Appropriate to the Event

There are umpteen different kinds of bikes – all aimed at different kinds of events.

The Galway Cycle is an endurance event, so your bike will need to be light and comfortable, allowing you to pedal for eight hours or more at an average speed of 15mph (25kmh), using as little energy as possible to do so.

On that basis, we recommend you buy either a racer or a hybrid, which is essentially a racing bike without the drop curved handles.

What distinguishes these bikes from all others is their very thin wheels. This reduces the resistance of the tires on the road, making them much easier to cycle for hours at a time. They also tend to have lighter frames.

Mountain bikes can be very comfortable but even the most modern ones are a lot heavier than your average racer/hybrid, and are not suitable for endurance events like the Galway Cycle. Even the most experienced and fittest of the Galway Cyclists would be hesitant about attempting to do it on a mountain bike.

We also recommend bikes with a variety of gears so that you will be better able to deal with changing terrain, so avoid 'fixed gear' bikes.

A Perfect Fit

The next most important thing is to find a bike that fits you. If not, it can lead to severe pain in your arms, shoulders, neck, back, knees etc, especially over the course of a long endurance event.

Bikes come in a large range of sizes, suitable for everyone from the tallest to the shortest. Saddle posts, stems (the tube that connects the handlebars to the bike) and handlebars can also be adjusted or replaced.

All good bikeshops will be happy to do a proper fitting for you, and most will not charge to replace handlebars that are too wide or narrow.

What Bike Shop?

We're happy to recommend Stagg Cycles in Lucan, Cycle Super Store in Tallaght, Cycleways and Cycle Odessey, both in the city centre.

The well known chain Halford's have very good value bikes, and offer a good before and after sales service. (There's one in Naas, and several in the greater Dublin area).

What Brand?

When it comes to brands, we recommend Giant, Lappierre, Cannondale, Trek, Wilier, Specialized, Orbea, Dawes, Colnago, Raleigh, Be-One, De Rosa, Bianchi, Look, Time, BH 1, Cervelo, Merkx, LaMonde, BMC.

While many of those brands have very expensive, high-end models, they also offer more basic good-value models.

There are many other brands which are perfectly good quality, but the ones listed above are the most popular.

How Much Should I Pay?

A new basic-model bike starts at €300-€700. Second hand bikes will obviously be cheaper.

Many bike shops do special starter-deals that include a helmet, pump, cycling shorts and other accessories along with the bike. These deals can be good value, so keep an eye out for them.

It is also possible to find good bikes on E-bay, Buy and Sell, etc, but be sure that they are the right size for you before you purchase.

Finally, if you want any advice on any of the above, or if you want us to check out a bike before you make an investment, don't hesitate to contact us. We're only too happy to help anyone who's interesting in taking up such a great sport!

To Recap:

1. As light as possible
2. Thin wheels
3. Make sure it fits you
4. Buy from a reputable bike shop