Using the "Cycle 2 Work" scheme to get a new bike
Mindbomb
Posts: 4
I'n a bid to get my wife out using her Canondale mountain bike, which must have all of 3 miles on the clock after 5 years, I've threatened to get myself a bike to encourage her to come out.
Last time I rode anything without an engine was 25 years ago, the maths tells me. Stuff has moved on. Work has just opened up the "cycle 2 work" scheme, which permits me to make some big savings on a new bike from Halfords, Evans, etc.
To give you some use cases, I can see us primarily hitting the tarmac but it would be nice to do some green-lane/forest escapades now and again, so I don't want to rule that out. I'd be using it to toddle into work but we'd also have little escapades up the local back-roads to pubs. I'd also end up sticking a rack on the car and taking the bikes over to France where we could end up on (light) off-road treks.
In short, it's unlikely we'll be competing in Cyclo-cross in a howling gale in December but a gentle wobble down a dry, hard, relatively flat forest track through dappled patches of sunlight might well be considered.
I discussed this with a colleague at work and he suggested a Hybrid (a Boardman was mentioned) given that 75% of my riding is going to be on Tarmac but I suspect that will completely preclude me from romping off across a field should the missus get into it.
The scheme allows my to spend up to a grand, which I'm quite happy to do. I had a quick look at the stickied posts but they all appear to be from 2012, so I'm not sure of the suggestions are still valid.
Will a hybrid be suitable? Should I concentrate on selecting a mountain bike to give me the option of both?
Last time I rode anything without an engine was 25 years ago, the maths tells me. Stuff has moved on. Work has just opened up the "cycle 2 work" scheme, which permits me to make some big savings on a new bike from Halfords, Evans, etc.
To give you some use cases, I can see us primarily hitting the tarmac but it would be nice to do some green-lane/forest escapades now and again, so I don't want to rule that out. I'd be using it to toddle into work but we'd also have little escapades up the local back-roads to pubs. I'd also end up sticking a rack on the car and taking the bikes over to France where we could end up on (light) off-road treks.
In short, it's unlikely we'll be competing in Cyclo-cross in a howling gale in December but a gentle wobble down a dry, hard, relatively flat forest track through dappled patches of sunlight might well be considered.
I discussed this with a colleague at work and he suggested a Hybrid (a Boardman was mentioned) given that 75% of my riding is going to be on Tarmac but I suspect that will completely preclude me from romping off across a field should the missus get into it.
The scheme allows my to spend up to a grand, which I'm quite happy to do. I had a quick look at the stickied posts but they all appear to be from 2012, so I'm not sure of the suggestions are still valid.
Will a hybrid be suitable? Should I concentrate on selecting a mountain bike to give me the option of both?
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Comments
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And of course, the bit I forgot to mention -
If I should stick with the MTB, given my £1K limit, is there anything which leaps out as being perfect for me.0 -
You are aware that cycle2 work is (legally) a hire scheme, the amount you pay during the first year is just for rental, at the end of that year the scheme will [probably (but don't have to and cannot guarantee) in some way to work around the law andlet you then have the bike for a further payment?
A Boardman hybrid has narrow tyres, its basically a road bike with flat bars, to take it off road you'd need wider tyres, the farme will take upto about a 32mm I believe which is still quite narrow off road.
The 13 Gamma will take almost MTB width tyres, although hub gears are not to everyones tastes
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/13-intuitive-gamma-hybrid-bike-2015Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Yep - I'm aware of the "we need to charge you a final payment to ensure this isn't seen as a benefit in kind" scenario. I'll end up having to pay the tax on the residual value which will be 25% of the original value. This I can swallow.
I think I've pretty much decided I'll be going down the Boardman MX Comp, given the vast majority will be on-road.0
