Advice Centre

Bikes

• Do you sell lubricants and grease for my bike parts?

   

  

  Yes

  Halfords stock a huge range of bike oils, lubricants and grease to help you with all areas of bike maintenance.

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• What accessories are available for my bike?

   

  

  Halfords sells a wide range of bike accessories.

  These include bike helmets, bike locks, bike pumps, bike lights, bike computers, bike clothing, bike child seats, bike cleaning products and lubricants, bike luggage, bike water bottles, bike tools, bike manuals, kids bike accessories and an extensive range of bike parts - in fact, everything you could want for your bike.

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• What bike brands do you sell?

   

  

  Halfords currently stock bikes from top brands such as Boardman, Voodoo, Diamondback, GT, Saracen, Kona, Raleigh and Apollo.

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• Will I find my bike cheaper elsewhere?

   

  

  It's unlikely, but if you can buy the same product cheaper, within seven days and 20 miles of the store, Halfords will match the price.

  Even against trade outlets! Please ask in your local Halfords store for details of terms and conditions.

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• What type of bike do I need?

   

  

  Before you buy a bike you have to think about what you will be using it for.

  There are many types of bikes available, so it is important you get the correct one. See our guide to choosing the right bike.

  » An All Terrain or Mountain bike is a bicycle designed for mountain biking.
  » Hard tail bikes are built for speed. They are strong and powerful bikes built mainly for road surfaces.
  » Full suspension bikes are built to handle impact. They are ideal for riding through mountains or over huge hills.
  » Road bikes and Sports bikes are designed for speed, and speed alone. The lower riding position means that the air flow is less restricted enabling you to create and maintain a lot more speed than on an average bike.

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• Can you build and service my new bike?

   

  

  Yes, Halfords offer a FREE build and safety check on any bike you buy online or in-store from Halfords (excludes Trax bikes*).

  We'll also give you a FREE 20-point Six Week First Service, to make sure your bike is still in tip-top condition. We can even build bikes bought elsewhere, for a charge. Check out our Bike Build page for further information.

  *Trax bike build prices - €11.99 for 12"-16" wheel bikes and €24.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. Six week first service included

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• Can you repair my bike?

   

  

  Yes, Halfords offers a range of bike maintenance and repair options - everything from puncture repair to chain fitting and more.

  Our professional mechanics can help to get you cycling again by fitting new parts or repairing broken ones. Halfords offer an extensive parts supply service, fixed labour prices, helpful advice, and all our work is guaranteed for a minimum of 6 months.

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• What size bike do I need?

   

  

  Simply measure your inside leg length.

  Then use this table to give you a guideline to find the right size bike for your leg length:

  Inside Leg Measurement	Frame Sizes For Men’s Bikes	Frame Sizes For Women’s Bikes
  68 – 76 cm	16” – 17”	14” – 15”
  76 -  84 cm	18” – 20”	16” – 17”
  84 – 94 cm	20” + for Mountain Bike | 21” + for Town, Trail and Road bikes.	16” + for Mountain Bike | 18” + for Town, Trail and Road bikes.

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• Is there a credit check?

   

  

  No there is no credit check

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• What is Halfords Cycle2Work?

   

  

  Halfords have a store network of 22 stores in Ireland offering a huge range of bikes and accessories to choose from.

  Halfords pioneered the Cycle2Work scheme in the UK and have over 6 years of experience in providing the scheme to thousands of companies of all sizes. Our experience and extensive range of products makes us the choice provider of Cycle2Work in Ireland. Halfords are no. 1 for bikes and accessories in Ireland with a fully trained store team on hand to provide specialist advice. What's more, with every bike sold we offer a Free Build (excludes Trax bikes*), 6 Week First Service and Bike Care Plan.

  *Trax bike build prices - €11.99 for 12"-16" wheel bikes and €24.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. 6 week first service included.

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• What types of bikes and equipment are included?

   

  

  The exemption will cover pedal bicycles and tricycles, and pedelecs (an electrically assisted bicycle which requires some effort on the part of the cyclist in order to effect propulsion).

  It will not cover motorbikes, scooters or mopeds. The following safety equipment will be covered by the exemption:

  » Cycle helmets which conform to European standard CE EN 1078
  » Bells and bulb horns
  » Lights (including dynamo packs)
  » Mirrors and mudguards
  » Cycle clips and dress guards
  » Panniers
  » Luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried
  » Locks and chains to ensure bike can be safely secured
  » Pumps
  » Puncture repair kits
  » Cycle tool kits
  » Tyre sealant for minor repairs
  » Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors

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• How do I join the Cycle2work scheme?

   

  

  Your employer needs to sign a supplier agreement with Halfords confirming we will offer the benefit to their employees.

  We will then work with your employer to communicate the scheme to you and allow you to sign up for the scheme. If approved by your employer, you can collect your bike and start cycling.

