If you are looking to get into road riding, then it’s worth spending a bit of money to get yourself a trusty steed.

Although you can buy a woman’s specific road bike for as little as £450, if you can stretch to the £700 price bracket you’ll get a better kitted out bike that will take you beyond beginner needs and expectations.

This also leaves £300 in your pocket, to get other essential bits and pieces, such as a track pump, lock, and lights if you’re getting a bike on the Government backed ‘Cycle to work‘ scheme.

Most bikes in the £700 price range have a double-butted aluminium frame, much lighter than steel. Carbon forks appear, helping reduce vibrations from the road, making for a more comfortable ride.

Expect 9-speed Shimano gearing, although occasionally 8 or 10 speed gearing may also sneak in. Groupsets are usually Shimano 2300 or Sora, but as you near £700 expect more of the upgraded Shimano Tiagra kit.

Chainsets at this point are mostly doubles, with two rings at the front. There are triples on offer too though, so if you like to have a few more gears to help with the hills then keep your eyes open.