For me, cycling is therapy. It’s calming, meditative and uncomplicated. But there’s a catch. To experience the simple joy of riding a bike, you first have to navigate the maddeningly complex process of buying one. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Make no mistake: this is not a straightforward case of marching into Halfords, saying, “One bike, please!” and leaving with a shiny new steed. But, while complicated, it needn’t be stressful. Before you buy, ask yourself three questions: how will I use it? How much am I willing to spend? And what features do I want? Based on your answers, this guide will arm you with what you need to make a confident, informed purchase – no engineering degree required. To help, I’ve enlisted two experts: David Arthur, founder of cycling-tech YouTube channel Just Ride Bikes, and Stephen Roche, owner of bike-fitting and custom-build studio the Bike Tailor. How to buy a bike What type of bike do you need? Chain …