Buying a bike - advice

yorkie2

Mind_the_Gap wrote: »

Er... I cannot think it is the case that the Bicycle Police will be out there secretly filming OP's journeys to work and dobbing him in to the Cycling Tsar if he uses the bike for other journeys instead. :eek:

You can use it for whatever additional journeys you like! There is no problem whatsoever in that regard!

When I signed my agreement in 2007 I had to agree that I would cycle at least half the time to work, and my colleague last year had to make the same commitment. In reality enforcement is unlikely to occur. But it could, at least in theory.

This is not to be confused with additional other journeys, which is absolutely perfectly fine!

diable

If the scheme is run by Halfords then go to the Cycle to Work site as they can order in bikes that they don't stock, thats how I got my Cannondale Bad Boy Leftie single speed and it was delivered to mu home address.

spiro

If £300 equates to a shop price of about £450 then I would look at the Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp. They are currently offering up to 20% off the Boardman bikes.

geordie_ben

Are the any cons about the C2W scheme? I'm looking at signing up myself (luckily not tied to Halfrauds)

On my wage, buying a bike plus accessories for £499.99 will cost me £283.32 in salary payments, plus a final payment of £89.99 meaning a total of £373.32.

Does this sound correct for a normal rate tax payer?

NeverAgain_2

Halfords can be OK if the lad you deal with/bike builder knows what he's doing.

Some of them do, some of them don't.

As others have said, the Boardman bikes are reckoned to be at least as good as the other makes.

Marco_Panettone

Think carefully about what you want the bike for. If you will always ride on the road/tarmac, get a road bike. If most of the riding will be off-road, get a mountain bike. Hybrids give you a taste of both - not brilliant on the road, not brilliant off it.

Whatever bike you go for MAKE SURE IT FITS YOU. This will give you better control and a lower chance of injury from a poor riding position. Don't take the first one they offer you - try a few out. They should allow you to ride outside for a few minutes before purchase so you can check for problems and comfort.

In general Carrara are ok, Boardman are great value. Not sure about their hybrids/mountain bikes personally.