If there is one positive thing that has come out of the Covid-19 pandemic is that cycling has greatly risen in popularity in and around the Manchester area.

There are many well know reasons to start cycling if you have never done it before, the main reasons are the positive effect cycling has on your health and well-being. The simple act of pedalling a bike triggers a host of feel-good natural chemicals in your brain, improving your mood and making your feel happier. Even a short burst of cycling – or any type of exercise – can help to ward off depression!

However, swapping your car for a bike to commute to work can also be a huge bonus to your wallet, as well as for the Manchester environment. Leaving your car at home and taking to your bike helps to reduce traffic congestion and improves air quality in one fell swoop!

As if you need any more reasons for getting on your bike, the three main benefits are:

  • Cycling is good for you
  • Cycling is good for your wallet
  • Cycling is good for your world

No matter whether you are considering taking up cycling for your health, or you want to use your car less for work or for local journeys, such as visiting local shops, you will be pleased to know that cycling during the morning or evening rush hour in Greater Manchester has been shown to be as fast as travelling by car.

Did you also know that according to TfGM data, cycling to work in Manchester is sixteen times cheaper than driving! Research shows that based on an average cycle commute of 6km it would cost you an average of just £110 per year to use your bike instead of your car.

Bike Hubs and lockers in Manchester

If you want to cycle to work in Manchester, you may be worried about what to do with your bike while at work. You will be interested to know that if your workplace cannot provide safe storage for your bike, then you can use one of the many low-cost Cycle Hubs and bike lockers across the Manchester region.

If you want to escape for a cycle ride at the weekend, then Greater Manchester has a growing network of cycle routes from urban centres out into the surrounding countryside. The Bridgewater Way, for example, is one of six popular cycleways in Greater Manchester and offers cyclists an 11-mile traffic-free path that links Altrincham to Castlefield in Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre with ample bike parking available.

Bike shops in Manchester

Luckily, if you live or work in Manchester or the surrounding area, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to high-quality bike shops! So regardless of whether you already have a bike and need a new cycling jersey or some new waterproof kit so you can cycle in all weathers, or you are looking for a brand-new bike for yourself or your family members, you will be able to find a bike shop in Manchester that will suit your budget.

Most of the following bike shops in Manchester are well established and well-known for offering their knowledge and expertise so no matter whether you are an experienced cyclist or an absolute beginner, you won’t go wrong with one of these bike shops.

Harry Hall Cycles

Harry Hall Cycles is very easily found and sits just off from Oxford Road Station in the city centre. The shop offers a wide selection of top brand names and price ranges that will suit most budgets, but also runs regular sales so if you are looking for a bargain on a new bike or any bike accessories, it is worth keeping an eye on their promotions.

Rapha

Rapha is tucked away down St Ann’s Passage, and the bike shop overlooks Kings Street, Manchester. Downstairs is a coffee-shop come bike display shop where customers can get a free coffee with every bike-shop purchase.

After a buyout from their previous owners of the Walmart group, Rapha have been busy expanding their product offerings and are now gaining a more positive reputation with bike fans.

Pinarello Bike Rooms

OK, so if you are in the market for a prestige name such as Pinarello, then you won’t be disappointed with the Pinarello bike shop that can be found on Deansgate in Manchester.

While most people stop and stare longingly at the shiny Pinarello race bikes on display, because they specialise in the brand, and love what they sell, these Italian designer bikes are at the top of most aspiring cyclists wish lists. If you are in the market for a Pinarello, there is no better place to find one!

Evans Cycles

Evans Cycles is a large national bike company that offers click and collect and home delivery services for their bikes and accessories, but also have physical stores across the UK, including Manchester on Deansgate and at the velodrome in the HSBC UK National Cycle Centre.

They offer a good range of bikes, clothing and accessories at great prices. Look out for their own brands: FWE and Kalf, which both offer great quality at cost-effective prices.

Trek Bikes

Trek Bikes can be found at 41 Newton Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. Brimming with Trek bikes, Bontrager accessories and cycling clothes, you won’t go wrong with this store. If you are new to cycling, then the staff are very knowledgable and will happily help answer any questions you have.

Keep Pedalling

If you prefer to support a local independent shop, then head to Keep Pedalling for all of your bike needs. This independent store can be found in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at 23 Hilton Street and offers a range of commuting and adventure bikes.

A great store for customisation and bike building, you will be happy with the service here whether you want a smart road bike for racing or a more practical bike for winter commutes or local journeys.