Cycle to Work Scheme - recommendations needed

[Andrew_Culture]

I've created a website under the banner of 'Bike to Work Challenge', the primary focus of the site is to collect testimonials from folk who already cycle to work so that we can hopefully convince people that pedalling to one's place of work is a totally reasonable thing to do.

Now, as a part of the site I'm going to recommend a few bikes. And there's where I've come a bit unstuck; I'm self employed so have never actually bought a bike through the cycle to work scheme! I know the budget is £1000, so what bikes would folk recommend?

I'm hoping to find a cyclocross, a fixie / singlespeed and a folder and the very least.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

 

[Paul99]

CX.....

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-disc-6-tiagra-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec053953

 

[akb]

For someone first getting into cycling, or rekindling a love of two wheels, I would suggest a Hybrid. I still use mine to this day.

 

[Brains]

For the folder, there can only be one.
The Brompton

 

[wilkotom]

For the folder, there can only be one.
The Brompton

Trouble with Bromptons is that you'll struggle to get a decently-specced one for the £1000 that most C2W schemes top out at...

 

[Brains]

Trouble with Bromptons is that you'll struggle to get a decently-specced one for the £1000 that most C2W schemes top out at...

Agreed, but there is nothing stopping you buying the top of the range for about £1300 and putting in the £300 yourself

 

[Leodis]

Agreed, but there is nothing stopping you buying the top of the range for about £1300 and putting in the £300 yourself

There is if its cyclescheme since you are not allowed to do it.

My money would be on a Kinesis racelite T2, all rounder.

 

[winjim]

Genesis CdF makes an excellent commuter for about 900 quid. CXish, but not a true cyclocrosser. Steel frame, disc brakes and fat cross tyres so pothole friendly. Also good for the occasional sportive/audax, and handy on tow paths and bridleways for a bit of family cycling. Mounting points for racks (front and rear) and mudguards. Somewhat heavy but doesn't really mind getting bashed about. Slicker versions are available but at >£1000 so may depend on retailer taking cash to make up the extra.

Can act as a gateway drug to a full on roadie.

 

[Brains]

There is if its cyclescheme since you are not allowed to do it.

Errr, not sure where you got that from, I've did exactly that six weeks ago.
Total bill for the bike came to £1,200. Of which £1,000 was on the cycle scheme and the rest I put in.

 

[NorvernRob]

Errr, not sure where you got that from, I've did exactly that six weeks ago.
Total bill for the bike came to £1,200. Of which £1,000 was on the cycle scheme and the rest I put in.

It's dependent on the shop. Our scheme says you can't buy a bike more than £1000 and pay extra, but some shops don't give a monkeys and will let you do it.

 

[Booyaa]

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...-14?bct=browse/bicycles/commuter-hybrid-bikes

or the cyclocross version.

 

[annedonnelly]

Trouble with Bromptons is that you'll struggle to get a decently-specced one for the £1000 that most C2W schemes top out at...

Really? Mine was just over £1100 - but that included £100 for a bag and about £30 for choosing the colour! The bike - including lowered six-speed gears - was roughly £1000. And the spec was absolutely perfect for what I needed

 

[sazzaa]

Genesis CdF makes an excellent commuter for about 900 quid. CXish, but not a true cyclocrosser. Steel frame, disc brakes and fat cross tyres so pothole friendly. Also good for the occasional sportive/audax, and handy on tow paths and bridleways for a bit of family cycling. Mounting points for racks (front and rear) and mudguards. Somewhat heavy but doesn't really mind getting bashed about. Slicker versions are available but at >£1000 so may depend on retailer taking cash to make up the extra.

Can act as a gateway drug to a full on roadie.

The CX alternative is the Vapour at £999 (or cheaper if you shop around). Lighter frame, true cyclocrosser and good all-year all-weather commuter.

 

[jarlrmai]

For those who want a road bike, Planet X do a 999 Carbon with Ultegra.

 

[Cubist]

The ubiquitous Cube Peloton Race. Pinned at a grand to keep within the allowance.