At the Bristol Family Cycling Centre we aim to help people of all ages and abilities to learn to ride a bike. To do so we have invested in a large fleet of cycles of all sizes and shaped to suit as many people as possible.
If you are not sure cycling is for you, have a look at our selection of cycles below. There will most likely be one for you. In doubt, get in touch with us.
Balance bikes
A great starter cycle for any age, a balance bike helps the rider to find their balance. Feet on the ground, it provides an ideal starting point to rider.
Available to adults and children.
What is it good at:
- Teach new and returning riders to balance and steer
- A gentle introduction to cycling
Two wheeler
The classic cycle we often picture when mentioning cycling, we have plenty of bicycles on site for everyone to enjoy.
Available to adults and children.
What is it good at:
- Ideal to exercise in a traffic-free environment at the Centre
- Refresh your riding skills before taking on everyday cycling
Tag-along cycle
A cycle that that attaches to the back of an adult two wheelers.
Available for children only.
What is it good at:
- Exercise pedalling
- Great to enjoy the joy of cycling without having to put too much effort in
Tricycle
A three wheel cycle (two at the back, one at the front) that allows riders to focus on pedalling and steering wihtout having to worry about balance.
Available for adults and children from 3 years old.
What is it good at:
- Ideal to practice pedalling, steering, and braking
- Help develop correct riding position
- Ideal for anyone with balance difficulties (e.g. learning disabilities such as dyspraxia, people recovering from illnesses such as strokes, etc.)
Notes:
- Some of our tricycles have foot straps available
- Some of our tricycles have a harness and back support available
- Poor lateral stability, the rider must be careful around bends
Quadracycle
A four wheel cycle with a very stable base that is easy to pedal and great to introduce new riders to pedalling and steering.
Available for adults and children from 7 to 8 years old.
What is it good at:
- Easy to pedal
- Cycling at low speed
- Ideal to develop pedalling and steering skills
- Ideal for anyone with balance difficulties (e.g. learning disabilities such as dyspraxia, people recovering from illnesses such as strokes, etc.)
Recumbent cycle
A three-wheel cycle with a low centre of gravity that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position, distributing riders weight over a larger area.
Available for adults and children from 8 years old.
What is it good at:
- Great stability that enable riders to cycle without worrying about balance
- Ideal for anyone who needs extra back support
Handcycle
A stable three-wheeled cycle powered by the arms instead of the legs.
Available for adults and children from 8 years old.
What is it good at:
- Ideal for anyone who have difficulties using pedals or with lower body mobility (e.g. paraplegia, arthitis, amputation, etc.)
- Good for anyone wishing to rebuild upper body strength (e.g. recovering from a stroke)
- Ideal for anyone who needs extra back support
Notes:
Handcycles can be used by people who can transfer from a wheelchair.
Side-by-side tandem
A sociable cycle that allows two riders to pedal together, sitting side-by-side. Both riders can pedal but one has the option to be passenger only. Steering is controlled by the one person only.
Available for adults and children from 8 years old as a passenger.
What is it good at:
- Good for training new and returning riders to pedalling
- Ideal for anyone not confident steering and braking
- A perfect cycle for anyone with a visual impairment
Notes:
- A harness is available for the passenger rider
Platform cycle
An cycle designed for wheelchair users. The front part of the cycle can accommodate a wheelchair with no need to transfer or hoist.
Available for adults and children.
What is it good at:
- Enabling anyone in a wheelchair to experience the joys of cycling
- Sociable cycle that allows rider and wheelchair users to communicate easily
- No need for the pilot to know how to balance
Notes:
- This cycle has a weight limit
Wheelchair cycle
An cycle designed for wheelchair users for can transfer into a seat.
Available for adults and children from 8 years old.
What is it good at:
- Enabling wheelchair users or reluctant riders to experience the joys of cycling
- Sociable cycle that allows rider and wheelchair users to communicate easily
- No need for the pilot to know how to balance
Notes:
- A harness is available