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A few people have been asking me where to start with #cycling from bikes to routes to training so a quick thread of advice 
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Iām a massive advocate of electric bikes. Game changers, especially if you live in a hilly area. I have this one that I got on the Cycle to Work scheme 3yrs ago. Basket on the back so can carry loads https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/pendleton-somerby-electric-hybrid-bike---white-and-navy---17in-19in-frames-750871.html?dwvar_750871_colour=White%20%26%20Navy">https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hyb...
Bromptons are amazing but expensive. I can only lift the titanium one. But theyāre wonderful and you can share them with others in your household as so easily adjustable. Proper investment though but 2nd hand ones good. Bags clip on the front easily https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="š¼" title="Briefcase" aria-label="Emoji: Briefcase">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="šš»" title="Down pointing backhand index (light skin tone)" aria-label="Emoji: Down pointing backhand index (light skin tone)">
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But if youāre after a standard, attractive bike Iād recommend @bobbinbicycles. Loads of great accessories like baskets and panniers. Iāve long-term loaned this one to my best friend but missing it. Again the Cycle to Work scheme makes them more affordable https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="š" title="Yellow heart" aria-label="Emoji: Yellow heart">
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Spend 10% of the value of your bike on locks (locks plural). I use two D-locks (like those pictured here) plus a cable lock. Locks are heavy but I carry them in baskets on the bikes. I cable lock my bag into my basket while Iām cycling too
All my bikes are registered with @bikeregister, which was done at @MetCycleCops events over the years. Means itās easier to recover your bike if stolen (touch wood Iāve not had a bike stolen) & also acts as a bit more of a deterrent to thieves: easier to nick unregistered bikes
In the ānormal worldā, @TfL funds cycle training for Londoners. More info here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycle-skills">https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cyc... This is properly life-changing. I was trained by the wonderful @FixedFun 7yrs ago & it gave me so much more confidence to cycle longer distances & in all road conditions
Cyclists like getting others on board. Ask a cycling friend to help figure out your route to work. Ask them to go with you (post-lockdown) on a quiet Sunday morn. @jon_klaff patiently helped me navigate my eBike route (difficult thru @BarnetCouncil) from home to central London
If youāre not sure whether to take the plunge yet, hire a @SantanderCycles bike in a quiet area or Hyde Park with a friend and remind yourself how much fun being on a bike can be. Iād never cycled in central London before we launched bike hire 10yrs ago
Kids bikes: start them on balance bikes not with stabilisers. Best kids bikes bar none are @frogbikes. Theyāre expensive but hold their value. Got eldestās 2nd hand on eBay & will pass down to her sisters. Otherwise @jointheBikeClub is a great concept
Cycle shops. Iāve never had a good experience as a woman in an Evans shop. This is just my personal experience though. Halfords have been much better but independent shops always the best for service and advice. Shout out to @lunarcycles_ who saved my bacon when my chain fell off
