing.

Do you want to ride on the road alone or in a group? Do you want a bike purely for transport or recreational use? Would you like to pop down to the café in style, or maybe put a kids’ carrier on the back? Maybe you’re looking to tackle some trails and jumps down at the local mountain bike park.

Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to do, it will quickly set you in the right direction.

It’s important to establish early on how much you want to spend on a bike – budgeting is essential.

Special road bikes and mountain bikes usually start around the $1500 mark, but quickly exceed that price as technology and componentry are upgraded.

Kids’ bikes often come in cheaper as they’re much smaller in size. For your everyday commuter, the price point will start around the $750 mark.

Your total budget also needs to extend beyond the cost of the bike itself. Don’t forget to also account for the additional parts and accessories you may need.

For commuting you want a simple, fast and effective bike to get you from A to B with ease.

A commuting bike is very similar to a recreational bike. It’s like a road bike, just with a more relaxed upright position.

Hybrid-style bikes are well suited if you’re looking for comfort and recreational riding over speed or competitive racing.

Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They generally consist of four categories: endurance bikes, road-race bikes, gravel bikes and aero bikes.

Endurance bikes usually have a relaxed geometry and features that make for a comfortable ride while keeping all the main elements of a fast road bike.

Gravel or adventure bikes are designed to tackle a variety of surfaces and carry gear – they’re suitable for the roads less travelled.

Aero road bikes are about chasing speed – these bikes normally consist of an aggressive racing geometry.

The right size bike is paramount for confidence and comfortable riding. With many bike options available in four to five sizes, there’s guaranteed to be an option for you.

There are several key factors we look at when choosing a size, such as the height of the rider, inseam length, riding experience and flexibility.

Once these measurements are established, we find the correct size bike for the rider and make a few key adjustments, such as seat height, stem length and handlebar height.

Accessories are very important; they add to the finishing touches of the bike.

Essential accessories to consider when buying a bike include a water bottle and water bottle cage to stay hydrated while riding, a helmet – it’s the law and a vital safety feature – and shoes.

A good pair of riding shoes will allow for maximum power transfer and comfort.

There are many advantages in buying from your local bike shop.

They’re always there for you, and there’s a familiar face to answer all your questions. Plus, when you buy a brand-new bike you receive a warranty as well. Many bike shops will also offer a free first service for every bicycle purchased.