YES another "which bike" question

[inkd]

Hi all, i need some input as to which sort of bike recomendations please.
First and formost i am looking to use the C2W scheme, my company runs it and already asked questions so im at the "hybrid or road" bike crossroad.
My budget for a bike is £300-350 range, plus bits and pieces to make around £500 from C2W.
I have read alot on internet and im still confused, I have not got on a bike for 10 years now but its time to start commuting to help bring down my fuel costs. My commute will be 22 miles round trip and i work nights in a manual job so i dont want to be too shot before i start work.
I have asked at "go outdoors" and was recommended this bike
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/raleigh-race-road-bike-p181140
I need to keep total price to around £500, I have a helmet but due to night riding i will need to get decent lights and high viz.
Other stores in my area are Cycleexperience, Hargroves cycles, go outdoors.
The only other things is comfort !! Having never rode a road bike I dont know which would be better?
I am still recovering from a bad back(femoral nerve) so i want something that is going to be comfortable and generaly easy to ride. All help would be most greatful. thx

 

[jifdave]

if you like near a decathlon. then triban 3. http://www.cyclingscotland.org/news/cycling-active-btwin-triban-3-review/

 

[inkd]

No sorry, nearest lbs is southampton.

 

[pac-man]

if you like near a decathlon. then triban 3. http://www.cyclingscotland.org/news/cycling-active-btwin-triban-3-review/

Jif .. you really like that triban...

i would go for a flatbar road bike.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-tachyon-4-2012/ something like this.was marked at 265

regarding lights i would search Cree xml t6 looking under bike lights on evilbay, lots of sellers selling similar products
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=17266959
these are really really bright and will burn for 3-4 hours on max setting But i would shy away from the really cheap ones as with all Chinese products there are copies of copies.
if your budget will stretch then the original is made by Magicshine
http://www.magicshineuk.co.uk/products/Magicshine-bike-light-set-MJ-808LSET

 

[inkd]

http://www.cycleworld.co.uk/product/24283/Marin_Larkspur_CS1_2013
This another shop that runs C2W scheme so been looking at this? any good?
or the Trek 7.1 FX ??
Im still unsure about hybrid or road though.
Many thx for the lights post, didnt know they could be so bright without a huge battery pack. as i said, its been a while since i got on a bike.

 

[Cyclist33]

http://www.cycleworld.co.uk/product/24283/Marin_Larkspur_CS1_2013
This another shop that runs C2W scheme so been looking at this? any good?
or the Trek 7.1 FX ??
Im still unsure about hybrid or road though.
Many thx for the lights post, didnt know they could be so bright without a huge battery pack. as i said, its been a while since i got on a bike.

Hybrid if unsure and if not ridden for ages. You might get a taste for off road rather than road.

 

[inkd]

Hybrid if unsure and if not ridden for ages. You might get a taste for off road rather than road.

Hi, yes am unsure about road bike. Am thinking more of comfort on hybrid but would like the speed/better gearing of road.
My commute is 4/5 B roads, only a small amount of light town traffic so I want something that can handle the bad roads and rough cycle paths around me.

 

[pac-man]

http://www.cycleworld.co.uk/product/24283/Marin_Larkspur_CS1_2013
This another shop that runs C2W scheme so been looking at this? any good?
or the Trek 7.1 FX ??
Im still unsure about hybrid or road though.
Many thx for the lights post, didnt know they could be so bright without a huge battery pack. as i said, its been a while since i got on a bike.

Why local shop? why not online?

 

[inkd]

Why local shop? why not online?

Because i have to do it through C2W scheme, I need one for commuting. I cant afford to buy one outright and my credit rating isnt all that great.

 

[pac-man]

Because i have to do it through C2W scheme, I need one for commuting. I cant afford to buy one outright and my credit rating isnt all that great.

i'm not endorsing wiggle, but i do use them quite allot
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/cycletowork#3

 

[Peteaud]

Trek 7.1 is a good bike.

 

[jifdave]

Also Evans and most other big online shops do c2w.

But I'd imagine you want to get on something to feel it out for sizing

 

[inkd]

I think as soon as my last twinges of back pain has gone probs around 2 weeks I will go and try out either marin as above / trek 7.1, also will ask to try road bike out of curiosity. Many thx for the replys and i will certainly keep in mind about online C2W. Thx

 

[Berties]

I got my wife a Marin fairfax,it's a male bike,good comfy geometry and carbon forks,better ride for you back problems ,a little more expensive than your budget,£499 at Stonehenge cycles Salisbury ,they will give you a percentage off the bike in accessories if you ask them,they will fit and advice

 

[inkd]

Well after weeks of trawling the net reading reviews, pros & cons etc and asking a work collegue about c2w scheme I finally took the plunge and visited a couple of local bike shops.
I had a few bikes in mind (spec sirrus / trek 7.1fx and a look at merida bikes), First shop was a fail as they were not to helpful and wanted to sell me all top end stuff with no explanation.
My 2nd shop I visited were very helpful indeed and asked exactly what type of cycling I would be doing/terrain etc. They picked out a Specialised Sirrus 2013 for £400, helped me with frame fitments, bike position etc. I took it out for a test ride and was smitten with it, very solid feel and lightwieght. I knew this was the one for me so I did`nt bother going to check out any other bikes. As my commuting will be at night I tried on an Altura nightvision jacket and I got a good (gold secure) lock. I have already got helmet and lights etc so i wanted to keep the cost down.
I contacted cyclescheme and they were very helpful guiding me through the process, All i have to do now is wait....
Many thx for the replys and hopefully will be out on the roads soon