What Bike Should I Get for the New Forest? A Simple Guide by New Forest Cycling
Choosing the right bike can make your day out in the New Forest smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. With so many beautiful gravel tracks, woodland trails, and quiet village lanes around Burley, it’s worth selecting a bike that matches your route and riding style. At New Forest Cycling, we offer a wide range of hire bikes suited to beginners, families, casual riders, and seasoned cyclists alike.
This guide walks you through the different types of bikes we offer, explains who they’re best for, and helps you decide what bike you should get for your New Forest adventure.
Understanding the Bikes Available at New Forest Cycling
We offer mountain-style bikes, gravel bikes, electric bikes, children’s bikes, and a selection of family-friendly accessories. Each option suits different terrain and experience levels, so picking the right one can make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.
Our full range of hire options is shown here:
Mountain / Premium Suspension Bikes — Ideal for Rougher Forest Tracks
Our Adult Premium Suspension bikes are designed for the more rugged sections of the New Forest. With front suspension and durable components, they handle uneven surfaces and gravel beautifully. If you’re planning to explore deeper woodland trails, want extra comfort on bumps, or prefer a classic “off-road” feel, these are an excellent option.
They’re ideal for riders who enjoy varied terrain or want to tackle more adventurous routes around Burley’s forest enclosures.
Gravel Bikes — The Best All-Rounders for Forest & Road
Gravel bikes are extremely popular in the New Forest because they offer speed on the road and stability on gravel. Whether you choose our Drop-Bar Gravel Bike or Flat Bar Gravel Bike, both options are available here:
These bikes are perfect for longer distances, scenic loops, mixed terrain routes, and riders who want a smoother, faster ride than a mountain bike provides. If you want versatility without going electric, a gravel bike is your best all-round choice.
Electric Bikes — Perfect for Longer, More Relaxed Rides
Electric bikes are a great option if you want to enjoy the New Forest without worrying about tired legs. Our Easy Entry Cube Electric Bike offers a comfortable, upright riding position, making it ideal for leisure riders or those new to cycling. The more powerful Cube E-MTB is perfect for hilly terrain or tougher forest tracks.
E-bikes make it easy to cover longer distances, explore more of the forest, and enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride.
Children’s Bikes — Safe and Fun for Young Riders
Our children’s bikes come in a range of sizes to suit most ages and heights, giving young riders the confidence they need to enjoy the forest safely. Lightweight frames and correct sizing help children stay comfortable and in control.
They’re an excellent choice for family rides along Burley’s gentle forest routes.
Family Accessories: Tag-a-Longs, Trailers, Dog Trailer & Child Seats
Families with young children — and even small dogs — can enjoy the ride thanks to our full selection of accessories:
Tag-a-longs are ideal for children who can pedal but may tire easily. Trailers and child seats cater to toddlers and younger kids who can’t cycle independently. The dog trailer means no furry family member gets left behind.
Bike Comparison Table: Which One Should You Choose?
| Bike Type / Accessory | Best For | Terrain | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Premium Suspension (MTB) | Confident riders, adventure seekers | Rough tracks, gravel, woodland trails | Extra comfort and control on uneven terrain |
| Gravel Bike (Drop-Bar) | Experienced cyclists, longer rides | Gravel paths, roads, mixed terrain | Fast, efficient and versatile |
| Flat Bar Gravel Bike | Casual riders wanting stability | Gravel and road | Comfortable upright position |
| Easy Entry E-Bike | Leisure riders, older riders | All general routes | Makes riding easier and longer distances comfortable |
| Cube E-MTB | Off-road riders | Rough forest tracks | More power for gradients and uneven terrain |
| Children’s Bikes | Kids of all ages | Easy family-friendly routes | Lightweight and confidence-building |
| Tag-a-Long / Trailers / Dog Trailer / Child Seat | Families & pets | All family-friendly routes | Keeps everyone together and safe |
How to Match Your Bike to Your Ride
Start by thinking about your route, fitness level, and who you’re riding with. For rougher woodland trails, choose a mountain-style bike. For mixed terrain or longer loops, gravel bikes are ideal. If you want things to feel easier—or you’re riding as a group with varying fitness levels—an e-bike is a brilliant option.
Example Scenarios to Help You Decide
- A couple cycling 20–30 miles
- Choose gravel bikes or Easy Entry E-Bikes.
- A family with young children
- Combine children’s bikes with a tag-a-long or trailer for the youngest.
- A solo rider exploring rough trails
- Pick an Adult Premium Suspension bike or Cube E-MTB.
- An older couple wanting an easy, scenic ride
- Go for the Easy Entry E-Bike.
What’s Included With Your Hire
All hires include helmets, locks, toolkit, pump, and breakdown support — giving you total peace of mind throughout your ride.
Book the Right Bike for Your New Forest Adventure
With a wide range of bikes and family-friendly accessories, New Forest Cycling makes it easy to choose the perfect ride — whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a memorable family day out. Now that you know what bike you should get, you’re ready to enjoy everything the New Forest has to offer.
