I'm hoping to get a bike through my employer's Cycle to Work scheme. It's the Halfords scheme but also includes independent retailers and I'd rather support independents. However, my first visit to a shop was underwhelming (after glowing reviews of the shop). Based on my vague criteria (I was open to suggestions and basically potentially a blank cheque!) the guy pointed out a few bikes I wasn't really able to see properly and gave prices off the top of his head as I frantically scribbled on the price-free catalogue he handed me. There were a couple I liked everything about except the colour and ultimately the one I settled on as a my choice from the shop is the Genesis Delta 10 at £575 https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/delta-10-2020. However, I've since ruled it out as I've discovered it can't take much thicker tyres and mudguards.
I facebook messaged another local shop and they've said I should pop in to discuss further but their go-to recommendation would be the GT Grade Elite at £850 https://www.gtbicycles.com/gbr_en/grade-elite which I love the look of but is more than I wanted to spend. They said there is a lower spec model but they recommend that one (I'd specified I wanted to spend under £600). When I went in and asked about the lower spec one, the guy did some looking on the computer and said he was mistaken - it was an older model he could no longer model. This was pretty much the only bike appropriate for me apparently. Overall, my experience of independent bike shops has been disappointing.
I wonder if any kind person who knows more about these things could tell me if the GT is a decent option for me. With the scheme the costs will be spread and it's salary-sacrifice but I still don't want to spend more than I need. I found another one that seems ideal with rave reviews but it's from Decathlon and I don't think my scheme is accepted by them. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html
I'm looking to use it for commuting in quite a hilly city with quite pot-holey roles in places. The commute is 5 miles one way but, having not cycled much for many years, I may break it up with some train time initially. I would also want to use it on canal paths for leisure etc. Where I live is also very rainy so I'd want to consider that when it comes to brakes.
I facebook messaged another local shop and they've said I should pop in to discuss further but their go-to recommendation would be the GT Grade Elite at £850 https://www.gtbicycles.com/gbr_en/grade-elite which I love the look of but is more than I wanted to spend. They said there is a lower spec model but they recommend that one (I'd specified I wanted to spend under £600). When I went in and asked about the lower spec one, the guy did some looking on the computer and said he was mistaken - it was an older model he could no longer model. This was pretty much the only bike appropriate for me apparently. Overall, my experience of independent bike shops has been disappointing.
I wonder if any kind person who knows more about these things could tell me if the GT is a decent option for me. With the scheme the costs will be spread and it's salary-sacrifice but I still don't want to spend more than I need. I found another one that seems ideal with rave reviews but it's from Decathlon and I don't think my scheme is accepted by them. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html
I'm looking to use it for commuting in quite a hilly city with quite pot-holey roles in places. The commute is 5 miles one way but, having not cycled much for many years, I may break it up with some train time initially. I would also want to use it on canal paths for leisure etc. Where I live is also very rainy so I'd want to consider that when it comes to brakes.