New Bike Help!

[Chris419]

i'm looking to buy a new bike under the bike for work scheme - there's so many different bikes to choose from though and i havent really got a clue what to go for.

I dont really want to spend any more than £600 on one and think that a hybrid would suit me best??

does anyone know of any bikes on this scheme that are good bikes and likely to do the job?
thanks

 

[Scoosh]

I'll try and get in before anyone else ...

A bit like buying a car , there are some things you need to consider :

• what are you going to use it for ?
• what might you use it for in the future ?
• what sort of terrain will you be riding on ?
• do you - or will you - need to carry lots of 'stuff' ?
• would you rather carry this 'stuff' in a back-pack or on a rack on the bike ?
• is comfort or speed more important to you ?
• are you aware that red bikes are faster than blue ones ?

If you can work out the answers to some of these questions, we will be able to give you much more assistance. (possibly even too much ! )

 

[SquareDaff]

This question gets asked a lot!
In very simple terms your bike choice should be decided by what you intend to use it for. If you're going to use it on roads then you'll probably want to have a "drop bar" bike. If you want to have an elevated seated position then a hybrid. Ditto if you're going to do some light off roading (canal paths, woodland paths etc.). If you're going "off road" then a Mountain Bike.

If you're going for a hybrid for commuting don't fall into the trap of suspension. It just adds weight and isn't really necessary. Also for commuting, make sure that you can fit mudguards easily and possibly a rack (for ease of transport - although the latter isn't essential as a rucksack will do).

Suggestions for what bike depends on your scheme? The Boardman Hybrids are decent. I'm not sure whether Decathlon are part of a C2W scheme - but the Triban 3 is always raved about as a year round commuter too.

Sure others will answer - but if you have any more questions then feel free to ask!

 

[lejogger]

Also, who is your scheme run by... this will influence which stores you can source the bike from, and is your £600 budget before or after tax savings?

 

[Si_]

there are many bikes in the 600 bracket. Boardman, scott, cube, Pinnacle, Decathlon, trek, specialised, to name but a few. at that price point theres loads of decent kit to choose from , making scoosh's point all the more valid. make sure you not only get a decent bike, but one thats correct for what you wish to use it for.

 

[Chris419]

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it.

I'll be using the bike for cycling to work but also for cycling on the roads in my own time and doing some off roading - so by the sounds of it the Hybrid is going to be the best option

in terms of carrying stuff, i've already bought a good back pack to hold all my stuff in so that's ideal for cycling and i use it at the moment anyway.

the scheme is through cyclesolutions - in my price bracket = £600 after tax = there's about 407 to choose from! lol.

i've had a quick look through some of the Scott ones but again there's loads to choose from

there doesnt seem to be a Triban 3 in the available bikes though unfortunately

 

[vickster]

I'd spend the weekend visiting some local shops

 

[Cyclist33]

I'd spend the weekend visiting some local shops

+1 to that. dont spend that sorta money without a test ride!

if you really must have suspension, may i recommend the cannondale quick cx3?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/quick-cx2-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042938

stu