£1,000 cycle to work scheme at work

BlackCoat2k10

BlackCoat2k10

BlackCoat2k10

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Coventry
Looking at getting a new bike and noticed that my current work place are offering a £1,000 halfords cycle to work scheme.

I am in two minds as to what kind of bike to get, I do like a good mountain bike but the travel to work and back isn't that hilly and will only take about 25 minutes each way, but weekend cycling I love to go random places on my current (crappy) mountain bike and ride around. Perhaps I could get both and be semi decent?

I am looking for ideas at current and have until second week of August to choose if I do choose, so what would you pick and why?
 
How far is your commute? Can you post a map or something? 25 minutes doesn't sound too far unless you're gonna beast it.

You could get a very nice hybrid for a grand, or you could get away with a mountain bike and just buy some spare wheels and put road tires on them for commuting in the week if the commute doesn't really necessitate a road bike.
 
The schemes aren't as good as they used to be so it's worth being realistic and comparing the benefits of the scheme vs a 0% credit card and a voucher code/cashback etc.
 
I think it will depend on what sort of riding you do on your weekend rides. If your commute is short, you could ride it on any bike.
If you ride on paths, bridleways, etc, then something like a cyclocross bike would be good.
If its a bit rougher, like a trail centre or something, then you'd be best with a mountain bike.
 
I've just had this on my Cycle To Work scheme but I will not be riding on anything other than roads.
The bike cost £699

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I have a MTB (Trek 4300 and its pretty damn light) and use it for commuting / general transportation...

I say get a mountain bike then you have the best of both worlds. I like the idea of getting some spares wheels n tyres - may look in to that... But for now my mountain bike suits my commuting need perfectly.

If you get a mtb make sure you get a lock out the suspension, I find it a massive pain in the *** when powering up hills and the front fork is taking all my effort :-(

Halfords quick search (£1000 limit - sort price high to low) returns:

Boardman Mountain Bike Pro 2011/2012 - Large 19"
 
Russinating said:
The schemes aren't as good as they used to be so it's worth being realistic and comparing the benefits of the scheme vs a 0% credit card and a voucher code/cashback etc.
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It depends on your financial circumstances. I doubt you can beat it if you're a higher rate taxpayer making student loan contributions.
 
Mountain bikes are horrible on the road.

People **** off hybrids, but I've always got on with them. Marin and Specialized (I'm sure they're others too, but I've made good use of Specialized one and own a Marin) make decent commuter bikes that are good for roads and don't fall to bits if you take them on country cinder / foot paths.

£400-£500 is more than plenty. You get some good deals in the Autumn when the new bikes come out. Last years model drops by £100 at least.

If you're only going to ride it on roads though. Get a road bike.
 
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I have a hybrid and a road bike. Both have their place, the hybrid has a great spread of gears for hauling my unfit ass up steep hills and is more comfortable for day to day cycling. It's a lot more predictable and forgiving than my road bike too, and only weighs just over a kilo more. I love riding them both in different situations.

I would never buy a mountain bike for road use again, made that mistake a few years ago and it really put me off riding on the road because it was a bit of a chore to ride.
 
Russinating said:
The schemes aren't as good as they used to be so it's worth being realistic and comparing the benefits of the scheme vs a 0% credit card and a voucher code/cashback etc.
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My scheme was good, I got a £1000 voucher and as all my deductions are pre-tax/NI etc I only have to pay back £570 over 12 months.
 
Don't get a hybrid. Get a road bike, then a year later get a MTB. Or the other way round. If you buy a hybrid, you'll end up having to buy 3 bikes instead of 2 when you realise the hybrid does nothing you want to do well!!

Edit - If you only want one bike, buy this: Cross Bike. They cost a grand from any stockist. Will be fast on the road, and you can take off road.
 
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Murf said:
Don't get a hybrid. Get a road bike, then a year later get a MTB. Or the other way round. If you buy a hybrid, you'll end up having to buy 3 bikes instead of 2 when you realise the hybrid does nothing you want to do well!!

Edit - If you only want one bike, buy this: Cross Bike. They cost a grand from any stockist. Will be fast on the road, and you can take off road.
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good option.
do fancy a cross bike
 
but weekend cycling I love to go random places on my current (crappy) mountain bike and ride around.
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Care to expand on this? How often do you ride off road, how long for, is it something you want to get into more?

Personally I find an MTB is fine on roads for a short commute, and you can then either swap some tyres onto it each time you take it off road, or get yourself a 2nd wheelset and swap over in seconds :p

Mind, I ride a £200 second hand Specialized Hardrock with skinny tyres to work... not quite the same as what I ride off road! :D
 
VeNT said:
good option.
do fancy a cross bike
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Every time anyone on here asks about a hybrid, or isn't 100% sure that they'll only be riding on roads, I suggest a cross bike.

A hybrid has the crappy riding position of a mountain bike and the weak off roading ability of a road bike. A cross bike is tough enough for off road stuff, but even with it's standard tyres it is fast on the road and puts you in a proper riding position.

I don't get hybrids. At all.
 
inogen said:
Road bikes are an ergonomic nightmare.

Better off with a shopper...

http://issuu.com/mark77a/docs/upright_is_right-the_view_ahead
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Just because it's a road bike, doesn't mean you're obliged to have it setup such that you get kneck ache in 5 mins.
It's quite possible to get more relaxed riding position road bikes that combine some of the speed advantages of a race bike with a decent seat, riding position and pannier attachments.
 
I'm tempted to get a road bike. Have been looking at the Giant Defy 1 or the Ribble Sportive 7005 and upgrading the wheels to Fulcrum 7s.

Anyone got any experience with the aforementioned bikes?
 
Mr_Sukebe said:
Just because it's a road bike, doesn't mean you're obliged to have it setup such that you get kneck ache in 5 mins.
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I'm an old git and I've yet to get neck ache on my road bike.
My thighs however are another matter.
I haven't actually gone down into the crouching position yet because I just ride it from the top.
 
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