We check out some of the best bikes and coolest accessories for everyone – from toddlers wobbling out on their first bicycle to enthusiasts in search of top-notch gear.
Designs on cycling
Charicycles in Dubai sources vintage, durable bike frames from Japan and restores them, allowing you to customise them. You can choose, for example, to add metal or wicker baskets, or the colour of the leather on the saddle and handlebars. Bikes are delivered free in Dubai (between Dh150 to Dh250 for the rest of the country). • From Dh1,200, www.charicycles.com. You can also find them at the Ripe Night Market on Saturday, from 4pm to 9pm, at Al Barsha Pond Park
For first-timers
This one is a serious investment but definitely worth it. The Eddy Merckx EMX-1 bike package – available at Yas Cycles, Al Zeina, for Dh7,999 – comes with a specialist helmet, sport shoes, 2 Tacx bottles and a Yas Cycles kit with socks, bottle cages, a pump, tyre levers, inner tube, seat pack and pedals. It also includes free bike fit.
Rent wheels
Hesitant to make a big purchase? Head to Yas Cycles and rent a professional bike. The store stocks Merckx EMX-1 105 (10-speed) carbon bikes in a variety of sizes, which cost Dh250 to hire for one day or Dh1,000 for a week. The aluminium bikes selection includes Specialised Allez Sport (Sora 9-speed) bikes, which cost Dh150 for a day or Dh750 for a week. Hand over a (fully refundable) deposit of Dh500 and a copy of your passport and ride away. The rental prices include the loan of a helmet.
Kiddie seats
Take your toddler on your next bike ride around town with the WeeRide Kangaroo Center Mounted Child Carrier. The sturdy seat fits onto the front of the bike, rather than the back, which maintains the centre of gravity on the bicycle frame. It can handle up to 18 kilograms and can be mounted on most bikes.
• Available on Desertcart for Dh704, free delivery across the country; www.desertcart.ae
Get the app
Cyclists are divided in their opinion on which biking app is the best, but we are big fans of the free Strava. It’s one of the most popular GPS cycling apps, offering a route-logging function that can be uploaded to your online Strava profile. The app keeps track of your stats as you ride, including speed, time and distance, while simultaneously tracking your location. At the end of your ride, see how many calories you’ve burnt and whether you’ve set a new personal record.
• Available for Android and iPhone; www.strava.com
The right balance
Specialised balance bikes for toddlers, rather than tricycles or a traditional bike with training wheels, are the latest trend. They are said to help kids learn to balance and claim to help in the transition to a regular bike without the need for training wheels. Mumzworld, which delivers across the country, has two styles of the Chillafish brand (Dh475), as well as the popular FirstBIKE balance bikes in a variety of colours (Dh639).
For the stylish man
Aether Bike Pants, in jet black or graphite, are made for cyclists and feature some clever details, including reflective roll cuffs, water-repellent and breathable fabric and enough stretch to ride in comfort.
• Dh716 from www.aetherapparel.com