another cycle2work noob after the same old help...

[mickspangle]

Hi…another new (42 yo) kid here thinking of signing up to the cycle2work scheme. I’ve read through quite a few of the threads on here, and am just after a bit of advice.
After discussions with various cycling type friends and family, I’ve come to the conclusion that what I probably want is a tourer (day to day cycling, trips to shops/supermarket, possibly trailering kids off to park etc and aspirations for more long distance cycling and possible weekends away camping). I also live in Bradford-on-Avon, so there’s quite a few hills around here whether you like it or not.

I’m aiming to spend about 600ish on a first tourer, and firstly was after some recommendations. I’m fairly new to all of this, and although one likes to think that half an hour on google can make one an expert, I’d be interested in some real world experiences.

Second thing I’m after is that through my employer we’re restricted to cycle2work which is basically Halfords and a few independents. I’m loathe to approach Halfords as they never seem to inspire me with confidence (certainly not with cars) and would prefer to support an independent shop if possible. Do people have any recommendations for shops involved in cycle2work who specialise in tourers between Bristol and say, Salisbury? Or alternatively, are Halfords better with bikes than I give them credit for?

Thanks in advance, and apologies if I’ve stuck this in the wrong bit of the forum…

[RiffmasterII]

I bought my bike on the cycle to work scheme, I used Planet X and got a good deal from them, they wernt on the list of independants with the scheme but a few emails to various people and they let me get a bike with them. Worth having a look

[jamesbradbury]

If you want somewhere local, try John's bikes or Cadence in Bath, or Cycology in Chippenham.

Be sure to ride a few bikes and make sure it fits properly before you buy.

[Brucey]

.... are Halfords better with bikes than I give them credit for? ..…

not really, not for touring bikes. Standards of, well, everything do vary from one branch to another, but I have only once ever seen a touring bike of any kind in my local branch of Halfords, and that was ordered in specially.

BTW the C2W scheme is effectively just a tax arrangement that any decent company accountant should be able to implement without having to pay 10% to someone else for a voucher, or force you to shop in one of just a few shops.

cheers

[pete75]

.... are Halfords better with bikes than I give them credit for? ..…

not really, not for touring bikes. Standards of, well, everything do vary from one branch to another, but I have only once ever seen a touring bike of any kind in my local branch of Halfords, and that was ordered in specially.

BTW the C2W scheme is effectively just a tax arrangement that any decent company accountant should be able to implement without having to pay 10% to someone else for a voucher, or force you to shop in one of just a few shops.

cheers

Even when companies us cyclescheme or whatever they still have to do all the financial stuff like salary sacrifice, claiming back VAT etc themselves. Cyclescheme seem to offer almost bugger all for their 10%.

[Merry_Wanderer]

I would be inclined to ask your employer first whether they offer an interest free loan over 12 months. Quite a few companies will do these to help employees spread the cost of a season ticket purchase. This would give you a lot more freedom to buy than being forced to use Halfords.

[mickspangle]

thanks for the responses everyone. I think it kind of confirms which popular high street chain to avoid.

I totally take the point about trying a few bikes, so I think I probably need to just actually get off my buttock and visit a few shops. Johns in Bath and Cycology are both on the list of independents, so I need to just go and have a chat with them I think. I seem to get the impression that most shops don't carry vast ranges of tourers, so I guess I'll just have to see what's out there.

I did look into the 12 month interest free loan, which is possible (my employer is actually DEFRA) but this reduces my affordabilty, as instead of paying about 20-something quid a month under the c2w over 18 months, I'd end up paying 50 quid a month instead, which I can't really afford to do.

I also take the point about trying to talk to the scheme organiser in my organisation about adding on an extra shop, but being civil service I'm not entirely hopeful...

anyway, cheers for the help though, much appreciated. I expect I'll be back with more questions soon...

[ferdinand]

You may find that many don't use the Tourer category for bikes that are suitable for your use since it is all now more fluid.

They may call it a hybrid or all-purpose or commuting bike, or other things.

You need to be aware of what features you think you need - I would suggest a wide range of gears (esp for the first several months while you are cycling unfit , good brakes (personally I'd go for discs only), strong frame, ability to mount racks and mudguards (front fork mounting points tend to be lacking there), tyres (corners get cut there), decent wheels, and what you will do about shoes / gloves / he!met.

Also think about all your accessories at one time, since many can be included in the scheme.

In this area I have excellent service from the cycle sections of 2 separate Halfords.

Ferdinand

[Heltor Chasca]

I passed through BOA on the way to Devizes on my bike last weekend. I used Cadence in Bath for one bike and Charlie the Bike Monger in Dorset for the second. He is a legend and prices his stuff well. Would you be commuting along the K&A?

[thidwick]

Essentials for a commuter bike (in my biased, but 36 years of commuting experienced, opinion):
Long mudguards;
Rack and at least one pannier;
Good quality Tyres with puncture protection and some tread.
Good brakes (modern V brakes and alloy rims are a huge safety difference over how I started commuting with chromed rims and ancient side-pulls)
Comfy saddle which doesn't soak up water
Wide range of gears if you have some hills and traffic
Flat bars with MTB style shifters. (Head up to watch the traffic commuting on auto-pilot) I like bar ends on mine to avoid wrist-ache.
Two (minimum) back lights.
Big and very bright front light with a secondary back-up)

I guess I much favour hybrids for commuting. I also wouldn't want something that was too flash or delicate (carbon?) for the rigours of daily commuting and the hours in a bike stand. I keep thinking that the ultimate commuting bike must be one with hub gears and one of those belt drives instead of a chain. My commuter gets through chains and cassettes pretty quickly travelling on wet & muddy winter roads and cycle tracks.
..... I'm rambling (sorry) .... I think the single best bit of advice is proper full-length mudguards.

I do highly recommend cycle-commuting: but you shouldn't feel you have to do it every day. Any ice, or excessive rain, then I exercise the car instead.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Mickspangle - I'm employed by the Civil Service too. Have a chat with DEFRA because the Agency I work for adopted the HMRC choice of suppliers which give a much greater range of shops than just Halfords. Just a thought

[thidwick]

...... And invest in a good wind-proof jacket. I highly recommend Gore soft shell wind stopper.

[Lucyhan]

My company's cycle 2 work scheme is also through Halfords but a number of independent cycle shops are signed up to this scheme also. Ring up the Halford's cycle2work scheme helpline and they will tell you which ones they are.
I did this and was given a few to chose from, and bought a very nice Trek hybrid which does all things you described wanting, from a very good independent bike shop.