New to road biking, help wanted

bigmeanbunny
bigmeanbunny Posts: 39
edited September 2013 in Road beginners
Hi Guys, been reading the forum for a while but am now looking for some help. After literally months of messing around I was due to go buy my first road bike this weekend having finally decided to get the Triban3 (red) from Decathlon. However today at work I go and notice that they are finally doing the cycle2work scheme! which I have been asking about for the last 3 years.

So whilst my budget was £300 quid I am now obviously willing to go higher due to the saving and monthly payment. Can anyone offer me anything to look at? I should point out I literally own nothing other than a bike helmet at the moment that I got last year when I borrowed a bike off a mate. I live in Sheffield and am mainly looking to use it to replace my car and for blasting around on in my spare time. Specifically after a road bike as the bike I mentioned I borrowed was a mountain bike and the only place I can store it is in the basement and it was hell getting it up and down the stairs.

Whats the Specialized Allez Sport 2014 Red like as an example? anyone got that? I have also had a look at a couple of Felt F95 today. I am not going to like I don't know anything about bikes really. I get drawn to the shiny looking or bright coloured ones!

Comments

  • gozzy
    gozzy Posts: 640
    If you use the forum search for c2w or look for any threads that mention £1000 bikes, you'll probably find all the help you need.
  • Mikey41
    Mikey41 Posts: 690
    First you need to find out who you can buy from on the scheme and what brands they stock. With £1000 available, you have lots of choice, the usual suspects: Specialized, Trek, Giant, Boardman, Felt......
    Giant Defy 2 (2012)
    Giant Defy Advanced 2 (2013)
    Giant Revel 1 Ltd (2013)
    Strava
  • Gizmodo
    Gizmodo Posts: 1,928
    Don't forget to leave some room in your budget for accessories. I'm no expert on C2W but I believe you can include helmet, lights, lock, pedals, shoes and some clothing. Do some research and ask the retailer.
    Summer - Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 9.0 Team
    Winter - Trek Madone 3.5 2012 with UDi2 upgrade.
    For getting dirty - Moda Canon
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    Have a look at Planet X, they are based on the industrial estate behind Magna. They do Cycle to Work scheme and IFC.
  • MickTheMove
    MickTheMove Posts: 98
    Is it me or the only saving on the cycle2work scheme is a bit of income tax on the amount financed and the chance of monthly payments, but this is offset by the fact that where you can buy them refuse to discount and only sell it at full price? Or have I got it wrong
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    MICKTHEMOVE wrote:
    Is it me or the only saving on the cycle2work scheme is a bit of income tax on the amount financed and the chance of monthly payments, but this is offset by the fact that where you can buy them refuse to discount and only sell it at full price? Or have I got it wrong

    I think you have got it right.
  • stuartbrown
    stuartbrown Posts: 1
    Take a look at th Evans cycles website and look at their savings calculator for just he much you can save.

    Its up to 42% for a higher rate tax payer.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    MICKTHEMOVE wrote:
    Is it me or the only saving on the cycle2work scheme is a bit of income tax on the amount financed and the chance of monthly payments, but this is offset by the fact that where you can buy them refuse to discount and only sell it at full price? Or have I got it wrong

    Don't forget the final retained value payment at the end. This is what some people forget and even at a higher tax rate get one in the sales on interest free credit can be a better deal. Without the final value payment the scheme would be really good.
  • kwi
    kwi Posts: 181
    It used to be better when there was no minimum value stuck on the final payment.
  • bigmeanbunny
    bigmeanbunny Posts: 39
    Cheers guys, its through connected benefits so there are loads of local places which are partners with the scheme. The price for the Specialised I mentioned is £587 with the final payment so still quite a bit cheaper even before considering the payment is before you pay your tax etc.
  • Colinthecop
    Colinthecop Posts: 996
    I don't remember paying a final payment.... Admitedly it was a good few years ago now, and I sniffed alot of glue as a teenager, but I seem to remember they only stung you for a final payment if you decided to sell the bike at the end of the term.

    :?:
  • bigmeanbunny
    bigmeanbunny Posts: 39
    Maybe they didn't do them. Its called a "removal" fee officially these days. Apparently its the cost to take the bike away if they want to. Although speaking to everyone that got one last time that doesn't happen. Been to look at a few bikes today but was far too hung over for it!

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