Ditch The Commute Stress With These Biking Essentials For Beginner Cyclists

British brand Quella has made it its mission to create the perfect commuter bike; if you’re after one that’s low maintenance and lightweight, its bestseller Courier ticks all the boxes. It can be used fixed gear or single speed, and comes with a riding saddle so you can get some speed on if you have a flat commute. You also won’t have to mess around with assembly as it’s quick and easy to put together out of the box, or if you’re London based you can pick it up from its Shoreditch store.

Riding in the city comes with a lot of dodging, and this affordable single-speed bike is as speedy as it is agile thanks to its super-responsive brakes. While it’s designed for a quick commute, you can also transform it into a fixed-gear with a couple of adds-ons.

For a more versatile ride, this sleek geared bike can withstand everything from country roads to steep city hills. It has a seven speed hub system, and comes with an adjustable seat, for a truly personalised riding set up. Not to mention its looks: this one comes in Cambridge blue with tan accents, so you can rest assured that you‘ll always arrive in style.

If you prefer to cycle upright, this geared bike from TRIBAN has a raised seat and ergonomic handlebars for fully vertical positioning. With eight speeds to choose from, it’s a great bike for complete beginners who are getting to grips with road cycling, and its mechanical brakes also mean you’ll have full control over stopping and starting, even in wet weather.

Should the call of adventure hit you, this bike works just as well on paved roads as it does traversing gravel tracks. That’s thanks to its 16 range gearing and large tyres, which provide extra stability on any kind of terrain you’d want to explore. It also comes with flat pedals, mudguard mounts, and rack mounts to match the set up to your exact needs.

No more helmet head: this one from Quella is super lightweight at just 260g, but without compromising on safety. With a fully adjustable fit and padded interior, it’s both comfortable and functional. Not to mention, it features a rechargeable rear LED light to make you more visible on busy roads at night – so it wins extra points for practicality!

“Mudguards keep you dry in wet weather and reduce spray for riders behind you,” says Hale. This set comes in nine sizes, which are easy to install on the go, and are fitted with V-stays so you can adjust them easily to your bike.

To save your bike when you’re out and about, Quella’s mudguards click in to place, and can be removed in seconds when you’re done with them.

“Good-quality front and rear lights help you see and, more importantly, help others see you,” says Hale. “Rechargeable lights are a cost-effective and convenient option.” Not only is this light from Ravemen USB-C rechargeable, so you can power it up on the go, but you also won’t accidentally leave it running as it’s loaded with light sensor that adjusts the brightness based on how dark it is outside. It also has a power level indicator so you’ll always know when it’s about to run out.

“A bell or horn helps alert pedestrians and other road users to your presence, improving safety for everyone,” explains Hale.

“Racks and baskets are ideal for commuting, allowing you to carry bags on your bike rather than on your back for a more comfortable ride,” Hale says. There are plenty of options for racks and baskets depending on your bike, but this front basket holds eight litres and clips on to a range of handlebars.

You’ll need a B’Clip to attach this, but if you’d prefer to carry heavier loads, a rear rack could be the way to go.

“Staying hydrated is important, particularly on longer rides, and having easy access to a water bottle makes it much easier,” says Hale. This one from Tredz is made completely from recycled materials, and comes in a range of colours so you can match it to your bike.