What Bike Should I Buy?
A Beginner’s Guide from Pedal Set Go
Finding a first bike that feels right, suits your lifestyle, and helps you ride with confidence.
1. Skip the Sports Car (for Now) – Why Road Bikes Aren’t Ideal for Most Beginners
Road bikes are built for speed and performance, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice when you're just starting out.
Unless you’re training for long-distance rides or racing, road bikes can actually make riding harder:
Their low, aerodynamic riding position makes it tougher to see and be seen.
Riding fast is not ideal for shared paths or slower environments—and can make passing walkers and other riders feel rushed or unsafe.
Braking and handling take practice.
There's no space for racks, baskets, or daily life accessories.
And importantly: it’s not appropriate—or graceful—to ride fast through areas shared with people walking or riding more slowly. We’ve seen too many close calls on cycleways from road bikes passing too close or too fast. Respectful riding keeps everybody safer.
If you're new to riding, choose a bike that gives you stability, comfort, and visibility—not just speed.
2. Choose a Bike That Matches Your Ride
Bike Type Comparison – What to Know
Commuter / Urban / Hybrid Bikes
Best for: Everyday trips, short commutes, errands
Pros: Upright riding position, easy to handle, often come with luggage racks, mudguards, and baskets
Watch for: Marketing names can vary—focus on features rather than labels
E-Bikes
Best for: Replacing car trips, hills, longer distances, or extra mobility support
Pros: Power assist makes hills easier and long rides more fun; great if you're returning to riding or want to ride more often
Watch for: Higher upfront cost, heavier to lift or carry upstairs
Mountain Bikes (MTBs)
Best for: Off-road trails, gravel paths, or rougher terrain including roads with potholes!
Pros: Strong frame, wide tyres, shock absorption, versatile gears
Watch for: Heavier and slower on sealed roads, less practical for commuting
Folding Bikes
Best for: Riders with limited storage space or combining riding with public transport
Pros: Compact, lightweight, easy to store at home or work
Watch for: Smaller wheels can feel twitchy or unfamiliar at first
Cargo Bikes
Best for: Carrying kids, pets, groceries, tools, or replacing a car
Pros: High load capacity, built for stability, great with e-assist for hills and heavy loads
Watch for: Larger footprint; takes a few rides to get used to the size and balance
Step-Through Frames (available across several styles)
Best for: Confidence, comfort, and ease of mounting/dismounting
Pros: Excellent for people with reduced flexibility or mobility concerns; easier to get on/off
Watch for: May be slightly heavier; often designed more for comfort than speed
Kids’ Bikes - Balance bikes and pedal bikes
Best for: Young riders just starting out or building early skills
Pros: Lightweight, confidence-boosting, easy to handle—especially if you choose a quality brand like Kidvelo that transforms from a balance bike to pedal bike with ease
Watch for: Avoid oversized bikes with “they’ll grow into it” logic—fit is more important for safety and learning
3. Why E-Bikes Are a Game-Changer
An electric bike (e-bike) adds a small motor to your pedalling—giving you the freedom to:
Ride further without fatigue
Climb hills without dread (they actually become fun!)
Carry more, whether that’s groceries, gear, or a kid in a seat
Stay active with less strain, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or you're recovering from injury, managing fatigue, or facing mobility changes
E-bikes aren’t cheating—they’re liberating. They help people ride more often and with more confidence, especially in hilly areas or when replacing car trips.
Want to test one? We offer e-bikes during lessons or you can try a subscription with Lug & Carrie—mention Pedal Set Go for 50% off 2 months subscription.
4. Considering a Cargo Bike?
Cargo bikes are designed to carry more than just you—whether it’s:
Kids, pets, or passengers
Shopping or gear for work or errands
Deliveries, tools, or trades gear
Most cargo bikes come in longtail (rear cargo space) or box-bike (front compartment) styles, and nearly all modern models include electric assist to help move that extra weight, especially up hills.
They’re ideal for those shifting to car-light or car-free living and can genuinely replace a second car. They are also great for business!
Things to consider:
Requires more parking/storage space
Takes a few rides to get used to the weight and length
Higher upfront cost (but lower long-term transport costs!)
Many families in our community have made the switch—and never looked back.
5. How Much Should I Spend on a Bike?
While there are exceptions to the rule this is a good starting point when considering buying your first bike.
