The Bike
“Any bike will do”. If you’re going for a ride, obviously any bike is better than no bike, but there are some key factors that will make your ride safer and more enjoyable.
Make sure it’s a suitable type
This is less important than you might think, certainly for leisure rides. The main no-no is taking a lightweight road bike off road, where you might damage the bike or get stuck in the mud. The three main types of bike referred to on this website are Road, Hybrid and Mountain, as the name reflects the type of route for which they are suitable.
Road bike
Road bikes are designed for speed, with a lower, stretched-out riding position to be more aerodynamic. They are lighter than other types, which means they are not ideal for potholed lanes and off-roading.
Hybrid bike
The hybrid is a blend of road and mountain bike and will take on most of the surfaces found in the Goring Gap area, with the exception of very steep and loose or muddy terrain
Mountain bike
Mountain bikes were developed in California in the 1980s and are designed for riding off-road on rough tracks. Most have front suspension and some also have suspension for the rear.
Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes have become popular in recent years and are very popular locally as go-anywhere bikes. A gravel bike looks like a beefed-up road bike, with a stronger frame and wheels, wider tyres and disc brakes.
eBikes
Electric bikes, or eBikes, are the fastest-growing segment of the bike market. There has been a lot of bad publicity about imported eBikes with dangerous batteries, often used illegally.
The basic facts are that to be legal, an e-bike must:
- have a motor with a continuously rated power of 250W or less;
- be assisted only when the rider is turning the pedals; and
- have a maximum assisted speed of 25km/h (15.5mph).
Any bike that meets these criteria is regarded as a pedal bicycle in the eyes of the law and enjoys the same privileges. One that does not is regarded the same way as a moped, and the rider of one of these should have a driving licence and insurance.
New eBikes can be bought from conventional local bike shops, but there are also two local businesses that specialise in eBikes. Both have showrooms within a few miles of Goring and Streatley:
e-Bike Barn, located in Satwell, between Goring and Henley
Velospeed, next to the Renegade Brewery, just south of Yattendon
Conversion kits are available to turn a conventional bike into an eBike. This one by Swytch has a small motor in the front wheel hub, a battery pack mounted on the handlebars, and a sensor on the pedals, so it meets all the eBike regulations. This can be a cost-effective option for someone who needs the assistance an eBike provides, and is happy with a limited range, such as for commuting to a station.
Rides on Air in Wallingford claim to be able to fit a Swytch conversion in 30 minutes.
Choosing a bike
Cycling UK has a straightforward guide to choosing a bike, including how to get the size right.
Make sure it’s the right size. This is particularly important when choosing a bike for a new rider, whether child or adult. The Cycling UK guide gives advice on how to get the size right
Cycle Sprog is a website all about cycling with kids. It has a wealth of advice and information about choosing a child’s bike.
Repair Cafe in Goring Village Hall (every 2 months)
Reading Bike Kitchen is a volunteer-run “we-help-you-fix-it bicycle workshop” located in Reading. They have a small stock of donated bikes that have been repaired or serviced. This is probably the cheapest way to buy a decent bike locally.
Bike shop in Wallingford
Mobile bike repairs,
based in Didcot