Guys. Anyone insure their bike in the UK. Seems that Cycleguard will insure my Gemini (when I get it) for about £171 pa. I find the wording of the policies a bit messy to read, typical legal-ese. Are mountain bikes covered for their intended off-road purpose? Or are we just looking at theft as the only insured condition?

I'm just a bit concerned that an insurer might say, well you took your bike off road and you did this and this broke, but I'm sorry sir, you were not covered. Mountain biking implies greater potential for damage can occur. Help/advice appreciated.

Bokkie. The only way I've insured my bikes is to add them onto my house contents insurance, When I bought the bikes I asked to have them added onto the policy and it was an extra tenner for up to £1000 worth of bikes.

This of course is for theft of the bikes only(my worst nightmare) , whilst in your case if I'm right you want to insure them for breakages also.

Of course if your bike was damaged beyond repair, then it would be heartbreaking if somebody went and stole it straight after wouldn't it.

If you're concerned about breakage, the Cannondale Gemini has a three year warranty on their frame, lifetime for all other bikes. 3 years may not sound like a lot, but it's a heck of a lot better warranty than any other manufacturer of a "freeride" bike.

Regardless, that only covers manufacturers defects, and not abuse from rider. You have to realize that as a mt biker, you WILL break parts (your and your bikes), this is your responsibility. No bike is designed to survive falling off a cliff, or being slammed into a tree, or jumping 25' gaps.

Good Luck & L8R

Insurance for bikes is mostly a ripoff at 10% of the bike value per year. You could keep that money in hand for bike repairs.
I dont insure my bikes, but I do use 3rd party insurance to cover myself on the road.
If you are worried about breaking your bike, then you need a stronger bike or a looser attitude.
If theft is your concern, then invest in some serious locks and always use them.