£500 budget on C2W scheme

[david k]

So the max i can get is £500! didnt think it was an issue as i was going to put too but this isnt an option as it cannot be done so i am told

so, i want a comfortable generous road bike or fast tourer style, an audax i believe its called, any ideas anyone.

Im 6'2" and about 17 stone, i dont like to be cramped

 

[Norm]

Specialized Secteur fits the bill, or the Sirrus for the flat-barred alternative.

 

[vickster]

Giant Defy 4? Or too aggressive, but takes a rack etc? Problem is the more expensive 2012 models are coming through, are you in a position to buy now? If you can find one?

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-giant-defy-4-triple-11-40890

 

[david k]

ive done the paperwork so waiting for it to come through, i think thats how it works?

i quite like this

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810613_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[vickster]

Be a heavy beastie though, are looking for something quicker than the Carrera? Doesn't look like much of a change? Are you restricted to Hellfrauds?

How about a Vanquish? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_272647_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[TheBoyBilly]

For a lot for your money try a Dawes Tanami. It will do your commute, light touring and light off-road and comes with a rack and mudguards. It should be bullet-proof. If it fits.

Bill

 

[david k]

is the vanquish the best of their road bikes? can you fir mudgaurds?

 

[vickster]

is the vanquish the best of their road bikes? can you fir mudgaurds?

No, the Boardman's are better but the cheapest is over your budget - the Vanquish would appear to be the highest spec Carrera under £500

Dunno about the guards, phone them up, go in to the shop, read the spec?

(you still haven't said whether you are restricted to Halfords - there are LBS's that will accept Halfords vouchers btw and indeed, they can order many brands http://www.cycle2work.info/siteadvicecentrebrand Including the suggested Dawes)

 

[david k]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_272633_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

looks promising, it says it has a longer head tube and therefore quite sat up, also takes mudgaurds and pannier set, defo worth a try

 

[vickster]

Cool

 

[david k]

the document i read at work said it must be halfords, if you dont like their bikes they can order what you want in, not sure if that is flexible as i havnt asked but if i find what i want from halfords all the better. they have been excellent when i bought my carrera subway

i emailed them and they suggested this http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

which is best?

 

[vickster]

Are you looking for flat bar or do you fancy drops as a change? The Boardman looks nicer (to my female eyes lol) but the Vanquish should be swifter

 

[david k]

i agree with you!

id prefer drops and use the raod for summer.fair weather road rides, save my hybrid for poorer weather/trail rides

the gearing on the boardman suggests its the same as a road bike, they call i performance hybrid!

i fancy the drops but its not essential, i suppose im not 100% sure, i need to go and try them in the shop i think

 

[david k]

For a lot for your money try a Dawes Tanami. It will do your commute, light touring and light off-road and comes with a rack and mudguards. It should be bullet-proof. If it fits.

Bill

thanks bill, looks a bit heavy and slow and similar to my hybrid already, want something quicker but comfy, im asking a lot i know! suppose i want a compromise

 

[vickster]

How about a CX bike? Kind of a rugged beast with drops? Unfortunately the only one Hellfrauds do is £900

This seems a bargain if you ditch C2W and go cash?

https://www.cyclechat.net/