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The Revel Buyer's Guide
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FAQs
For the best advice, speak to an expert. Come to our store, or simply call/email us. 1. What type of bike do I need?There are a great number of bike types available - it can be quite a daunting task deciding which one is right for you! The trick is to figure out exactly what you want (why you want to ride, where you want to ride, etc.), and then to match this with the most suitable bike available. We've developed the Bike Selector to simplify this process for you, by asking a few simple, non-technical questions, and then matching your specific answers to the bikes we have available.
Be Aware! Getting good advice can save you money and frustration. For example, a full suspension mountain bike is not a good "comfort" option for the road. The suspension technology is expensive to buy and maintain, it adds unnecessary weight, and your energy is used up by bouncing up and down instead of moving you forward. Do you want to know more? If you're looking for a detailed description of all the bike types available, read our comprehensive Bike Type Guide. 2. What size do I need?Adult BikesThere's really no substitute for climbing on a bike and trying it out for size. We all have different body dimensions and builds, and different bike types have vastly different size characteristics that can alter the riding position and your ability to be comfortable and in control of the bike. In general, manufacturers measure bike sizes according to seat tube length: from the centre of the bottom bracket (what’s this?)The bottom bracket is the unit containing the pedal crank axle - the axle joining the two pedal cranks together to the top of the seat tube, as illustrated below: Be Aware! Unfortunately, not all manufacturers use this measurement and some bikes, like full suspension mountain bikes, don't have a one-piece seat tube that can be measured. It's also worth noting that road bikes are usually measured in centimetres while mountain bikes are measured in inches. Don't get them confused! Do you want to know more? If you're looking for a detailed guide on bike sizing, read our Sizing Guide. Children's BikesBikes for children are easier to size - we sort all our bikes into age groups, as supplied by the manufacturers. When manufacturers do provide sizes for their children's bikes, they're usually referring to wheel size and not seat tube length, as for adult bikes. 3. How much should I spend?Generally, you get what you pay for, but if you want the best ride for your money, it's absolutely critical that you buy the most suitable bike type. Our Bike Selector can help you do just this.
A more expensive bicycle will give you durability, ease of use, lower maintenance, and a faster or less strenuous ride. This is largely down to the materials used - more expensive materials are lighter, stronger and more durable. Read more about materials in our Materials Guide. Buying a cheap, low quality, disposable bike can be a real false economy. Aside from the money you'll spend on replacing parts (or the whole bike), the hassle and frustration of constantly repairing broken parts and not being able to ride will likely put you off cycling altogether! If you're on a tight budget, buy something simple and basic, but made of good quality materials. Some general guidelines (for adult bikes):
4. Are some brands better than others?Yes! Most manufacturers specialise in a particular bike type, though many have expanded their ranges to cover all types. Good brands can usually be trusted to make good quality products, and use durable, efficient components on all their bikes. Of the brands we sell:
Be aware! You will almost certainly find cheaper products offered by some lower quality brands, but you could easily end up with a bad purchase. Be an informed buyer! Read our guides and know the jargon. 5. How long can I expect a bike to last?This depends on 4 factors:
A good quality, well-maintained, aluminium bike will last several years. If you look after it, it'll even have a good second hand value when you want to upgrade to something better or newer. If you buy a cheap steel bike, ride it in the wet or off-road and leave it outside, you'll find components failing in months, and it'll likely end up on the skip in no time at all. 6. What are the most important things to look out for, when buying a bike?
One of the bikes below costs around £700, the other costs around £100 - is it immediately obvious which is the cheaper one? Click on the red squares for some examples of things to look out for.  BrakesTop bikeGood quality aluminium V-brakes, like the ones on the top bike, are reliable, durable and require minimal braking effort. The mechanism will be designed to ensure uniform pressure on the rim for even pad wear, maximum tyre clearance and good braking control. Combined with aluminium rims these brakes are effective in all weather conditions. Bottom bikeCheap, plastic and steel V-brakes such as those pictured below are heavy and much less effective than their aluminium counterparts. When operated on cheap steel rims, they become almost completely ineffective in wet weather.