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• Who is eligible to join the Cycle2Work scheme?

   

  

  To be eligible for the potential tax benefits resulting from the Cycle2Work scheme participants must be an Irish taxpayer.

  The scheme is governed by the Irish Revenue Commission and is open to employees, whether full or part time, providing salary after Salary Sacrifice remains above the national minimum wage on date of application. How does it work?

  The scheme allows the employer to provide employees with a bike and/or safety accessories whilst making savings through tax, PRSI and levies. Employers pay for the bikes and safety accessories and then recoup the cost, through salary sacrifice, from the employee.

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• Am I eligible to get a bike?

   

  

  The scheme must be operated by your employer and is open to all salaried full and part time employees.

  You must be an Irish taxpayer earning above the national minimum wage to benefit from the tax efficiencies of the scheme. Your employer may choose to add additional eligibility criteria.

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• Why should I choose the Halfords Cycle2Work?

   

  

  Halfords offer peace of mind as a trusted and compliant supplier of the Cycle2Work scheme.

  What's more, we offer:

  » Lowest price guarantee offering best value for money*
  » FREE BIKE CARE PLAN for all employees providing maintenance for 12 months
  » Free Build (excludes Trax bikes*) and 6 Week First Service for a guaranteed ready-to-ride bike
  » 22 nationwide stores open 7 days a week for easy accessibility

  *Trax bike build prices - €11.99 for 12"-16" wheel bikes and €24.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. 6 week first service included.

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• What is the Cycle2Work scheme?

   

  

  The scheme allows employees to purchase a bike and safety accessories tax free.

  The government's Cycle2Work scheme came into operation on 1 January 2009. The purposes of the scheme are to:

  » Encourage more employees to cycle to and from work
  » Lower carbon emissions
  » Reduce traffic congestion
  » Improve health and fitness levels

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Mens & Womens Bikes

• Do I really need a bike helmet?

   

  

  Quite simply, yes.

  Riding a bike, whether on the road or recreationally presents a risk of head injury and therefore requires head protection. Though the overall numbers and risk are not high, about 75% of all cyclist deaths each year result from head injuries.

  The simple precaution of wearing a bike helmet may prevent severe injury or save your life. Other benefits include the fact that most bike helmets are brightly coloured, making you more visible to other motorists and they also offer protection from weather, including sun, rain and hailstones.

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Kids Bikes

• What size bike is right for my child?

   

  

  Halfords is on hand to find the perfect size bike for your child. REMEMBER!

  If their bike is too big or too small, it is more difficult to control, increasing the risk of accidents and injury. If it is too small, the child´s knees can hit the handlebars, and if too big, your child will not be able to dismount easily - potentially causing them to have an accident and injure themselves. A Reliable Test that you can use to determine the right size is if your child has the correct size bike, they should be able to sit on the saddle and have both feet tip-toed on the floor.

  We recommend you measure the child´s height for a more accurate assessment. If you can´t do this then use the child´s age range as a guide.

  We measure our children´s bikes in wheel sizes. Use the table below for a guide:

  Height of Child	Age Of Child	Wheel Size
  98 - 112 cm	3 - 5 yrs	12”
  105 - 117 cm	4 - 6 yrs	14”
  112 - 125 cm	5 - 7 yrs	16”
  117 - 129 cm	6 - 8 yrs	18”
  125 - 136 cm	7 - 9 yrs	20”
  130 - 141 cm	8 - 10 yrs	24”

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• Does my child really need a bike helmet?

   

  

  Quite simply, yes.

  Riding a bike, whether on the road or recreationally presents a risk of head injury and therefore requires head protection. Though the overall numbers and risk are not high, about 75% of all cyclist deaths each year result from head injuries.

  The simple precaution of wearing a bike helmet may prevent severe injury or save your child's life. Other benefits include the fact that most bike helmets are brightly coloured, making your child more visible to others and they also offer protection from weather, including sun, rain and hailstones.

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• Can you build and service my child's bike?

   

  

  Yes, Halfords offer a FREE build and safety check on any bike you buy online or in-store from Halfords (excludes Trax bikes*).

  We'll also give you a FREE 20-point Six Week First Service, to make sure your bike is as good as new. Check out our Bike Build page for further information.

  *Trax bike build prices - €11.99 for 12"-16" wheel bikes and €24.99 for 18" wheel plus bikes. Six week first service included.

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• Can you repair my child's bike?

   

  

  Yes, Halfords offers a range of bike maintenance and repair options - everything from puncture repair to chain fitting and more.

  Our professional mechanics can repair your child's bike by repairing broken parts or fitting new ones. Halfords offer fixed labour prices, an extensive parts supply service, helpful advice, and all our work is guaranteed for a minimum of 6 months.

