Buying a bike is an exciting, if not daunting experience. Before you buy, make sure you know what kind of riding you will be doing and have a budget in mind. Take your time in deciding, browse through the internet, make notes, chat to your friends in the know and establish a good relationship with your local bike shop.

For this type of event, you will either need a racing bike or even consider a hybrid bike. The racing bike is the traditional drop handle bar type and the hybrid is a flat handle bar bike. The racing bike is for road use only, unlike the hybrid can be used on both road and trails.

Sizing is an individual thing. You can spend hundreds of pounds on getting a bike fitted to your size or you can go to a respectable bike shop and get some good solid advice. The latter will allow you to shop around and get the best deal available with the budget you have available.

Remember, Edwardes cycles, Camberwell, London, S.E.5 are supporting the Challenge and will offer excellent deals.

The ride to work scheme is available through most employers and this will you allow you to purchase a bike at a reduced price. This may be a good point of reference and starting point as this will allow you to purchase a bike up to the value of £1000.

You can spend anything from £200 up to £10000 for a pedal cycle. You firstly need to decide on what budget you have. You will also need a separate budget for accessories, which will include helmet, shoes, pedals, clothing and lights. Once you have decided on your budget, stick to it. Otherwise you will see the final price is more than you can actually afford. If you buy your bike from a high street store, you can get your accessories from online websites at a cheaper price.

Riding a bike is an individual thing. No two bikes are the same. Which is why it is best to own your own rather than borrowing one? Once you have your machine, treat it with care and it will look after you for the rest of its life.

Good luck.