Another cycle to work MTB Thread!
- Thread starter mohawk
- Start date
Which is why I ignored his question entirely, and rrecommended he gets a DH bike.
Oh wait, no...that's not what I did...that's what you did.
Trails might mean that to you, but no one who actually rides them thinks that.
Good luck riding there with a HT you say? OK, well thanks. When I had one I did it regularly but I don't see how that's relevant.
Oh hai, it's me again... thanks for the luck wished
Granted I was wearing a full face at the time, sue me.
Oh wait, no...that's not what I did...that's what you did.
Trails might mean that to you, but no one who actually rides them thinks that.
Good luck riding there with a HT you say? OK, well thanks. When I had one I did it regularly but I don't see how that's relevant.
Oh hai, it's me again... thanks for the luck wished
Granted I was wearing a full face at the time, sue me.
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people who ride them might think that.
he never said anything to suggest he was riding those sorts of "trails" nor did the type of bike he linked.
how many people buy hard tails for red or black rated trails? which is basically what your pictures show.
to most non MTB people trails and tracks are likely those things you see walkers, dog walkers , joggers etc using and cyclists who want to avoid roads.
the majority of them around the country will be ex waggonways and so fairly good gradients and nice smooth compressed dirt.
Many of them are part of the National Cyle Network.
Anyone whos done the coast to coast route has ridden on them for many miles
he never said anything to suggest he was riding those sorts of "trails" nor did the type of bike he linked.
how many people buy hard tails for red or black rated trails? which is basically what your pictures show.
to most non MTB people trails and tracks are likely those things you see walkers, dog walkers , joggers etc using and cyclists who want to avoid roads.
the majority of them around the country will be ex waggonways and so fairly good gradients and nice smooth compressed dirt.
Many of them are part of the National Cyle Network.
Anyone whos done the coast to coast route has ridden on them for many miles
OK, the last I'll say on the topic, the OP has heard my point of view, which I think you're entirely missing.
My point is, a hardtail is an incredibly versatile bike, and there's plenty of riding everywhere in the country, even in the flat South.
Even those "trails"you describe are more comfortable on a hardtail. a CX bike might be faster, sure, but it's sure as hell not a comfy ride in comparison. The bikes he's listed, will be a great gateway into exploring most trails he'll find around him, and potentially a gateway into something even more challenging.
My point is, a hardtail is an incredibly versatile bike, and there's plenty of riding everywhere in the country, even in the flat South.
Even those "trails"you describe are more comfortable on a hardtail. a CX bike might be faster, sure, but it's sure as hell not a comfy ride in comparison. The bikes he's listed, will be a great gateway into exploring most trails he'll find around him, and potentially a gateway into something even more challenging.
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Associate
You're clearly far manlier than I... I need a little more when I ride in in that area
Granted it's 10 minutes down the road from Hampshire ... so I guess the CX bike would be best.
Some world cup Downhill racers also somehow manage to ride there. Again, just a few minutes more, so the CX bike is best most likely.
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/phil-atwill--hindhead-2014.html
I would do that on a CX and without a full face.
Not sure what you bragging has to do with the OP wanting to cycle to work on a MTB, you know its a silly idea when the tool for that actual job is much better suited - just like you doing that downhill course with the correct tools is better than me doing it on a CX with a b-twin helmet.
Sorry, I did say I won't post here anymore, and this response is not to defend myself... but may I please point you to the question.
Never, ever, did the OP say he wants to cycle to work, he merely wants to buy a MTB, through C2W.
Never, ever, did the OP say he wants to cycle to work, he merely wants to buy a MTB, through C2W.
Soldato
This is exactly the point Supercow is making. OP didnt say anything about the trails he is riding, so you cant make the assumption that he is riding through a grassy field and tell him a CX is the most suitable bike.
He said he was going to buy it on the cycle to work scheme. He didnt say he was going to cycle to work on it. (in fact, he said it's main use would be "trails and tracks")
CX bikes are ace, if you want to ride on and off road and can only have one bike
if you can have more than one bike and want to do both, buy the right tool for each job.
Love and stuff
a knackered old mountain biker since 1996 and roadie since 2008
if you can have more than one bike and want to do both, buy the right tool for each job.
Love and stuff
a knackered old mountain biker since 1996 and roadie since 2008
Soldato
*posts as someone with a full suss, a crappy old hardtail and a road bike*
I'm starting to come around to the idea behind a CX bike, however I can also see the logic behind riding a big 29r hardtail too. I've got workmates who commute on both.
OP - try both on both road and some tracks that you're likely to ride on. Personally for regular riding on anything more than a fairly flat+smooth gravel/mud track I'd be wanting some proper tyres and a more relaxed position on the bike to be comfortable. However it might be that a CX bike is comfey and perfectly suited to the routes you'll be taking
I'm starting to come around to the idea behind a CX bike, however I can also see the logic behind riding a big 29r hardtail too. I've got workmates who commute on both.
OP - try both on both road and some tracks that you're likely to ride on. Personally for regular riding on anything more than a fairly flat+smooth gravel/mud track I'd be wanting some proper tyres and a more relaxed position on the bike to be comfortable. However it might be that a CX bike is comfey and perfectly suited to the routes you'll be taking
Caporegime
I assume we're ignoring the fact that the purpose of the c2w scheme is to buy a bike on which to cycle to work... 
