Hi Guys,
I've been thinking of getting myself a new bike since the back end of last year. I've got a halfords special Carerra Gryphon that I've had since I started uni 6 years ago and although it's not a bad bike, it's just not going to cut it any more and I fancy a change.
As it happened, my employers announced that as of February they'd be taking part in the cycle to work scheme, so I could buy a new bike, pay out of my salary and save on tax and NI. To me this seems like a decent deal and a relative no brainer for my new bike. Agree?
I currently cycle on roads or tarmac cycle paths, I'm not an off-roader (unless a slightly gravelled path on my coast-to-coast rides counts). I tend to do ~40 miles every other weekend and during the summer I commute the 30 mile round trip to work 2 or 3 days a week, with journeys by car making up the rest and all my winter commuting. For the past two years I've done a 150 mile tour of Holland and the Whitehaven -> Sunderland coast to coast with some friends. I'm not a light user, but I'm not a mega cyclist either.
Am I right in thinking the cycle to work scheme is still a good idea for me? Would you guys please recommend a bike for my usage? I've a budget of £1000, don't need helmet or lights, and I think either a hybrid or light road bike would be my best bet. Buying a decent bike is a confusing process and I'm really not sure where my money should go. If any of you guys could help I'd appreciate it greatly.
Cheers!
I've been thinking of getting myself a new bike since the back end of last year. I've got a halfords special Carerra Gryphon that I've had since I started uni 6 years ago and although it's not a bad bike, it's just not going to cut it any more and I fancy a change.
As it happened, my employers announced that as of February they'd be taking part in the cycle to work scheme, so I could buy a new bike, pay out of my salary and save on tax and NI. To me this seems like a decent deal and a relative no brainer for my new bike. Agree?
I currently cycle on roads or tarmac cycle paths, I'm not an off-roader (unless a slightly gravelled path on my coast-to-coast rides counts). I tend to do ~40 miles every other weekend and during the summer I commute the 30 mile round trip to work 2 or 3 days a week, with journeys by car making up the rest and all my winter commuting. For the past two years I've done a 150 mile tour of Holland and the Whitehaven -> Sunderland coast to coast with some friends. I'm not a light user, but I'm not a mega cyclist either.
Am I right in thinking the cycle to work scheme is still a good idea for me? Would you guys please recommend a bike for my usage? I've a budget of £1000, don't need helmet or lights, and I think either a hybrid or light road bike would be my best bet. Buying a decent bike is a confusing process and I'm really not sure where my money should go. If any of you guys could help I'd appreciate it greatly.
Cheers!
