⚠️ Before You Read

All the advice in this guide comes from my personal experience as a cyclist and from helping others get started.

It’s meant to guide and inspire, not replace professional fitting or maintenance advice.

If you’re dealing with injuries or pain, talk to a bike fitter or physiotherapist before riding long distances.

I am using common EU pricing for bikes. The prices of bikes and gear can be different depending on your location.

💬 Introduction

A lot of people ask me: “Mark, I want to start cycling — what bike should I buy?”

And my answer is always the same:

👉 It doesn’t start with the bike. It starts with your budget.

Because cycling isn’t just the bike itself. It’s also the gear, safety, and comfort that make the experience enjoyable.

So before you dive into frame materials or specs, let’s talk where your money should go.

This guide breaks down three common starting points: €1,000, €2,000, and €3,000 — and how to spend each wisely.

💶 Budget One: €1,000 — The Smart Start

When you begin cycling, your goal is to get rolling safely, learn what you enjoy, and understand how bikes feel.

🚲 The Bike (~€600)

At this level, buying second-hand is the way to go.

A new bike under €1,000 is usually heavy with entry-level components.

Browse Marktplaats, BikeExchange, or Bicycle.nl, and bring a friend who rides to check it with you.

Quick checks before buying:

• Rust: minor surface rust is fine; deep rust means extra repair cost.

• Shifting: gears should move smoothly — grinding = maintenance.

• Brakes: squeeze both levers; they should feel firm and even.

• Service history: no service record usually means €100–150 of extra parts soon.

Groupset options:

• Shimano: Sora or Tiagra (reliable 9–10 speed setups). Or if you are lucky a 105 groupset.

• SRAM: Apex or Rival (light, simple, and good for beginners).

Focus on how the bike feels and shifts, not the brand name.

👟 Shoes & Pedals (~€100)

Comfort starts here.

Try them on in person — every brand fits differently.

If you’re not ready for clip-ins yet, start with flat pedals and upgrade later.

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I recommend going to a bike shoe store like BikeShoe4U to get a proper shoe fitting. This is where I found my first real and comfortable bike shoe.

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🪖 Helmet (~€100–120)

Safety is non-negotiable.

Look for a MIPS helmet or similar rotational-impact protection.

Fit > aerodynamics. And if you can, get a white one for extra style points.

👕 Clothing & Accessories (~€150)

Start simple:

• 🩳 Bib shorts

• 👕 Jersey

• 💨 Lightweight wind vest

Shops like Decathlon or outlet sales from MAAP, Le Coffee Ride, or Rapha are perfect for this range.

Add small essentials:

• 🕶️ Glasses (even cheap clear ones help, do not buy glass ones as the are dangerous when you fall and they break)

• 🧤 Gloves

• 🔧 Saddle bag with tube and levers

• Leg warmers and arm warmers. They are cheap and are in my opinion real essentials in changing weather.

• Use your phone for navigation with a quadlock if you are budget tight. Do know that a phone battery does not last long. If you have more to spend find a second-hand Wahoo or Garmin for longer rides and more comfort.

🧮 Budget Overview

💡 Key Takeaway

This setup is about starting comfortably and learning maintenance.

You’ll get the feel of cycling, not perfection — and that’s exactly the point.

💸 Budget Two: €2,000 — The First Real Upgrade

Now we’re getting serious.

Around €2,000 you can buy a bike that’s light, fast, and ready for long rides.

🚲 The Bike (~€1,500–1,700)

This range opens up proper road bikes with mid-tier components.

Groupset options:

• Shimano: 105 or Ultegra mechanical.

• SRAM: Rival or Force mechanical.

Frames:

• Aluminium with carbon fork (common).

• Full-carbon second-hand options available.

New or used both work — what matters most is condition and fit.

🧍‍♂️ Bike Fit (~€150)

This is the stage where bike fit changes everything.

A proper fit prevents pain, improves efficiency, and helps you actually enjoy those 3-hour rides.

👕 Gear & Comfort (~€300–400)

At this level, better kit = better rides.

Some brands worth checking out:

• Le Coffee Ride ☕

• Rapha

• MAAP or Pas Normal Studios

Extras that make a difference:

• 🧤 Padded gloves

• ⌚ Entry-level cycling computer (Garmin 130, Wahoo Bolt. I use a Wahoo Roam.). This will be a bigger upgrade but one that is definitely worth it in my opinion.

• 🧦 Quality socks & rain jacket

• Good cleaning gear. I use the gear from Dynamic Bike Care. Get discount with MARK20 at checkout!

🧮 Budget Overview

💡 Key Takeaway

This is a setup that lets you train properly, join rides, and upgrade as you grow stronger.

💰 Budget Three: €3,000 — The Serious Setup

Now you’re investing in performance and longevity.

Every choice matters — and every detail improves the ride.

🚲 The Bike (~€2,500–2,700)

This is where bikes start to feel effortless.

Groupset options:

• Shimano: Ultegra or Ultegra Di2 (electronic).

• SRAM: Rival AXS or Force AXS (wireless).

Frames:

• Full carbon.

• Choose geometry based on your goals: endurance, aero, or gravel.

You can now buy new from a local shop (with warranty) or an excellent second-hand deal.

🧍‍♂️ Bike Fit (Non-Negotiable)

If you haven’t done one yet, this is mandatory.

A €3,000 bike means long rides and big efforts.

Proper fit saves your knees, back, and shoulders for the years ahead.

🪖👟 Gear Upgrades (~€300–400)

You’re probably riding more often — so gear should keep up:

• 🪖 Lightweight helmet with MIPS or aero design.

• 👟 Premium shoes with perfect fit.

• 👕 High-end kit that feels like a second skin for long rides.

🧮 Budget Overview

💡 Key Takeaway

This is the point where cycling stops being a hobby — and becomes part of your lifestyle.

You’re investing in fit, feel, and freedom on the bike.

🌍 Final Thoughts

Buying your first bike isn’t about status or carbon — it’s about building your foundation.

Ask yourself what kind of riding excites you most:

• 🚴‍♂️ Road and speed

• 🌲 Gravel and adventure

• 🏔️ Endurance and exploration

Start there, then grow into your style.

Whatever your budget, remember:

✅ The best bike is the one that fits you

✅ The best setup is the one that keeps you riding

🤝 Connect with Me

I share more cycling tips, training insights, and behind-the-scenes projects here:

📸 Instagram: @harkmeij

🌐 Website: markheij.nl

See you on the road 🚴‍♂️💨