FAQ’s
Have a question? We are here to help
Our My Ride team are experts on all things bikes!
Whether that is picking the perfect bike for your riding needs, completing your riding kit with parts and accessories, or ensuring your riding is running smoothly, our team have you covered.
We know you'll have questions, so have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions to help get you started.
test1. How do I choose the right size bike?
Selecting the right size bike is important, for kids it means they'll get maximum time out of the bike before growing out of it. For adults, correct sizing means a comfortable riding position. For more information on how to choose the right bike, check out our bike sizing guide.
2. What are the benefits of disc brakes on a bike?
No matter if you’re riding a road, mountain or gravel, disc brakes have some significant benefits. Some of the main benefits of disc brakes versus traditional rim brakes include better braking power, more reliable in wet weather, reduced wear on wheels and bigger tyre clearance. Disc brakes generate far more braking power than a rim brake, which means the rider has to apply far less pressure on the brake levers making for easier and more efficient stopping. In wet weather rim brakes have a slight delay in braking as they must displace water from the rim before the pad can bite the surface. Disc brakes due to position and being self-contained are largely unaffected by the wet. As rim brakes use the rim surface for braking combined with grit and dirt in winter, will result in the wheel wearing out far quicker than those of disc brakes. Due to not using a brake caliper on either side of the rim, this has allowed for bikes to have much wider tyres on bikes giving riders a larger option of tyre and rim combinations.
3. Should I buy a dropbar or flatbar bike?
Flat bars provide you with a generally more upright and more comfortable riding position. By creating a more relaxed position on the bike making flat bars perfect for a road or hybrid as a commuter option. One drawback that comes with flat bars is the lack of positions. A drop bar provides you with multiple hand positions. You can ride on the bars, the hoods, or in the drops. The ability to change hand positions provides relief on longer rides. As well as comfort drop bars also have a better speed advantage by putting you in a more aerodynamic position and are better suited for tucked positions. However, this advantage only really comes into play when riding above 25kmph, which is something to consider. Whether it is a commuter or a road race bike, contact your local MyRide store to find the perfect bike for you.
4. How do the gears work on my bike?
Bikes are either build up with a front and rear derailleur or on some builds just a rear derailleur, which is called a one by system. The front gears are controlled by a lever that is located under your left hand. The bigger the ring on the front chain ring, the harder it will be to pedal the bike. The rear gears on the rear wheel hub are controlled by the lever under your right hand. The bigger the gear on your rear wheel, the easier the bike is to pedal. For example, if you're riding up a hill, you want to have a small ring on the front and a big ring on the rear. While going down a hill you want to be in the big ring on the front and a small ring on the rear. Whether you're riding a road or mountain bike, there are a number of different gearing combinations to best suit your bike and riding style. Reach out to your local MyRide store for any further assistance.