I can highly recommend the women's range of Ridgeback bikes. I started cycling only a year ago when I was asked to accompany a child on a proficiency test. My bikes were stolen the night before and I had to borrow a friend's. I have not looked back and now cycle to work most days.
The bikes are very light and it seems fairly effortless even when going up hills. The gears are also very easy to use. Most good cycle shops will sell them but I got mine from Gumtree just in case it was a passing phase.

The shop refered to previously near clapham north is Apex Cycles, a great friendly local shop. Many friends and I have used them for adult bikes, kids bikes, acessories and repairs. personally i didnt find some of the others mentioned as friendly. Good luck!

great story! I look with longing at the kids bikes simply because they are so easy to get on and off from! lol

To tell you a funny story, I was so nervous when I decided to start cycling again around 15 years ago that I insisted on buying a kids style bike (I just felt safer on it). Anyway one day I was cycling to work on my kids bike with all but pink tassles on the handle bars a work colleague spotted me and literally laughed his head off.

I decided to upgrade pretty quickly and never looked back. I am thinking of doing the London to Brighton next year. Anyone with experience please tell me all!

I have to admit one reason I want to cycle is because I want to be part of the friendly cycling community and the support from you guys just confirms my suspicion that cyclers are indeed very friendly! Thanks a ton. So the Trek 2010 now has two recommendations! I'll certainly check it out. Luciano's sounds great--will head there and will keep everyone updated ((:--
I would love to do local parks etc with my cycle--once i've got it and have got used to it...It is hard to restart and a bit of solidarity (especially from fellow parents) will make it very enjoyable!
Cheers,
Devi

Great Dancing queen I do that same cycle too!

luciano's also do trek. I've always considered trek a bit like ford cars. solid reliable but not glam. go in there speak to dudley, tell him what you need and he'll point you in the right direction.

cycle clubs - there are quite a few locally, kingston, dulwich and one called claphamchasers. just google it or via the british cycling site. I don't think there is one which would be social and family orientated. it's something we (on this site) could do easily enough. pick a day and a venue (RP or HP sound good) and go from there.

however my long suffering wife would probably pull all her hair out if I made yet another excuse to sneak out on my bike

That's it, directly across from The Duke of Devonshire.
Groucho, the London Cycling Campaign, soon to be rebranded as London Cyclists have a local branch in Wandsworth known as the Cognoscenti and they organise all sorts of rides for varying abilities. I think the current membership fee for LCC is around £32.00 and it includes third party insurance. A bargain.

I think you're talking about Cyclopolis.

There's a bike shop on Balham High Road. Sorry dont remember the name but I went in to try a trditional dutch bike last summer (wouldnt recommend - too heavy). They were v helpful.
Its on that short parade of shops just set back from the road near a kitchen shop and the Salvation Army building. Sorry cant be more specific.
There's also a v v good bike shop at Clapham North tube - just across the road on the high street and down towards CC tube (but just down). A couple of mums I know have bought bikes there and said that they were v helpful too - they got to test ride etc, maybe this is standard?)

Hi,

I just bought a Trek 7.3 but I got the 2010 model so saved me £200. If you buy the 2011 it will set you back £550.

Brilliant bike, very lightweight and takes less effort to cycle! I also use to pull my twins on their bike trailer.

Let me know if you sort out any bike rides. I often do the laps around Battersea Park and back to Clapham. Still trying to loose the baby weight!

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in starting a cycle club either with or without kids. Trips to say Richmond Park, Hyde Park and picnics with the kids or just an adult only cycle club???

In regard to which Trek, it depends on your budget. You want to have a priority list and ask the sales staff to find one that fits your list in your budget.
I second what others have said about the seat it is easily changed. I have already replaced my seat twice on my current bike. Nowadays there is a simple lever that lets you take the seat out every time you stop if you want.
I would invest in 2 decent locks though. I had 3 bikes stolen in quick succession about 10 years ago but since I started locking my bike properly I have had no problems in the last decade..touch wood.

Same here i never go to a chain store, I used to used 'on yer bike at London Bridge station when I lived there and now I go to Lucianos on Battersea Rise.

Psubliminal on Balham High Road are very good. don't let a saddle put you off a bike, you could always buy a more suitable seat to go with the bike of your dreams. From personal experience I'd never purchase a cycle from a chain store such as Evans, accessories yes but never the bike. Worth joining LCC too for camaraderie and third party insurance.