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• Can we get matching accessories for my child's bike?

   

  

  Yes

  Halfords offer a range of themed bikes for kids like Barbie and ATOM for which you can buy cool matching accessories such as bells, saddle covers, water bottles, knee pads and bike helmets.

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• Does my child's bike come with stabilisers?

   

  

  Some of our kid's bikes come complete with stabilisers; others do not, but they can be purchased separately and fitted easily to your child's bike.

  Check the description of the bike on the website for details or ask in-store. Please note that stabilisers can only be fitted to bikes with wheels up to 16".

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Bike Accessories & Clothing

• What bike accessories do I need?

   

  

  You can get a huge range of bike accessories at Halfords, but what you need is largely determined by how much you use your bike.

  The number one essential purchase for all cyclists is a bike helmet to protect your head should you fall off your bike or be involved in an accident. If you ride your bike at night it's also advisable to have bike lights and reflective clothing of some sort. Other useful bike accessories include a bike pump, bike lock and a water bottle and cage - particularly for long journeys.

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• How do I choose the right bike helmet?

   

  

  Because of the vital protection they provide, it's very important to get the right bike helmet.

  Measure your head and check the size of the bike helmet you're looking to buy and it's a good idea to try the bike helmet for size - it should sit low on your forehead, just above your eyebrows and should not move when you shake your head. Adjust to fit using the adjustable fit system on the bike helmet to improve fit if necessary.

  Extra features to look for:

  » More vents provide better air circulation to keep your head cool
  » Peaks and visors reduce glare and shield your eyes from the sun

  We recommend you replace your helmet every 3 years. Remember: Every helmet subjected to an impact should always be replaced.

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• Can Halfords fit my bike accessories for me?

   

  

  Yes

  Halfords can provide fitting on a wide range of accessories. Furthermore, we can fit your accessories FREE when they are purchased with a new bike from Halfords, either online or in-store.

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• What do I need to consider when buying cycle clothing?

   

  

  Being too cold, too hot or too uncomfortable when cycling can really take the buzz away from riding.

  The best way to regulate your temperature is to have several layers of bike clothing that can be removed or added as needed. Start with a base layer of a light, synthetic breathable material cycling jersey, and pick an outer jacket that gives you freedom of movement and the right degree of water and wind resistance.

  Legwear can range from light, baggy summer shorts, to fully waterproof trousers, depending on the weather.

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• How can I keep my bike secure?

   

  

  To make sure your bike is secure at all times always lock your bike, especially when you're at home, and at night.

  Try to keep it out of view by putting it in your garage or house, or lock it in your back garden. Cable locks or shackle locks offer the best security. When locking your bike to an object somewhere, analyze the object first. Make sure you are locking your bike to a fixed object like a lamppost or bike rack.

  Avoid things that are easily cut, or things too short, where the bike could simply be lifted over it. Find out more on how to keep your bike secure.

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Bike Parts & Workshop

• What are the best tyres for my bike?

   

  

  Tyres are very important parts of a bike as they are the contact point between the bike and the road.

  Like bikes, bike tyres come in a huge range of sizes and treads, so making the correct choice is vital for performance and safety. The type of riding you are doing will affect your tyre choice. Road tyres - perfect for both road users and racers, but road users should choose 'clincher' road tyres - with an inner tube and which hook onto the rim, while racers should choose 'tubular' road tyres which are glued to the rim and have no inner tube.

  » ATB tyres - also have 2 types. Use ATB slick tyres for if you have a mountain bike that you mostly use on roads and ATB off-road tyres are designed for serious off-road mountain bikers. They come in a variety of treads, patterns and widths to give you maximum control.
  » Hybrid tyres - ideal for urban riding or touring as they offer a good puncture resistance but are still lightweight and roll nicely.

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• How do mudguards protect my bike?

   

  

  Mudguards prevent or reduce the amount of mud, grit and dirt being thrown up at you while riding your bike.

  They help to give you a clearer view of the road ahead and protecting your bike from damage and paint chips. Your feet, legs and backs will stay drier when mudguards are fitted, and they also protect other riders behind you.

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• Can Halfords fit my bike parts for me?

   

  

  Yes, from gear servicing to pedal replacement, Halfords can help with a wide range of fitting services.

  We offer a fixed pricing structure and thousands of parts from stock. Thousands more parts are available to order to store within 24 hours, or from the manufacturer within 48 hours to get you back on your bike as soon as possible.

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• What is the best bike saddle for me?

   

  

  Your bike saddle is your main point of contact with your bike, so it needs to be comfortable for your shape and size, keeping pressure points to a minimum.

  Look for gel or foam padding for extra comfort and it's important to pick a saddle that is designed for your gender - men's saddles tend to be long and have a narrow base, while women's saddles have a wider rear, and both have different areas of padding to suit differing male and female anatomy.

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