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7 Ways to Lower the Cost of Cycling Adventures

May 1st, 2025 Posted in Money Tips, motoring
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Looking for a fun, exciting, and affordable holiday? If you already have a quality bike, then a cycling adventure might be just what the doctor ordered. A holiday on two wheels offers the chance to see new areas, boost your mental well-being, and return home with a few stories to tell. In other words, it has virtually everything that someone would want from a trip.

It’s also extremely budget-friendly, or at least it can be. In this post, we’ll look at some handy tips for keeping the cost of your cycling holiday as low as possible.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk:

Travel With a Buddy

There’s something inspiring about the prospect of taking a long cycling adventure by yourself. But in practice, we think that it’s better to have at least one other person join you. After all, while you might be happy to be by yourself for the first few hours, eventually you’ll begin to realise that the trip would be more fun with a friend by your side.

Plus, it can also help to keep costs as low as possible. You’ll be able to divide food, accommodation, and bike repair kit expenses, for instance. Plus, your friend will also simply provide free entertainment!

Stay Domestic

There’s no shortage of awesome international destinations that are perfect for cycling holidays. But the further you go, the more expensive your trip will become. It’s not just the cost of the flights (and the cost of transporting your bike); you’ll also likely have to spend extra on supplies, food, and accommodation. In the end, the further you go, the more difficult it is to have a firm grasp on costs.

Picking a domestic route will help you to keep costs down. And happily, staying within the UK doesn’t mean you have to settle for a less-than-great cycling holiday. The UK is jam-packed with excellent cycle routes, so pick one of them. Just remember that it’s best to plan your trip for the peak summer months to give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding rain. 

Stay at Campsites

Accommodation is often the biggest travelling-related expense. You can keep them down to a minimum by staying at campsites as you travel. You’ll save even more money if you’re happy to share a two-person tent with your travelling companion since that’ll mean you only need one pitch. Looking for some inspiration? Check out this collection of the best campsites in the UK.

With that said, it’s recommended to stay at a hotel every few nights. This will give you a chance to relax and unwind without the pressure of having to pitch a tent. 

Protect Your Bike

Your bike can’t provide free transport from one place to the next if someone steals it. Investing in one or two excellent locks will help to boost your bike’s security credentials. Remember, however, that even having a quality lock doesn’t guarantee that your bike will be safe. Getting bike insurance from a company like Bikmo will ensure that you’re financially covered should the unthinkable happen. Ultimately, while it’s unlikely that anything will happen to your bike, it’s best to assume that it will — and take the necessary precautions. After all, it’s much easier to prevent a problem than it is to fix it. 

Learn Basic Bike Repairs

You can run into bike issues any moment, but it’s even more likely that it’ll happen when you’re on a cycling adventure when you’ll be putting your bike through its paces. If you do encounter an issue, you’ll likely have two options: walk it to a bike repair shop and pay them to fix it, or take out your repair kit and fix it yourself. The latter option will be much friendlier on your wallet, and can also give you peace of mind that whatever happens, you can handle it. With that said, remember that having a bike repair kit will be of no use if you don’t know how to use it. Look at watching some YouTube tutorials before you set off on your adventure — while you might think that you could watch tutorials on the move, there’s always a chance that you break down in a remote area where there’s no internet service. 

Carry a Stove

Finally, you can keep the costs of your cycling holiday down by carrying a camping stove and preparing your own meals. Simply visit a shop when you’re finished cycling for the day, pick up a few energy-packed tins of food and some bread, and enjoy a hearty meal that you’ve prepared yourself.

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Why a Mercedes Can Be a Smart Choice for a Budget-Conscious Car Buyer

October 30th, 2024 Posted in Money Tips, motoring
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When it comes to luxury cars, Mercedes may not be the first name that springs to mind for a budget-conscious buyer. Yet, with a bit of smart planning, a Mercedes can be a solid long-term investment that brings not just prestige but also reliability and value for money. Here’s why buying a Mercedes, whether new or used, can make financial sense without breaking the bank.

Why a Mercedes Can Be a Smart Choice for a Budget-Conscious Car Buyer - image of Mercedes emblem

Photo by Matheus Bardemaker on Unsplash

Quality That Lasts

One key advantage of choosing a Mercedes is its build quality. A well-maintained Mercedes often outlasts many other cars in its class, reducing the need for frequent replacements. While an initial purchase may be higher than a budget model from other brands, the longevity of Mercedes cars means you’re getting more mileage—and more value—from your investment. When maintained properly, these cars are known for their durability, helping to keep down long-term expenses.

