Buy new via cycle2work vs. secondhand?

Dean909

Hi folks,

I've checked through the FAQ's and had a search through the forum to see if my question has already been answered, but I couldn't find anything so here goes...

I'm torn between two choices;

1) Buy a new mountain bike via one of the cycle to work schemes and save some tax

2) Buy a second hand bike, probably with a much better spec, from an auction site. I'm an engineer, so the idea of buying a frame and components doesn't put me off either

A lot of my friends already own mountain bikes, and I'm quite envious when they all tear off to Cwmcarn and have a blast! I'm overweight, so I'm hoping that it'll be good exercise for me and a win/ win situation all round. I'm aware that ultimately I'll visit a bike shop and try a few out, but I would greatly appreciate the opinions of guys and gals that already own, or have had experience creating a shortlist of bikes to consider.
Essentially I'll use the bike to get me to and from work on weekdays and cross country/ trail riding (Cwmcarn and other such venues) on weekends.

I've done a bit of research, and from what I can gather my best bang for buck around £1000 would be something like a Giant Trance X4. Magazines seem to like it and I haven't seen many bad reviews?

I've also browsed auction sites, and it would appear I'll get a lot more 'bang for my buck'. I've seen Trek Fuel EX7's go within my budget, as well as Giant Trance X3's and Specialized Stumpjumper FSR's. As I said earlier, I have no problem buying components and building them around a frame as a potential third option, but I would be buying second hand components as new is waaaay outside my budget.

Any advice you can offer would be greatly received as well as any recommendations for bikes I should be considering.

Thanks in advance,


Dean.

snoopsmydogg

second hand will always get you more for your money, if you have the cash available then that would be my choice.

Building your own can be more expensive than a complete bike but you will get the spec you want, manufacturers usually compromise somewhere be it wheels, forks, groupset or all 3.

For new under £1000 the best for the money is usually the boardman range or decathlon rockrider but it would depend if your cycle to work scheme covers Halfords or Decathlon.

karlcarnegie

I was i your boat not so long ago second hand bike or cycle to work scheme ? i opted for the later and purchased a brand new Cannondale SL1 for £699 although ive heard the odd bad thing about the bike i have found it to be a more than capable xc bike which is right at home on Derbyshires xc trails or Grenoside woods in Sheffield great fun for 10 quid a week out of my pay ;-) id say save your cash get a bike on btws and use saved cash for a cycling holiday.

The Rookie

Be sure you know what buying through a C2W scheme will cost - what happens at the end of the years lease for example, also I suspect we may see a clamp down on the 'extended lease' options as I striongly believe they are a taxable benfit in kind.....

thelonegroover

The current upper limit is £1,000, this may go up in future. The max you can save is 42%, but it depends on what you earn. £40,000 = 32%, £45,000 = 42% Chances are you can get a new 2012 model saving up to 30% at most bike shops. If you have the cash. Problem with second hand is you may not be able to find exactly what you want.

Dean909

Thanks for the advice guys... I'll look at the cycle2work scheme in more depth, and keep saving in the mean time - Maybe the right bike will appear at the right price on an auction site

The Rookie

Thelonegroover wrote:

The current upper limit is £1,000

No it's not, there is no limit, but it's the limit for company's without a consumer credit licence.

snoopsmydogg

Dean909 wrote:

Thanks for the advice guys... I'll look at the cycle2work scheme in more depth, and keep saving in the mean time - Maybe the right bike will appear at the right price on an auction site

always worth keeping an eye on the classifieds too