Any cyclists in here?

[AndrewSchofield]

I've just realised that the scheme we used is the 'cyclescheme' not the 'cycle to work' scheme - not sure if these are the same thing or not??

 

[LooPrEvil]

I've just realised that the scheme we used is the 'cyclescheme' not the 'cycle to work' scheme - not sure if these are the same thing or not??

Cyclescheme is one of many company that provide a Cycle to Work scheme. The good thing about Cyclescheme is they use local cycle stores who subscribe to Cycleschemes arrangement - the stores pay about 10% commission of each sale value to Cyclescheme. In fact Halfords who have their own Cycle to Work scheme could subscribe to Cycleshemes arrangement but dont, as they probably dont want to pay 10% in commission payment.

I think you get a much wider choice from a small local company than you do from Halfords, and better quality products. Plus I would rather a small local company benefit rather than the large national one!

By the way, there is not a limit of £1,000 on what you can purchase, but to allow a greater spend your company would have to be registered as a credit agency, if not they are restricted to the £1,000 cap.

Hope that helps.

 

[LastMagicBean]

I think this thread has become even more bizarre

Why should I suffer for a cyclists potentially suicidal behaviour on the roads.?
Not to mention the possible consequences of innocent sensible people being killed because of their actions.

Cyclists don't give a monkeys about anyone but themselves.
Especially the ones that have their tiny little tots (bless 'em) hanging on for dear life on the back, in what amounts to some sort of basket arrangement.
Then whipping in and out of London traffic.

WTF is that all about. ????
What's the matter with these people ???

 

[securespark]

Cyclists don't give a monkeys about anyone but themselves.

If that were true, they wouldn't cycle through red lights and swerve around the pace and they'd wear good hi-vis gear and lighting in the hope of minimising the risk of injury or death.

 

[imamartian]

I've just realised that the scheme we used is the 'cyclescheme' not the 'cycle to work' scheme - not sure if these are the same thing or not??

Cyclescheme is one of many company that provide a Cycle to Work scheme. The good thing about Cyclescheme is they use local cycle stores who subscribe to Cycleschemes arrangement - the stores pay about 10% commission of each sale value to Cyclescheme. In fact Halfords who have their own Cycle to Work scheme could subscribe to Cycleshemes arrangement but dont, as they probably dont want to pay 10% in commission payment.

I think you get a much wider choice from a small local company than you do from Halfords, and better quality products. Plus I would rather a small local company benefit rather than the large national one!

By the way, there is not a limit of £1,000 on what you can purchase, but to allow a greater spend your company would have to be registered as a credit agency, if not they are restricted to the £1,000 cap.

Hope that helps.

my work scheme uses Halfords although, apparently, other shops will accept Halfords vouchers.

 

[imamartian]

Don't even talk about cycle lanes. There's perfectly good two lane roads all over the country reduced to one and a bit lanes to accomodate cycle lanes painted on the road. So now, all of those roads that used to have two lanes of traffic, have longer queues all jammed into one lane. And usually no F*&^ing bikes in sight.

but by the same token, there are thousands of perfectly decent two lane roads which are restricted to single lane roads, or worse, slalom courses by all the bl00dy cars parked on them.... far too many cars on the road !!!

 

[wobs]

Our work did the scheme earlier this year, but as others have seen here, they only did it through Halfords. I wasn't impressed their range of bikes, and decided to go to an independent shop who had expertise, and better quality stock.

The savings you get overall are good, but if you are careful, you can sometimes get the same savings anyway.

As for the type of bike, if you want to bike to work, then why get a mountain bike? Most people who bike to work do not go off road (or off decent cycle tracks), and do not need such fat tyres. The wider tyres slow you down, as do bike suspensions. Go for quality makes, and don't be taken in with extras you don't need.

What you do need of course is lights, hi-viz, clips, puncture repair etc and I would recommend paniers - they hold a great deal, and very practical. If you use a rucksack, you'll get a back covered in sweat in no time.

Punctures: if you have tyres that are over 5 years, and you start getting punctures, consider getting new ones. The rubber start to deterotiate after a while.

Also, learn to maintain your bike. I was amazed to see a chap while I was buying mine ask for a set of brake pads, and asked the guy to fit them for him (at a cost)!

 

[Alarm]

As for the type of bike, if you want to bike to work, then why get a mountain bike?

I considered this when buying a new bike and decided on a mountain bike with front suspension only ( having had the chance to ride other types before hand). Why the mountain bike? More comfortable, especially with the front suspension ( I agree back does waste energy). I am 47 now and do not need "drop bars" nor feel comfortable with them now.

So there is no need to "sterotpye" when making such a choice, is the average commuter going to try and be Eddie Merx, or Stan Boardman?
Agree with paniers, and of course decent mud guards.
Personally not sure about a cycle helmet, not going to do much good really IMO, but always use a lid on the Motorbike, they do give protection. I have found that out!!

Also agree with the hi-vi and puncture kit. Allen key set is handy on these new bikes nowdays

 

[LooPrEvil]

I've just realised that the scheme we used is the 'cyclescheme' not the 'cycle to work' scheme - not sure if these are the same thing or not??

Cyclescheme is one of many company that provide a Cycle to Work scheme. The good thing about Cyclescheme is they use local cycle stores who subscribe to Cycleschemes arrangement - the stores pay about 10% commission of each sale value to Cyclescheme. In fact Halfords who have their own Cycle to Work scheme could subscribe to Cycleshemes arrangement but dont, as they probably dont want to pay 10% in commission payment.

I think you get a much wider choice from a small local company than you do from Halfords, and better quality products. Plus I would rather a small local company benefit rather than the large national one!

By the way, there is not a limit of £1,000 on what you can purchase, but to allow a greater spend your company would have to be registered as a credit agency, if not they are restricted to the £1,000 cap.

Hope that helps.

my work scheme uses Halfords although, apparently, other shops will accept Halfords vouchers.

Apparently Halfords will also use 2nd tier suppliers, so if you have to use their scheme you could say you want a cycle that a competitor sells and Halfords can arrange it for you.

 

[AndrewSchofield]

Agree with what wobs says - if you're cycling mostly on roads, there's probably little point getting a mountain bike. I did get a mountain bike but at least 7miles of my cycle to work is on some sort of off-road terrain and my use of the bike is more about saving money on fuel and getting fit than it is about getting to work as fast as possible, so the additional drag on the tarmac doesn't bother me. I also got a bike with front suspension only, and it has a lock-out so I can disable it when on roads. You can get hybrid tyres too which have a 'slick' tread in the centre but a rougher grip on the edges which might be worth considering if you aren't solely cycling on the roads.

He's also dead right on the rucksack - you'll end up soaked even if its not raining - i found out that first hand!!

Not sure about the helmet being useless though Alarm, was watching a programme last week where someone had come off his bicycle - his helmet was severely damaged - but his head was fine, doubt that would have been the case if he hadn't got the helmet on! As I said earlier, I hate wearing it - but wouldn't ride without one these days...