Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

Re the type of bike, I realy prefer racers on tarmac but if the surface is going to be ppor then just get a mountain bike, the extar effort in pedalling isn't going to kill anyone over a few miles. Hybrids are basically bad at everything IMHO. If it's a decent bit of road all the way then a racer/tourer would be best, don't worry about the thinness of the tyres, everyone says that but in reality it makes no difference at all as to whether you're gonna balance or not.

Gear? You really need a locker room at work to get changed in if you can. My approach is lots of layers, and more or less forget keeping properly dry, at least keep warm. Lotso fo good places around ot get stuff now, try www.girlsruntoo.co.uk and get a decent pair of shorts. Enjoy!

PS I used to find my hamstrings tighten up over a short-ish ride like that so keep stretching

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

C2W scheme is great. My new bike arrived a couple of weeks ago.

I went for a road-bike (2010 Scott Speedster S20) which was at the top end of what I was allowed to spend. Already had a hybrid bike or would have got one of those. Didn't get any extra gear as already had some stuff.

My advice:
1. Many posher bikes don't come with pedals. Yeah, really they don't. It is assumed that you already have padals/shoes. Remember to check :thumbsup:

2. A cheap bike might sound good but they are cheap for a reason. Might only last a year if you ride in winter and could even put you off riding altogether. £300 is a good cut-off point. Choose a known brand name (Scott, Specialised, Giant, Marin, Dawes, Raleigh, etc.).

3. Armoured tyres (Schwalbe or Specialized Armadildos) are a good investment. Mending punctures on a cold, wet winter's ride home is not pleasant.

4. Lighter is better. Do you really need front suspension?

5. Local bike shop might be more expensive but will set bike up for you properly. Go to them for servicing anyway.

6. Go for it. You'll be nipping along really quickly in just a week or two :-D

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

This shop http://www.brothertoncycles.com/catalog/ is just up the road from where we live, so going to go a walk to them on saturday morning.

I had already though that if I went to a local shop rather than a chain I would get better service.

Got the go ahead from our Financial Controller today for me to go and look so yay!!!

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

They do Specialized bikes :-D

Try one of the Sirrus range as they have a good reputation :thumbsup:

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

+1 on that, i also fitted kevlar lining tape between the tyres & tubes, so far i've never got a puncture, mines a hybrid by the way & it gets ridden off road with road tyres on it.

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

I own a Boardman Team Hybrid (a step up from the one linked). I bought an '08 earlier this year when the '09s were out (I think I got the last large in the country), and got a very nice spec bike for a reasonable price. I fit wider tires right away (35c from memory) and that's improved the ride, but it's still a very stiff frame (for the road I prefer the springy snap of a nice steel frame) and I think it would need a far plusher saddle to make it comfortable for commuting.

I've found I don't use it much (the roads around here are crap and it's too nice to ride in the wet) so I'm selling it in favour of a mountain bike. I had thought I'd commute on it but it's 15 miles each way and we have no showers at work :(

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

Yes, I was going to add about some sort of carrier, you really don't want to use a rucksac. I found an under seat carrier the best, one that expands out, I think mine is a carrimore.

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

Went to our local shop yesterday and went for this one

http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/...enuItemId=9340

Got my quote for the bike and all the other things I will need, so will take that into work tomorrow should they say yay, I will give them a call tomorrow to ask them to try and get hold of one for me as currently it was showing end of feb till he gets the bike :-(

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

Well after 3 months wait! I finally picked up my bike this lunchtime and it is now sat in the cupboard at home as I had to come back to work!

Looks like its just in time for the weather warming up

Re: Cycle to Work Scheme
 

Warming up!! Where. Its blardy freezing outside