Cycle Scheme - which bike

A[L]C · 10 Jun 2008 at 16:05

My work have signed up to a cycle scheme. Im looking for some recommendations on a bike.

It will mainly be used for road use, but may do some light off road (ie cycling around dorney lake etc).

Looked in our local bike shop and quite liked the look of the GT Avalanche 2. The guy said to put some slicker tyres on it if I was using it mainly on the road.

That worked out at £420 which is like £20.55 a month

Does this sound like a good choice?

[DOD]Asprilla · 10 Jun 2008 at 16:23

Personally I'd look at getting something like a Claude Butler Levante or a Specialized Sirrus for road usage.

They are lighter and don't have suspension (which will either sap your energy or will be locked off and so be pointless anyway).

A[L]C · 10 Jun 2008 at 16:25

[DOD]Asprilla;11861256 said:
Personally I'd look at getting something like a Claude Butler Levante or a Specialized Sirrus for road usage.

They are lighter and don't have suspension (which will either sap your energy or will be locked off and so be pointless anyway).

Are they suitable for use on gravel paths?

[DOD]Asprilla · 10 Jun 2008 at 16:27

A[L]C;11861274 said:
Are they suitable for use on gravel paths?

Should be fine, providing you are just doing leisure cycling and aren't planning on any down hills or stump jumping, etc.

A[L]C · 10 Jun 2008 at 17:15

Ok cool, I will take a look.

thanks

SDK^ · 10 Jun 2008 at 18:19

Get this - Specialized Globe Centrum Elite IG3

A[L]C · 10 Jun 2008 at 21:47

Any particular reason? or just a good all round choice? Also, how much is it likely to set me back

Alasdair · 10 Jun 2008 at 23:39

The Centrum looks a bit fanboy, style over substance. And before you say anything, I've got a Rockhopper and an Enduro so I've nothing against Specialized bikes overall.

"andy" · 10 Jun 2008 at 23:45

plus its singlespeed which isnt really the best for someone to start off on IMO

looks smart though !

SDK^ · 11 Jun 2008 at 08:48

A[L]C;11863699 said:
Any particular reason? or just a good all round choice? Also, how much is it likely to set me back

There is no need for suspension for road or light off road stuff like paths, fire roads etc and it looks great. It costs £400.

"andy" said:
plus its singlespeed which isnt really the best for someone to start off on IMO

It has 3 gears built into the rear hub.

A[L]C · 11 Jun 2008 at 09:50

What are giant bikes like? My local shop only stocks GTs and Giants

semi-pro waster · 11 Jun 2008 at 09:54

A[L]C;11865940 said:
What are giant bikes like? My local shop only stocks GTs and Giants

Pretty decent to ride normally or at least they were the last time I looked and offered good value considering the parts they come kitted out with.

I don't really like the way the top tube of the Centrum goes but other than that it looks perfect for nipping about town, if a little bit flash.

A[L]C · 11 Jun 2008 at 10:29

What about this at £500?

[DOD]Asprilla · 11 Jun 2008 at 10:36

Looks perfectly suitable to me.

semi-pro waster · 11 Jun 2008 at 10:38

A[L]C;11866129 said:
What about this at £500?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_uk/bikes/models/zooms/2007/FCR%202%2007.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

I hope you've got somewhere suitable to store it while you are in work and I'd prefer drop bars personally but it looks like a good choice.

A[L]C · 11 Jun 2008 at 10:49

Ahh but for the same price, I could get this which looks so much better

semi-pro waster · 11 Jun 2008 at 11:14

It might look better but for the type of riding you will be doing to and from work it seems totally overkill. How large is the gravel you will be riding on?

A[L]C · 11 Jun 2008 at 12:05

Pretty small. Will use it for river paths too.

chipperhead · 11 Jun 2008 at 12:38

You want a nice Hybrid bike, that Specialized above looks lovely but maybe a bit of a theft magnet.

A[L]C · 11 Jun 2008 at 12:39

chipperhead said:
You want a nice Hybrid bike, that Specialized above looks lovely but maybe a bit of a theft magnet.

Really dont like the look of the specialised