'Cycling is as expensive as you decide to make it' – we talked to readers about their start in cycling to find out if cycling really is too expensive these days

A animated image of a bike shop with people looking at bikes.

For new riders, the wide selection of road bikes and their cost can be overwhelming.

With prices reaching well into the thousands for some of them; cycling as a new hobby can feel like a significant financial commitment before you've even got on the bike. The obvious concern is whether or not the bike marketing machine – which focuses on top spec gear – is putting off more people than it attracts.