The legendary Victoria Pendleton brings her expertise from years of cycling to the Pendleton Initial women’s road bike, part of her women’s specific range of bicycles available at Halfords.

Designed for women, the range is an absolute treat for cyclists of all kinds. They are good value for money, nice to use, and downright lovely to look at.

The Pendleton Initial, the women’s specific road bike in the range, follows the trend. It certainly looks the part, with a plush blue metallic paint job, white saddle and grip tape, and a flash of the rainbow stripes – a celebration of Pendleton’s achievements as an Olympic and World Champion. In fact, this looks like a bike that costs a lot more than the RRP £399 it’s on sale for (and it’s currently cheaper than that – a bargain £249!)

It’s only available in small and medium frame sizes. That rules it out taller ladies, but it’s a brilliant bike for women below 5″7 or girls who are looking to try road cycling for the first time.

There is a good gear range: 16 in total with 8 at the back and a double chain ring up front which will be plenty to get you up the majority of hills. I found the gear changing motion at the back nice and smooth, but changing the front gears was a clunky experience.

Pendleton Bikes: Buyer’s Guide Review & Tips

I’m a big fan of the combined break and gear shifters as they are so easy to use! You can shift up and down gear and control your speed without having to move your hands about on the bars, which is great for stability and security. The rim brakes are reassuringly effective.

To ride, the bike feels pretty comfy, aided by the cromoly forks which help absorb some of the shaking and ‘chatter’ you get from riding over a rough road surface.

Verdict: An ideal choice of bike for women and girls who are looking to get into road cycling. The Pendleton Initial women’s road bike looks the business, is brilliant value for money and has great components for the price.

Price: Currently £249 (RRP £399), available from Halfords.

Size: Small (43″, suitable for 5’00″ to 5’3″ riders) and Medium (46″, for 5’4″ to 5’7″ riders)

By Aoife Glass.