The CTW scheme is aproaching- bike decision

[DJ]

I have been selling off a couple of my older bikes on e-bay, sod the nostalgia I have decided I prefer modern technology such as lighter frames and better components. It's also going to leave room in my shed for a new bike I have been thinking about a cheap commuter that will also serve me for days out with the kids, such as a ridgeback or a raleigh urban. Both under £400. Thing is I have to admit I know I would miss having drops even on a short ride!
While reading another thread some one was saying the Carrera virtuoso from Hlafords is a good bike (for the money) and seeing as I could stick a rack on the back and could always stick my sks raceblades on as well I thought that might do! Before you start I know what you will say about Halfords I am not a big fan either I have to get the bike through them though as that is who our company use!
The only problem with getting the Carrera is that the components wont be any better than on my current Dawes road bike and I was rather hoping to move up to a better bike. Which brings me to the next bike I like the look of the Kona Jake, it's a cyclocross bike but would take a rack and guards and with road tyres on would be a great road bike. It is currently at around £733.00 which is quite a bit of money for me but on the CTW scheme might be doable. Now I am sorely tempted to get this bike ordered through Halfords but I am worried it might be too nice for me to ride to work and that I will only bring it out for special group rides, so if that happens I would still need another commute bike!
Should I just go for the Kona and ride it to work and then take the rack off for weekend rides?
Or should I go for the Carrera which costs a lot less and may do me just as well? Which or any of them would do me for some light trail days out with the kids? Perhaps I need the Kona for that, it being a cyclocross bike?
Am I trying to cover too many different types of riding in the same bike?
I'm just a bit nervous about making the wrong decision and being dissapointed that the bike I get does not cover all my needs!
Oh my, can I justify £700 on a bike?

 

[theboytaylor]

Not entirely on topic but I understand that if you are using Halfords CTW scheme there is a far greater range of bikes open to you than you may see in the store- at least that's what I seem to have heard when I'm in the Bikehut in St Pauls.

BTW they seem to be quite knowledgeable and helpful at that store if you're able to get there.

 

[DJ]

That's fairly on topic actualy, I must go and have a look really in order to get a feel for them in the flesh so to speak, I probably could get to bike hut in St Pauls so will give it a go.

I do love the look of the Kona Jake and it may tick all my boxes does any one on here have one of them?

 

[garrilla]

I would have said the Jake is perfect for commuting, fast when you need it but rubust for those london potholes.

 

[Theseus]

The company I work for uses Halfords for the scheme. They are happy to source the bike from anywhere you want. Mine is a Pearson Touche, I called the people at both Pearson & Halfords before placing the order and everyone was helpful and happy to make it happen. Mind you as soon as the bike arrived at the local branch I declined thier offer to assemble it for me and I collected it in the box.

 

[DJ]

Thanks Garrilla, I really would like to try the Jake out before deciding, The only shop near me that supplies kona is a small LBS it's a bit cheeky to go in and try them out when I have no intention of buying from there! If I got one from Halfords then I am commiting to buy when I havent tried it! Maybe I could get it from Halfords and then get the LBS to service it!

 

[theboytaylor]

DJ, give the guys at St Pauls a ring. The shop has a completely different range to a regular Halfords - went in there last week and remember seeing Condors, Colnagos, all sorts (think it's more geared up to take money off the rich bankers and lawyers who work round there). They may have Konas in or could get one in for you to try, you never know.

I've only ever bought the odd thing like inner tubes, gel bars, etc, but the guys in there really seem to know their stuff and are genuine bikey people - I've listened in when they're talking people through the CTW thing and they appear to be focussed on sorting out the customer with the right thing for them, rather than flogging any old shite!

 

[Cubist]

The C2W scheme info I was reading yesterday shows that Halfords stock or will supply:
Boardman, Carrera, Kona, Merida, Pashley, Condor, Apollo(!), GT, DiamondBack, Saracen, Dolan, and many more. What's more, I am reliably informed that if you ring their helpline, they will try to source any bike on the market.

I know of at least one person who has bent their ear until they got what they wanted supplied by an LBS to Halfords, and then onto the customer. (a Spesh of some sort,) and another customer who managed to get them to source and supply a Cube.

 

[Sittingduck]

As Theboytaylor says, they have lots of nice road bikes in the Bikehut (now Halfords) on Warwick lane - St Pauls. It is practically right next to my office and I often drool over some of the articles in the window as I pass by. The guys in there have always been friendly and helpful too!

Good luck,
SD