Spec me a bike - £1000, cycle to work scheme

[dk345]

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!

 

[dk345]

Check out the Pinnacle Arkose range. They're "adventure" bikes which whilst being a bit of a gimmick would nevertheless be good for your needs - road bike but with wider tyres and full mudguard + rack mounts. Something like this would be a far better choice than a hybrid.

edit: Cycle2Work is still a good scheme even if it's not quite as awesome as it used to be.

Thanks, that's certainly a lot closer to a road bike than a mountain bike, unlike most hybrids. Will take a look in a bit more detail this evening.

 

[dk345]

Preference on materials, alu, steel, carbon or a mix?
Double/Triple chainset?
Single speed/fixie?
Hub gearing
Pannier rack?
Mudguards?

How about Ribble Audax
or this

Honestly couldn't say with regard to material, as I don't know what difference it makes. I'd rather it wasn't a heavy bike as I'd need to carry it upstairs, but I'd not want über lightweight if it compromises something else.

I'd prefer a triple chainset if possible, not a fixie, mudguards are probably a good idea and I already have a pannier rack so if I can fit that it'd be nice.

Aurax seems a nice bike, will take a better look this evening. Definite no for the Cinelli.

I got a Planet X London Road with Sram Rival and hydraulic discs when I was in a very similar position to you.

It's a very fast bike with fat comfortable tyres. IMO Sram Rival is a bit agricultural (compared to my 10 yr older Trek's Shimano 105) but in terms of value for money, I think it's a hard one to beat.

Will take a look at the London Road. Planet X come well recommended from some guys at work.