Biking
Get the gear
Date: 2014-06-09
If you’re looking for evidence of cycling’s explosion in popularity, the number of new bike shops popping up across Dubai should suffice. Like mountain biking, not everything that looks like a road bike is a road bike and, again, you do get what you pay for.
Of course, a top of the range, full carbon bike with low profile carbon wheels and electronic gearing will set you back tens of thousands of dirhams but you can get out on the roads with a decent and reliable new bike for around Dhs.3,500.
As the price increases, the quality and reliability increases and the weight decreases, but it can be fun to start with something fairly basic and add new components as you improve. This also takes some of the sting out of the price tag.
There are a few things that you shouldn’t look to save money on, however. A good helmet could save your life, as could some high quality, bright front and rear lights for your bike. Cycling clothing is optional but recommended for comfort, although once you start riding regularly, you’ll want to get some specific cycling shoes which make a big difference to the efficiency of your riding.
A good pair of sunglasses not only stop the eyes from streaming, they can save your vision if some debris kicks up from the road. Make sure you always have a spare inner tube, a pump (or cartridges), tyre levers and a small Allen key set in your saddle bag too.
Finally, always carry plenty of fluid on your bike. Even days that start with a chill in the air tend to end up hot and sticky after a few hours of riding.
Adventure HQ: Has a good range of both MTB and road bikes, with Merida a good entry-level brand and BMC representing the high-end roadie choice. There’s also some clothing, accessories, components and nutrition
Decathlon: The superstore has a good range of leisure bikes, MTBs and road bikes, and its own brand bikes are some of the most affordable around and are of surprisingly high quality. In terms of components, clothing and accessories, it’s a good place to get some cheap basics.
Go Sport: The stock is mainly provided by Ride, although there are some extras. A good choice for entry-level gear. Intersport: The regional distributor for Orbea bikes and clothing, which has some excellent entry-level MTBs and road bikes.
Micah’s: One of the latest additions, Micah’s is for the experienced MTB rider only. Stocking beautiful Ellsworth handcrafted frames and wheels, the staff really know their stuff.
Probike: Although Probike does sell MTBs, it is mainly a roadie shop with a good selection of triathlon-specific bikes, accessories and clothing. Most of the bikes are from the British Planet X brand, which is renowned for its value for money.
Revolution Cycles: A new store in Motor City that stocks a lot of top brands that you’ll not find elsewhere, like GT, Cannondale, Trek and Ridley bikes, and accessories like Catlike helmets and Louis Garneau clothing.
Ride: The new SZR megastore is the Middle East’s biggest bike shop. Ride specialises in Giant bikes; the world’s biggest bike manufacturer, which offers excellent value for money. Sells both MTB and road bikes.
Wolfi’s Bike Shop: The oldest and most established bike store in Dubai, this is where you’ll find some of the more specialist, technical gear you can’t find elsewhere, along with bikes, clothing and accessories. Staff are extremely knowledgeable.
Of course, a top of the range, full carbon bike with low profile carbon wheels and electronic gearing will set you back tens of thousands of dirhams but you can get out on the roads with a decent and reliable new bike for around Dhs.3,500.
As the price increases, the quality and reliability increases and the weight decreases, but it can be fun to start with something fairly basic and add new components as you improve. This also takes some of the sting out of the price tag.
There are a few things that you shouldn’t look to save money on, however. A good helmet could save your life, as could some high quality, bright front and rear lights for your bike. Cycling clothing is optional but recommended for comfort, although once you start riding regularly, you’ll want to get some specific cycling shoes which make a big difference to the efficiency of your riding.
A good pair of sunglasses not only stop the eyes from streaming, they can save your vision if some debris kicks up from the road. Make sure you always have a spare inner tube, a pump (or cartridges), tyre levers and a small Allen key set in your saddle bag too.
Finally, always carry plenty of fluid on your bike. Even days that start with a chill in the air tend to end up hot and sticky after a few hours of riding.
Adventure HQ: Has a good range of both MTB and road bikes, with Merida a good entry-level brand and BMC representing the high-end roadie choice. There’s also some clothing, accessories, components and nutrition
Decathlon: The superstore has a good range of leisure bikes, MTBs and road bikes, and its own brand bikes are some of the most affordable around and are of surprisingly high quality. In terms of components, clothing and accessories, it’s a good place to get some cheap basics.
Go Sport: The stock is mainly provided by Ride, although there are some extras. A good choice for entry-level gear. Intersport: The regional distributor for Orbea bikes and clothing, which has some excellent entry-level MTBs and road bikes.
Micah’s: One of the latest additions, Micah’s is for the experienced MTB rider only. Stocking beautiful Ellsworth handcrafted frames and wheels, the staff really know their stuff.
Probike: Although Probike does sell MTBs, it is mainly a roadie shop with a good selection of triathlon-specific bikes, accessories and clothing. Most of the bikes are from the British Planet X brand, which is renowned for its value for money.
Revolution Cycles: A new store in Motor City that stocks a lot of top brands that you’ll not find elsewhere, like GT, Cannondale, Trek and Ridley bikes, and accessories like Catlike helmets and Louis Garneau clothing.
Ride: The new SZR megastore is the Middle East’s biggest bike shop. Ride specialises in Giant bikes; the world’s biggest bike manufacturer, which offers excellent value for money. Sells both MTB and road bikes.
Wolfi’s Bike Shop: The oldest and most established bike store in Dubai, this is where you’ll find some of the more specialist, technical gear you can’t find elsewhere, along with bikes, clothing and accessories. Staff are extremely knowledgeable.
