Cycle2Work suggestion
jlammy
Posts: 43
Hi guys,
I am currently wanting to sign up for the Cycle2Work scheme with my employer and I would like to have some recommendations on which road bike I should choose to go for, once I get my collection letter. I’ve only had MTBs in the past, so this will be my first ever road bike.
The cycle to work is around 13 miles within London.
I will be going for the maximum amount of £1000.
I believe there is an option to obtain the bike from independent retailers, other than Halfords. However, I’ve been told that there are some benefits to getting the bike through Halfords:
The following benefits will also be available to you (restricted to purchasing bikes from Halfords rather than independent retailers)
• 7.5% free accessories (based on the value of the Letter of Collection) if you select any of the 32 bike brands stocked and sourced through Halfords stores. The accessories voucher forms a part of the Letter of Collection and needs to be redeemed at the same time as the Letter of Collection.
• 20% loyalty card sent a month after the election window which give you 20% off cycle safety accessories for the length of the hire term.
• Free 6 week Service on all bikes supplied through the scheme.
• Free 1 year bike care providing over £100 worth of annual service and repair benefits:
- Comprehensive 25 point annual service (normally £29.99) including wheels and tyres; brakes; gears; drive chain and frame
- Free professional maintenance and repairs throughout the year by fully trained cycle mechanics – paying only for the parts used
- Free labour charges for parts and accessory fitting
More than happy to go for a bike through an independent retailer if the bike is better value for money – I’ll be more than happy to just spend the ~£75 on accessories from my own wallet.
Any help or advice is much appreciated! J
I am currently wanting to sign up for the Cycle2Work scheme with my employer and I would like to have some recommendations on which road bike I should choose to go for, once I get my collection letter. I’ve only had MTBs in the past, so this will be my first ever road bike.
The cycle to work is around 13 miles within London.
I will be going for the maximum amount of £1000.
I believe there is an option to obtain the bike from independent retailers, other than Halfords. However, I’ve been told that there are some benefits to getting the bike through Halfords:
The following benefits will also be available to you (restricted to purchasing bikes from Halfords rather than independent retailers)
• 7.5% free accessories (based on the value of the Letter of Collection) if you select any of the 32 bike brands stocked and sourced through Halfords stores. The accessories voucher forms a part of the Letter of Collection and needs to be redeemed at the same time as the Letter of Collection.
• 20% loyalty card sent a month after the election window which give you 20% off cycle safety accessories for the length of the hire term.
• Free 6 week Service on all bikes supplied through the scheme.
• Free 1 year bike care providing over £100 worth of annual service and repair benefits:
- Comprehensive 25 point annual service (normally £29.99) including wheels and tyres; brakes; gears; drive chain and frame
- Free professional maintenance and repairs throughout the year by fully trained cycle mechanics – paying only for the parts used
- Free labour charges for parts and accessory fitting
More than happy to go for a bike through an independent retailer if the bike is better value for money – I’ll be more than happy to just spend the ~£75 on accessories from my own wallet.
Any help or advice is much appreciated! J
0
Posts
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/r ... oCoFPw_wcB
It's slightly unconventional as it is equipped with a single chainring up front (44t) and a wide range 11-speed cassette (10-42t) based around SRAM shifters and rear mech. Has mudguard and rack mounts which you might welcome for commuting. Also features SRAM hydraulic brakes which is a bonus. All for £999
Many disparaging comments about Halfords on here but if you choose your site carefully there are some decent staff to be found
Pitty you had to go for this voucher as Halfords is probably the last place i'd buy a bike as their range is pants
It really isn't. There's absolutely nothing wrong with much that they sell even down to Carerra. There are bike shaped objects at the bottom range but the Boardman, Carerra, Vodoo and 13 bikes are all good bikes.
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.
Plenty of reasonable bikes at halfords, just make sure it gets screwed together properly.
I believe it is valid at the Cycle republic shops, just that I'll lose out on the Halfords benefits listed above. More than happy to lose out on the benefits of the bike is better overall.
Tredz (Filted on £900-£1000):
http://www.tredz.co.uk/road-bikes/price/900-1000
Wheelbase (Filtered on £900-£1000):
http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/bikes-frames ... .8-1004.01
Dolan Bikes:
http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bi ... arbon.html
Please could someone suggest whether any of the bikes from one of these retailers are better value than the Boardman Team Carbon? By buying from them I'll sacrifice all of the Halford benefits mentioned in my first post.
Road bikes:
- Giant Defy 1 2016 (Shimano 105): £999 from Tredz
- Merida Reacto 400 2016 (Shimano 105): £999 from Tredz
- Dolan l'Etape (Shimano 105): £849.99
- Dolan l'Etape (Ultegra 6800): £1049.99
- Boardman Team Carbon 2016: £999
CX bikes:
- Cannondale CaadX 105 2016: £899.99 from Tredz
FTFY. Are you going to try these bikes for size/fit before you buy?
I definitely will be. However, not all stores sell all of these bikes in one go.
Another bike to throw into the question is:
Cube Attain SL for £999
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-attain ... sting=true
or, if a shop would allow me to pay the extra:
Cube Attain SL Disk for £1199 - I like the fact it has hydraulic discs
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-attain ... sting=true
Really hoping to buy within the next 2 weeks, as my voucher will be coming soon.