Lower Depreciation on Used Models

New cars, as most know, lose value the moment they leave the dealership. But a used Mercedes, especially models like the Mercedes GLA, tends to depreciate at a slower rate. Opting for a well-kept, used Mercedes allows budget-conscious buyers to sidestep the biggest depreciation hit while still enjoying the brand’s renowned engineering and style. The GLA, for example, offers a more compact and affordable entry into the Mercedes lineup but doesn’t compromise on quality or features.

Potential Savings on Financing and Maintenance

For those considering a new Mercedes, financing can make the purchase manageable. Mercedes offers competitive finance plans, which can reduce the burden of the upfront payment, helping make a new luxury car accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Mercedes models are known for their strong warranties and relatively lower maintenance costs compared to some luxury brands. Many buyers are surprised to find that routine maintenance on a Mercedes can be comparable to non-luxury vehicles, especially if they stick with recommended service intervals and maintain the car with quality parts.

Smart Ways to Finance Your Purchase

A budget-conscious buyer doesn’t have to rely on savings alone. Selling old items, including your previous car, can contribute towards the down payment, reducing your initial expenses. For example, if you’ve been driving a reliable but less stylish car, putting it up for sale before your Mercedes purchase can lighten the financial load significantly. This approach can make a Mercedes an achievable upgrade rather than a financial strain.

Strong Resale Value

When it comes time to sell, Mercedes cars tend to hold their value well, especially if they’ve been well-maintained. This resale potential is another way Mercedes models make sense for buyers who don’t want to lose much value over time. A Mercedes typically attracts more buyers in the second-hand market, which could mean more money back in your pocket when you’re ready for your next car.

In Summary

For budget-conscious buyers, a Mercedes may not seem like an obvious choice. However, the combination of quality, slow depreciation on used models, financing options, and good resale value all make a strong case. Whether buying a new model with financing or opting for a pre-owned car, a Mercedes is more than just a luxury badge; it’s a smart investment that balances style, performance, and long-term savings. 

With thoughtful planning, driving a Mercedes doesn’t have to be a stretch for those on a budget; it can be an achievable and wise financial choice.

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How To Choose Between HP vs PCP Car Finance

November 20th, 2022 Posted in motoring
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When buying a car, there are two options for financing that often crop up when browsing. These are HP and PCP. What do they mean? What are the differences?

If financing a car is financially more appropriate for you, then it’s worth knowing what HP and PCP car financing is and which one to choose.

What is a PCP?

PCP is short for Personal Contract Purchase. It’s a secured loan which means you won’t become the owner until you pay the final balloon payment at the end of the agreement.

With PCP you get three choices; pay the balloon payment to owe the car, give the car back or enter into a new PCP agreement. 

What is a HP?

HP stands for Hire Purchase. This involves making an initial deposit and the remaining cost of the vehicle is divided into equal monthly payments. Once the last payment is made, you’ll then own the car outright.

Choosing between PCP vs HP

Which one is the best for you? It’s important to consider which one is more affordable for the budget that’s available. For some, a secured loan through a PCP gives more options, whereas a HP allows you to own the car outright without the balloon payment at the end of the agreement.

When shopping for used car finance in Wales, think about what’s available. Some deals may only offer one finance option, whereas others will offer both. Weigh up the positives and negatives that come with both and use this infographic to help make an informed decision for your next car purchase. 


Shopping for used car finance wales
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How to Run Your Car More Economically

November 6th, 2022 Posted in Money Tips, motoring
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Times are uncertain at the moment. Everything seems to be rising in cost, from your local supermarket shop to the petrol in your car. Some people are having to choose between eating and heating, and many people are considering getting rid of their second car. Unfortunately, there is no way to know how long the current financial situation will last, and that means we all better start making some changes to get through. The good news is that there are many ways you can make your car run more economically. If you are thinking of getting rid of a second car that your family relies on at the moment, you can try and implement some measures instead to see if you can make it more affordable. 

there are many ways you can make your car run more economically - old gas station pumps image
Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Your Driving Style

Your driving style has a massive impact on how much fuel your car uses. An aggressive driving style which means you accelerate too quickly, brake too hard, and fight the gear stick, among other things, will cause your fuel to deplete a lot quicker. Not to mention all the other wear and tear issue on the car itself. If you want your car to run more cheaply, look at yourself. Maybe read up about driving style for fuel economy, or look to attend a class. Even if you think you are an economic driver, it may be ab idea to refresh your driving style. No one is perfect, after all. Chaing your driving style just a little bit may save you a lot of money in the long run.

