From boosting your immune system to saving you time and helping you improve your navigational skills, cycling is beneficial for both body and mind. As a low-impact form of exercise, it can help burn fat but build muscle, while it is not weight bearing so it will not damage your muscles. What is more, the sport can also grow your social circle and push you to meet like-minded individuals if you decide to join one of the many clubs or groups available out there. But before taking up the sport, you need to locate the best bicycle dealer on the island and find that perfect bike that will take you places and offer you moments of enjoyment.

How to spot the right bike shop 

Once you have gone through Yellow's long list of bicycle shops, you may want to narrow the options down by visiting a store near you or by selecting one that sells a particular brand you might want to check out. Most bike shops offer a wide variety, suitable for all the family. The most popular ones are mountain bikes which are robust and durable and are mainly used when off-roading, road bikes which are ideal for riding on pavements and around the city and are known for their speed and hybrid bicycles which lie somewhere in-between. This means that they are not as rugged as mountain bikes nor are they as fast as road bicycles, however, they are a good option for commuting. Other, more well-known varieties are the cruiser bicycles, designed for casual riding on fairly flat-surfaced routes and BMX bikes which are mainly in high demand by teens due to their small size and the fact that they are ideal for performing stunts and tricks.

Many local bike shops also sell power-assisted pedal cycles, otherwise known as motorised bicycles, as well as, electric bikes. Note that in the case of power-assisted pedal cycles, riders must be at least 16 years of age and must have a permit issued by Transport Malta. This is provided once an individual has passed a theory test. Those who are in a possession of a valid driving licence do not need any other form of documentation.

Yet, the variety of bicycles available is far wider than what's already mentioned. Locally, these types might be harder to find, however, most bike shops may be able to help you acquire one of the more specialised varieties by ordering it for you. The wait might be long, but it will be worth it. Some of these options include the tandem bikes, which are designed to have two riders and the adult tricycle. Identical to children's tricycles, this type sports three wheels and is intended for those with balance issues or for the elderly. In addition, you might want to look into recumbent bikes, which have a low design and a full-size seat with a backrest and folding cycles. As the name implies, these fold in half and are usually selected by those who live in small apartments and lack the storage space. Bear in mind that they have smaller wheels which makes them less efficient.

Selecting the ideal bike

With so many choices available, the hunt for the best one can be quite the undertaking. If you're concerned and confused, the salesperson should be able to help you out. Wondering what you should consider before settling on a type and brand? To begin with, you need to decide on a budget and stick to it. On occasions, bike shops may have special offers and bike sales but even with reduced pricing, expect to fork out a couple of hundred euros. The next thing is to ensure that it fits you, meaning that the height should be appropriate to yours, while you will have to take into account things like the handlebars. Next, you must decide on the type. Consider how often you'll be using the bicycle, whether you'll be cycling for leisure or for sport and the terrain you'll be travelling on. It's also important to decide on the gears, suspension and brake types. If these are foreign words to you, the salesperson should be able to guide you accordingly. It might also be a good idea to take a prospective bike for a test drive if that's allowed by the dealer. If that's the case, make sure you adjust the fit before going on a ride.

Choosing the right bicycles for your kids

Enabling them to explore their environment and instil a sense of adventure, cycling's health and mental benefits also extend to children. Yet, selecting the right one can be quite tricky since kids tend to grow constantly and the last thing you want is to purchase an expensive bicycle that will only last a few months.

When it comes to an adult bike, the frame's size is used as a point of reference but with kids, the wheel's diameter should be taken into account since this is what determines the proportions of the rest of the bicycle. Having said that, a size chart should be helpful. This is a special chart that has a list of wheel sizes and the corresponding child's age bracket, which can be found online, whereas the bicycle dealer will, in all likelihood, have this readily available for you to have a look. And don't forget to take your child's wishes into consideration. There's no use of spending money on a BMX when your daughter was after that princess one with the front basket and handlebar streamers.

Alternative services offered by bike shops in Malta

Local bicycle shops also sell other products. Depending on the store, the majority have a wide selection of parts and accessories in stock such as helmets, saddles, seat clamps, carriers, stands, bells and bottle cages to name just a few. Other products available are bike wear, namely clothing items, shoes and hats, together with body care products such as warm-up and chamois creams. In addition, many bike shops have maintenance-related products like tool boxes, work stands and cleaners and degreasers, while they may also offer repairing and servicing themselves. This typically includes general maintenance, wheel truing and building, brake bleeding and much more. Bicycle rental, whereby you can hire all sorts of bikes, is also available in certain places.

Incentives for bicycle use in Malta

With the aim to encourage physical activity and to reduce both pollution and traffic levels, a scheme is available for all Maltese residents for the use of bicycles and other alternative means of transportation such as pedelecs. This one-only grant will see interested parties receive around 15% on the purchase price of a bicycle, which corresponds to a maximum of €85 and up to €250 for a pedelec. Applications together with copies of original receipts or invoices should be sent to the VAT Department by no later than three months from the purchase of the bicycle. Cycling to work or to run your errands is an excellent form of exercise, however, cycling amidst Malta's traffic can be a drag and at times, even dangerous. Have a look at our tips on how to stay safe on the roads whilst on your bicycle.