Cycle Scheme Purchase - Commute + London/Brighton

[stu_1986]

Afternoon all!

I want to get a bike through the cycle to work scheme to start cycling to work (c/a 5 miles on not great roads) but I've also foolishly signed up for the London to Brighton ride in June, so need something that's going to be speedy enough to ride the 54 miles without killing me, but sturdy enough not to get destroyed by the occasional pothole in the week. I only have space/budget for one bike, so like all n0obs I'm looking for a 'do it all' machine instead of a road bike and a commuting bike (sorry!)

Reading around a few forums, I reckon a cyclocross bike with road tyres might be a good compromise, as I can have knobblier tyres with muguards/pannier in the winter, and slicker tyres stripped down for the london/brighton and summer commuting.

My budget would potentially be up to £800ish through the scheme with monthly instalments, or £400 upfront.

Questions:

1 - What do you think of my cyclocross idea above? I've got quotes in hand for these 2 bikes, anyone have any thoughts on them? I've test ridden and they seemed good, though my last bike was a 20 year old MB so anything new seems good to me!

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-1-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV244107 (evans)
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-comp-bike (through cycle republic)

2 - Given the short amount of time til the ride, should I get a cheap second hand road bike until my voucher comes through and then sell it on once I'm sorted, or will my gym training get me through?

3 - Am i better off generally getting a second hand bike than a new one through the scheme?

4 - Any advice or ideas which I haven't thought of!

Thanks in advance! Stu

 

[vickster]

L2B is not a speedy ride, too many people. You can do it on any bike really. A friend of mine did it on a £100 Apollo mtb from halfords...which knowing her would have had flat tyres and zero maintenance

Don't overthink it

Evans a good place to start as they offer easy no hassle, no obligation testrides

Halfords less flexible

June still a way off. Get your bike and ride as much as you can. If you can get to 30 or 40 miles, you'll be fine if gym fit

 

[Fab Foodie]

Focus on what you need for commuting. As @vickster says, L2B can be ridden on any old steed really, it's a slow ride to be enjoyed.

I think a Cycxlocross bike would be a great commuter as long as you can fit mudguards and a rack. Disc brakes are beneficial for all-year commuting and tyre-wise I would fit something like Marathon + and not have to worry about potholes or p*nctures or having to change when winter comes.

For my money this is the ultimate year-round commuter - I'd have to add a hub dynamo tho :-)
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/cross-utility/day-one-20

 

[smutchin]

For my money this is the ultimate year-round commuter - I'd have to add a hub dynamo tho :-)
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/cross-utility/day-one-20

That's rather lovely. And I totally agree that it would be a great choice for a commuter bike.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

For my money this is the ultimate year-round commuter - I'd have to add a hub dynamo tho :-)
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/cross-utility/day-one-20

Agree, dynohub front wheel and you'd be sorted for commuting, and most non-commuting activities you might care to undertake.

But now I've seen they now do an high-end Equilibrium disc... dammit.

 

[Darren Gregory]

Hello

Evans are good at letting you test ride bikes subject to a refundable deposit. I went through a similar buying decision you ca read about it here:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/b...r-some-opinions-advice-comments.165377/page-3

If you can stretch your budget a little last years Arkose 2 could be a great buy for you:

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-two-2015-adventure-road-bike-EV207294

Single chain ring so less maintenance for your day to day commute I think as a newish rider you won't miss the high gearing.