Soldato
I assume we're ignoring the fact that the purpose of the c2w scheme is to buy a bike on which to cycle to work...
It's possible he might have a nice muddy trail to follow along to get to work!
Wish I had one I could follow. Much more fun than dodging cars on the road!
Associate
I assume we're ignoring the fact that the purpose of the c2w scheme is to buy a bike on which to cycle to work...
Exactly, and under the scheme you are "supposed" to use it for 50% of the commutes to work, not buy it and blast around cannock once or twice then chuck it in the shed to rot
The c2w scheme is pretty pants to be honest
Even if you are a higher rate tax payer you only save £250 on £1kof vouchers. The £100 administers fee that lots of shops charges and the subsequent £70 run off you need to pay to avoid a tax sting after a year damage the overall savings
If you haven't a!ready commuted to the voucher,this would be a great choice (ignoring the colour)
http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/Mobile/MBSCProduct.asp?pdtid=12709870
Good geometry and forks. A versatile bike to commute on or explore the SE great offroading
If you already have commited to the voucher deals are a little trickier
I would defo get a mtb; I commute to work on one. I have a 12mile commute from sw London to the city.
Even if you are a higher rate tax payer you only save £250 on £1kof vouchers. The £100 administers fee that lots of shops charges and the subsequent £70 run off you need to pay to avoid a tax sting after a year damage the overall savings
If you haven't a!ready commuted to the voucher,this would be a great choice (ignoring the colour)
http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/Mobile/MBSCProduct.asp?pdtid=12709870
Good geometry and forks. A versatile bike to commute on or explore the SE great offroading
If you already have commited to the voucher deals are a little trickier
I would defo get a mtb; I commute to work on one. I have a 12mile commute from sw London to the city.
Caporegime
You can save way more on the scheme, particularly as a higher rate tax payer. It depends a bit on how it's implemented by your specific provider, but it's a lot more than you're suggesting.
Youre right, some schemes work well but the most popular one is a PITA
http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ & http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/getting-a-bike#section-calculator
£420 tax savings for a higher rate tax payer on a £1000 voucher is reduced by the fact that many bike shops
1) wont sell you sale bikes on c2w
2) will charge £100 administration fee to sell you a bike, because that is what they get charged
3) when your lease comes to an end you are sort of caught and need to enter into another £1/year lease for 5 years before the bike can be transferred into your ownership at nil tax value. Cyclescheme charge £70 admin to do this
So £420-£100-£70= £250 effective saving for a higher rate payer
Ive recently been stung by this exact problem. The savings are even less when you are not a higher rate taxpayer or getting a lower value voucher.
With hindsight, I wouldnt have done the scheme.
If locked into the scheme already, for £600 I would look at getting http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/c...ail/product/review-calibre-point-50-13-47522/
http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ & http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/getting-a-bike#section-calculator
£420 tax savings for a higher rate tax payer on a £1000 voucher is reduced by the fact that many bike shops
1) wont sell you sale bikes on c2w
2) will charge £100 administration fee to sell you a bike, because that is what they get charged
3) when your lease comes to an end you are sort of caught and need to enter into another £1/year lease for 5 years before the bike can be transferred into your ownership at nil tax value. Cyclescheme charge £70 admin to do this
So £420-£100-£70= £250 effective saving for a higher rate payer
Ive recently been stung by this exact problem. The savings are even less when you are not a higher rate taxpayer or getting a lower value voucher.
With hindsight, I wouldnt have done the scheme.
If locked into the scheme already, for £600 I would look at getting http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/c...ail/product/review-calibre-point-50-13-47522/
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Caporegime
Our employer uses cycle 2 work (I think) which is done through halfords, so the selection of bikes isn't as good, but you can still pick up something decent. At the end of the year work give you the bike and tax you on the benefit of that, which works out very favourably.
If you have paid for the bike and then the bike is gifted to you at the end of the year, you are meant to be taxed on 18% or 25% of the original cost.
So if you are a higher rate taxpayer (with a £1k bike), you pay 40% tax on £250= £100 tax.
So your tax benefit goes down to £320
That is a reasonable saving but you are locked into Halfords bikes and prices.
So if you are a higher rate taxpayer (with a £1k bike), you pay 40% tax on £250= £100 tax.
So your tax benefit goes down to £320
That is a reasonable saving but you are locked into Halfords bikes and prices.
Soldato
I looked in to these schemes a couple of years ago and came to the conclusion it was easier and better value to shop round for a bargain on a 0% credit card if you don't have the cash up front and the bike will be yours from the start.
I ride both a hard tail and a road bike, we have an extensive canal system and i love cycling the paths on my hard tail. It might not go as fast as CX but I can't imagine a CX being as comfy or as much fun as the MTB.
I'd go for a 29er
I ride both a hard tail and a road bike, we have an extensive canal system and i love cycling the paths on my hard tail. It might not go as fast as CX but I can't imagine a CX being as comfy or as much fun as the MTB.
I'd go for a 29er
Soldato
Well that depends. If you earn over £100,000 a year you effectively pay 60% tax whilst losing your tax free allowance. Not forgetting the 2% national insurance.
So a £700 bike costs you just over £22 a month for 12 months +£49 at the end I think? (on my company's scheme). Sounds good to me.
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