Cambridge bikes, no it’s not just a way of describing some of the girls you see stumbling out of Wetherspoons at the weekend. This is a traditional university city, so it’s no wonder we’re more used to the sight of bicycles than motorbikes on the roads.

City centre in a jiffy
Particularly now that the city centre has been pedestrianised, with only buses and taxis granted access past Christ’s Pieces thanks to handy remote controls to lower the bollards. Suddenly, a bike seems an even better idea than before. Whisk your way across Midsummer Common, Christ’s Pieces or Parkers Piece and you’ll be in town in a matter of minutes.

Get the look
If you’re one of those highly tuned cyclists who think the Tour de France isn’t that tough, or you’re more concerned about your image than your bank balance, you’ll need a decent bike. The best places in Cambridge for a brand spanking new set of wheels are...
Mike’s Bikes: 28 Mill Rd (01223) 312591
Action Bikes: 29-33 Hills Rd (01223) 304321
Cycle King: 197-199 Mill Rd (01223) 214999

Sexier than a supermodel
It appears that bikes are the Cambridge equivalent of hot cakes, although the majority of them with their sleek, aerodynamic shapes are far tastier. Remember years back when the council tried to initiate the borrow a bike scheme with various collection and drop off points around town? Well, if you don’t it’s probably because the majority of them ended up in people’s back gardens. You can’t say the council didn’t try. That being the case though, make sure you get yourself a decent lock and make use of the cycle racks dotted all around town.

Secondhand style
If your cash flow is more important to you than your cycle credibility, then you should aim to pick up a second hand bargain. And there’s nowhere better to start than with the self-titled Bikeman and his stall on Cambridge market. Call 0850 814186 to speak to him direct and find out the best times to bag yourself a bargain.


Lisa Ellwood