New Conventional Bike
Starting price: $700+ AUD
Why: This generally gets you safe, reliable components and a well-built frame. Cheaper options often sacrifice durability and comfort.
Refurbished Bike with Warranty
Starting price: $200–$600 AUD
Why: A great sustainable option—especially when purchased from a reliable source like a bike recycling organisation. These bikes are usually serviced and ready to ride.
E-Bike (New)
Starting price: $2,500+ AUD
Why: At this level, you’re getting a solid frame, effective brakes, and most importantly, a reliable motor and battery.
Check that the motor and battery are from a reputable brand (e.g., Bosch, Shimano, Bafang, Mahle, Panasonic).
If you don’t recognise the brand name, do your research first—cheap, unknown systems can be unreliable, hard to service, or even unsafe. A good e-bike should not only ride well but also be safe, repairable, and backed by support.
Cargo E-Bike
Starting price: $4,000–$7,000 AUD
Why: Designed to carry kids, groceries, pets, or gear—with confidence and comfort. Most use electric assist and come with a strong frame and practical features like racks or child seats. A higher upfront cost, but often much cheaper than running a car.
Kids’ Bike (Quality, New)
Starting price: $250–$500+ AUD
Why: Lightweight, kid-friendly design, and built to last (and pass on). A good bike helps kids ride with confidence and comfort. We recommend Kidvelo for learners—durable, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed.
E-Bike Subscription (Lug & Carrie)
Offer: 50% off your first month when you mention Pedal Set Go
Why: A fantastic way to trial a high-end, family-friendly e-bike or cargo bike without the full commitment. Great if you’re curious about ditching the car or want to test different models before buying.
⚠️ Bargain bikes can cost more in the long run
Cheap department store bikes often use low-grade materials and poor construction. They’re heavy, unreliable, and costly to service—if a mechanic is even willing to. A bolt that "just needs tightening" might snap because it's made of soft metal, even on a brand new bike.
6. Thinking Second-Hand? Choose Wisely
Second-hand bikes can be great—but only if they’re well maintained.
We recommend Revolve Recycling for serviced second-hand bikes with warranties. That way, you get peace of mind and better value.
Always test ride and ask:
Have the brakes, tyres, chain, and gears been checked or replaced?
Is the bike the right size for you?
Can you test it safely before buying?
Found something online? Send us photos or specs—If you’ve done a course with us, we’re happy to take a look and offer guidance.
7. Test Ride. Test Ride. Test Ride.
The only way to know if a bike is right is to ride it—even briefly. On your test ride:
Can you mount and dismount easily?
Are the brakes within easy reach?
Do you feel balanced and steady?
Can you look ahead comfortably and see the road or path?
Do the gears change smoothly?
Even if you're nervous, this step matters. Fit and comfort make all the difference.
8. Visibility and Riding with Respect
If you’re riding in cities, shared paths, or around people walking—be seen and ride considerately.
Choose a bike that puts you upright and in eye contact with others.
Step-through frames make stopping and starting more relaxed if riding with kids or heacy loads
Always use lights, reflectors, and a bell.
Slow down when passing people walking or riding slower—it’s not just polite, it’s safer for everybody.
9. How Pedal Set Go Can Support You
At Pedal Set Go, we help riders find bikes that support safety, comfort, and joy—not just speed or specs.
✅ Need help choosing? Once you have done a course with us!
Send us photos or links to your shortlist—we’ll offer honest feedback.
✅ Not sure what suits?
Book a lesson and try one of our bikes to get a feel for what works.
✅ Curious about e-bikes or cargo bikes?
We can help you try one and explain what to look for.
✅ Want to ride more confidently?
Our Learn to Ride and Confident City Rider sessions are perfect next steps.
10. Summary – What Bike Should I Buy?
Road bikes? Great for sport, not ideal for shared spaces or beginners.
Match your bike to your goals: commuting, hills, cargo, recreation, or space-saving.
Quality starts around $700 for a good bike, $2,500+ for an e-bike, and $4,000+ for a cargo bike.
Avoid ultra-cheap bikes—they can become expensive mistakes.
Always test ride, and ask for support if you’re unsure.
Pedal Set Go is here to help you ride safely, confidently, and comfortably.
Li riding a fully loaded Tern GSD cargo bike, carrying a table and bike maintenance tools after a free tune-up session for Parramatta and TfNSW’s Share the Path program.
