Buying guide · 2026
10 min read
How to choose the right bike
Choosing a bike starts with one question: where will you actually ride? Everything else — wheel size, suspension, frame material, motor type — follows from honest answers about terrain, distance, fitness and budget.
Mountain bike — when it makes sense
Choose a mountain bike if you ride trails, woodland singletrack or trail centres regularly. Hardtails suit smoother terrain and tighter budgets; full suspension adds comfort on rough descents. See our mountain bike guides and first MTB checklist.
Road bike — when it makes sense
Choose a road bike if most of your riding is tarmac — sportives, club runs, fast commuting on smooth roads. Fit matters enormously. Basso and Wilier are our focus brands for road.
Gravel bike — when it makes sense
Choose gravel if your routes mix lanes, towpaths and light trails. One bike for weekday commutes and weekend adventures. More versatile than a road bike; less capable than an MTB on proper singletrack.
Electric bike — when it makes sense
Choose an e-bike if hills, distance or fitness would otherwise limit how often you ride. e-MTBs extend trail days; e-road bikes suit long sportives. Factor servicing into the budget.
Budget, fit and where to buy
Set a realistic budget including helmet, pedals and setup. Visit a shop for sizing — we are in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and serve riders across Leicestershire and Derbyshire. Finance and Cycle to Work may extend your budget.
Why buy from Stretton Bikes?
Matt and Henry run the shop — you will speak to one of us directly, not a call centre. Start with where you ride; we will narrow the categories from there.
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Frequently asked questions
Gravel bikes come closest for mixed UK riding but compromise on pure road speed and serious trail capability. Most riders are better served by matching the bike to their primary riding.
See what we have in stock
Explore Marin, Mondraker, and Basso bikes online — then enquire or visit our Ashby-de-la-Zouch shop for sizing and setup.
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