Your Tyres

If you don’t regularly check your tyres, then it is time you start. Underinflated tyres can cost you a fortune in wasted fuel. Under-inflated tyres increase road resistance which increases fuel consumption. Additionally, if all four of your tyres are inflated to different PSIs, then you are causing issues with your car’s suspension and axels, etc. this is because you are running an unaligned car. If you need new tyres, buy decent tyres like Kumho Tyres, for example, which are high quality and will last a long time but are not as expensive as other high-quality brands. 

Weight

Is your boot always full? Is there a lot of rubbish in your passenger seat or back seats? Every unnecessary thing in your car can cost you fuel. So, if your car is full of a lot of junk, now is the time to remove it. If you can, maybe even think about removing the spare wheel and jack if you have them. Also, you may be able to remove the backseats in some cars, although this definitely is not for everyone. Another thing to consider is how much you refuel. It may be more economical to refuel more often with less fuel due to the weight of a full tank. Living close to a petrol station may make this more feasible. 

Your Oil

Cars need oil to run. However, if you are using low-quality oil, then you are not given the engine and moving parts the best things to make it run. High-quality or synthetic oil is far thinner than the standard stuff. High-quality oil can perform much better in evert circumstance; it does clog up as easily and can make your car cheaper to run because the car is being looked after better. Parts will last longer, everything will run more smoothly, and this can even save you on fuel costs too.   

Solar Panels

If you have an electric car, you may already be seeing how expensive this can make your electricity bill. With the cost of electricity rising, you need to find ways to make it cheaper to charge up your car. Perhaps your energy supplier offers a specialist tariff for electric cars, where you can fill up at night at a cheap electric rate. This means that you would get a two-rate meter where electricity at peak times during the day is more expensive. Perhaps you should discuss this with your energy supplier if you haven’t already. Another thing you could consider is getting solar panels on the roof of your house if you own your own home. If you work full time, then it still can make it cheaper to run an electric car as you can charge your car at the weekends for free and in the summer evenings. Additionally, solar panels, even in the winter, will make it cheaper to run the rest of the house, which can have a knock-on effect on the cost of your electricity bill. 

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4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New Fleet Vehicle

November 30th, 2021 Posted in Business, motoring
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Our fleet vehicles are the lifeblood of our business. It is imperative that we give them the best treatment and care, so they can perform to their best every day.

The importance of having the perfect vehicle for your fleet was highlighted by a recent study which found that a fleet vehicle with more than 100,000 miles on it has an 80% chance of reaching 300,000 miles or higher.

If you find that your fleet of cars and trucks are high-mileage and due for maintenance, you should look into some quality options at an affordable price.

4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New Fleet Vehicle

Before buying a car or truck for your fleet, there are a few things you should consider. By following these principles, you will increase the chances of finding a new vehicle that is economical and has a longer lifespan.

Vehicle purchase decisions have a significant impact on the company’s bottom line. You need to be sure that you have done your research and carefully considered what features are most important to your company’s driving needs before purchasing any type of vehicle for your fleet.

With the rising number of new car options in the market, it’s time to consider what you really need and how much you can afford before purchasing a new fleet vehicle.

4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New Fleet Vehicle - rows of minibuses image
Image by Markus Winkler from Pixabay

1. How much does each driver spend on gas?

There are several factors that go into how much a driver spends on gas including the distance to drive, the number of miles per gallon, and the cost of gasoline in their area. Of course, electric vehicles are now also a consideration, as are hybrid ones.

2. Should you lease or should you buy?

The decision to lease or buy a new fleet vehicle is an important one. It should be made with careful consideration of the company’s needs, including how much it will cost to maintain the vehicle over its lifetime.

3. Look at the overall cost of ownership and maintenance of different makes in comparison with each other

Which vehicle option is the best value for your money? The cost of ownership and maintenance of a car or truck can vary significantly depending on the make. It’s important to know these costs – servicing, replacing truck tyres, replacing various other parts – before deciding which vehicle you should buy.

4. Consider how often you plan on replacing them in comparison to when they will need an expensive repair or replacement

As vehicles get older, they start to require more maintenance and repairs. To avoid spending a lot of money on vehicles in the long run, it is a good idea to buy a new one.

Replacing an old car or truck with a new one can be costly for fleets. They have to account for the depreciation in the value of their previous car and they would need to put money aside for future repairs. But if fleets invest in a new vehicle that may cost them less than what they would have spent on their old one, then that is an obvious choice.

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