FrameTop bikeA high quality aluminium frame makes the top bike light and durable, for a fast and easy ride. Bottom bikeA steel frame makes the bottom bike heavy and prone to rust when scratched, as illustrated below:
More expensive competition bikes will have carbon-fibre frames, which are even lighter than aluminium but more expensive. The ControlsTop bikeAluminium brake levers such as those found on the top bike are light and strong. The levers are always matched with the rest of the brake system to ensure they are smooth and responsive. Bottom bikeCheaper bikes often have mismatched brake systems, which seriously affect their effectiveness and durability. The plastic and steel levers as shown below are heavy and rust quickly, resulting in a stiff, ineffectual braking action.
As for the brakes, cheaper gear shifters will deteriorate quickly, resulting in slower, sticky gear changes. DrivetrainTop bikeThe top bike uses light weight, durable aluminium components that provide slick gear changes combined with minimal maintenance. Lightening the moving parts of a bike, like the drivetrain components, will improve its efficiency measurably more than if you lighten non-moving parts. Bottom bikeDrivetrain components on cheaper bikes are heavier, less durable and can require constant re-adjustment. Be Aware! Just because a component is made by a famous brand name (like Shimano) does not necessarily mean it is a top class component. Most manufacturers make a whole range of products from very basic and inexpensive, to super-lightweight racing gear. In terms of functionality, durability and ease of maintenance you get what you pay for. Below is the basic derailleur found on the bottom bike, as new and following a few months outside: 
Wheels and RimsTop bikeThe good quality rims on the top bike are made of aluminium: it is lighter and provides a much better braking surface than steel. Stainless steel spokes are strong and don't rust. Wheels like these rarely buckle and can take quite hard knocks without needing to be straightened. Bottom bikeWhile most bikes now have aluminium rims, some cheaper models still use steel rims, which are heavy, poor for braking and will rust. Cheap spokes made of chrome-plated steel (so they look like stainless steel) will rust and snap, resulting in wheels so buckled they will interfere with the brakes. The pictures below show a new, cheap rim like those found on the bottom bike and the same rim several months later. The rust on the spokes and rim itself is very evident. Wheels in this state have to be replaced when they inevitably buckle - the spokes simply snap when attempts are made to tighten them.
CranksetTop bikeMost cranksets on good quality bikes like the top one are made from aluminium, which is light and durable. The crank (pedal arm) itself may be hollow to further reduce weight. All top quality bikes have a sealed bottom bracket (what’s this?)The bottom bracket is the unit containing the pedal crank axle - the axle joining the two pedal cranks together, which is very durable and requires minimal maintenance. Bottom bikeCranksets on cheaper bikes can be made of steel, which is heavier and will rust. Manufacturers sometimes coat steel components with chrome or aluminium-like paint, so they look like a better material, as illustrated below:
Cheap bikes often don't have a sealed bottom bracket (the bottom bracket pictured above is not sealed). It doesn't take long for dirt to get into these bearings, requiring constant maintenance and frequent replacement. 
If in doubt speak to an expert. Come to our store, or simply call/email us 7. Should I buy off the internet, or from a local shop?Buying off the internet (mail order) can be cheaper and more convenient than buying from a physical store. Be Aware! Bikes delivered by mail order have to be assembled by you. Sometimes this only involves assembling the pedals and the handlebars; in other (usually cheaper) cases you might have to assemble just about everything. As a general rule, if you're well informed or prepared to put in some research, and you're confident in your ability to assemble and maintain a bike, then buying off the internet is probably a safe bet. If you're new to cycling, or looking for something that's a perfect match, buying off the internet will inevitably be much less convenient and end up being more expensive than buying from your local store. |
