Chosing a bike from Cycle To Work Scheme (Beginner)

[zamora]

Hi I am pretty much a total beginner and I do not currently cycle at all.

However I am thinking of getting a bike due to my companies Cycle To Work Scheme. My Daily commute would be about 4.5 miles each way. I would possibly ride it a bit further on the odd weekend but this would probably be only occasionally.

I have a budget of £1000, and I have to buy my bike from
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/
I would prefer the bike not to cost the full £1000 so I can get a few accessories and I have to but the bike online, so I cannot try the bike before purchassing.

So far I am thinking that I would prefer an upright riding position and am thinking of the Hybrid bikes.

I know absolutely nothing about bikes but so far from doing some research and talking to colleagues I am thinking of the following and would appreciate any input;

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/specialized ... duct/40781

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/giant-escap ... duct/46482

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/specialized ... duct/46068


Thanks for reading!!
Zamora.

 

[inkd]

In all honesty, if you are new to cycling then spend a little at first and I would recommend popping in to the shop and explain the situation about buying online? Test ride first though.

 

[Easytigers]

I totally agree with test riding if you get chance. As it happens though, I bought a Sirrus Elite online without trying it and must say I can't recommend the bike enough (guess i just got lucky with the sizing etc-I'm 5'8" and a 54 fit me perfectly). Commuted on it for a couple of years and didn't replace anything! Even got over half of the original price back when I sold it on! Win win!!! Accessories will cost you more than you will first budget for so at least get: cycling shorts, helmet (if you want to...some don't), mini pump, spare tubes, lights, saddle pack, puncture repair kit, cages and water bottles, gloves, waterproof and a decent multi-tool (there's probably loads that I've missed btw!). I would also buy a decent track pump if you've got any change.
Hope you have a lot of fun! You'll get to work feeling great and energised for the day...no...really, you will!

 

[Soltydog]

The cheapest out of the ones you have shown would be more than adequate for your 4.5 mile commute. Able to fit mudguards & a rack makes it an all year round bike.
I had a specialized globe (iirc £250) & used it mainly for commuting 16 miles each way & it was great. I even did a few coast to coast rides on it. You'll never break any records on it, but it will be comfortable (if the sizing is right) to ride for longer rides should you get the urge

 

[vickster]

Assuming it feels right, I'd go for the Giant over the cheaper Specialized as it has a carbon fork and superior gearing for only £99 more 9and it's not black)

The Elite seems overkill for 4.5 miles, and has a steel fork

That said if I was buying from CS, I'd certainly look at this http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CWHY0137BB

I have a 2011 one and it is a fantastic flat bar bike in every way The colour is rather more interesting too