cycle to work scheme suggestions

[mynydd]

Hi, my employer has finally decided to join the CTW scheme from September and I'm considering taking advantage of it and could do with some bike suggestions.
I've been commuting about 15 miles a day on a carrerra tdf for the last two years. This was my first road bike, having had a heavy old mountain bike for , and I've really enjoyed riding it.
I live in a very hilly area with lots of rough tracks, and I'd like to start using some of these on my commute, obviously I can't use the tdf for this.
I see the CTW scheme as an opportunity to get a bike normally out of my budget and thought maybe a cyclo cross bike would offer me the best of both worlds?
Any opinions and and advice on bikes?
Thanks in advance

 

[Milzy]

I would get a race bike so you can become a proper roadie & watch Pro cycling events. You could also enter sportives & have so much fun whilst going from fairly fit, to super fit.

 

[mynydd]

Thanks, I'm tempted but don't think a race bike would handle some of the rougher tracks round here.

 

[DaveyM]

I got a Tricross so I could still use the cycleways, Also it was a lot more comfortable for me. I would maybe consider a cyclo cross if you still want drops. There are some stunning flat bar fitness bikes on the market as well.

Go to some of the bike shops near you and have a try...cos everyone has their own opinion as to what is the best bike.

 

[Milzy]

Maybe a normal mountain bike would be fine. Then you could go off into the woods & mud for some pleasure riding too.

 

[AndyRM]

Sounds like a cyclocross bike would be ideal. You'd be able to take it on the rough stuff, and use a set of slick tyres if you were planning a more road based route.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

CX bike as already mentioned (Tricross) - plenty out there to choose from.

I use my Giant on trails, through woods, bridleways etc - good road bike too.

 

[Steve Donovan]

I wish my employer would sign up. I've been badgering for ages but they "don't have time" !!??!

 

[matthat]

I wish my employer would sign up. I've been badgering for ages but they "don't have time" !!??!

That sounds a lame excuse (don't have time)

 

[machew]

I wish my employer would sign up. I've been badgering for ages but they "don't have time" !!??!

Don't have time or it's too hard is management speak for we can't be arsed

 

[lejogger]

I wish my employer would sign up. I've been badgering for ages but they "don't have time" !!??!

These things always require someone in the organisation with 'enthusiasm' to make it happen because despite it not being much work, the administration is still additional work... And who wants more work, especially if you're not personally gaining?

Our hr dept sniffed around it for about two years. When I decided I wanted a new bike and we should have a scheme it was up and running in 6 weeks.

I don't have any excessive influence, I was just prepared to put in a bit of time to scope it out, produce a short list of potential suppliers and volunteered to be the administrator.

 

[SquareDaff]

The Boardman CX is a good bike - put a set of slicks on and it'll fly (I only lose about 1mph on my road bike). Put a set of CX tyres on and it'll absorb loads of bumps and lumps and grip loose surfaces. Only downside is the disc brake pads (which are crepe!). If you get one, get those swapped out asap!!

 

[Cupra]

How much does it cost the employer for c2w scheme I may see my boss about it.

 

[jowwy]

How much does it cost the employer for c2w scheme I may see my boss about it.

it costs the employer nothing - in fact they save on ni contributions.

 

[lejogger]

it costs the employer nothing - in fact they save on ni contributions.

All true regarding NI... Just need to consider that there will be an initial investment in the bikes if not using a finance company, although obviously this is repaid in full over the hire term