Skip to content
cycle colchester logo

Buying a Cycle

A purple header
Which bike?

There are lots of different types of bike available. 

  • Hybrid bikes and city bikes are common for day-to-day cycling 
  • Folding bikes are ideal for taking on the train 
  • Road bike and mountain bikes are designed for more specific use 
  • For adapted cycles, visit Wheels for All

CyclingUK has a useful article to help you choose the right bike!

Second-Hand Bikes

Re-cycle receives used bikes from the UK and donates them to trusted partners in Africa. Bikes that are not able to be sent to Africa are refurbished and sold to fund their work! Visit their warehouse to see the selection of bikes on sale. Unit 8 The Grove Estate, Colchester Road, Wormingford, CO6 3AJ. More information

Check out local selling groups, Facebook marketplace and garage sales for second hand bikes. If you buy a second-hand bike, make sure to check it over thoroughly or bring it to a Bike Kitchen before you ride it.

Check out this article from Cycling UK for more information about buying a second-hand bike.

Find out about second hand bikes from Re-Cycle
Re-Cycle bike shop
Re-Cycle bike shop
New Bikes

Before buying a new bike, check with your employer if there is a Cycle to Work scheme at your company which will save you money on a bike through tax and national insurance savings. You can also buy cycling equipment, clothing and accessories through a Cycle to Work scheme.

Resident in Greenstead? Find out about Essex Pedal Power and see if you are eligible for one of their bikes.

Check out Colchester Bike Kitchen’s list of recommended local bike shops or use the map to find your nearest bike shop.

Advice on buying eBikes
Colchester Cycling Campaign, photography by Seana Hughes
Colchester Cycling Campaign, photography by Seana Hughes
Hear from our community about why they choose cycling!

“The thing I love the most is that I can go where I want, when I want and don’t have to worry about finding a car parking space or paying for it. It gives me the freedom to just nip into town or down to the shops without thinking or planning.”

Liz Bethell

“The single biggest thing cycling has offered to me has been giving me my life back. Cycling has restored my health to such a point that a lot of the invasive surgery I was told I needed such as a stoma is no longer necessary… YAY!”

Rick King

“I like the feeling that I’m doing some activity, and it gives me the head space to prepare for the day at work or to decompress a bit on the way home.”

Lucy Mondon

Get the most from your ride

Bike Security Make sure that you keep your bike safe when out and about and at home. Find out more Bike Parking Find out where you can park your bike when out and about. Find out more Safety & Training Learn about best practice for cycle safety and book on to a cycle course. Find out more Cycle Map Check out the Cycle Colchester interactive map to discover cycle paths. Find out more