Cycle-To-Work Scheme... which bike?

[bob_e70]

I am going to buy a bike using the cycle-to-work scheme, but need a hand on which bike is best for me.

I will have to cycle a 15 mile round trip for work on typical British roads, flat, but slightly bumpy. I would like to be able to gather good pace, but still have the option of riding a dry dirt track at the weekend if need be.

So far i have set a budget of around £650 and am currently looking at the Merida Speeder T3. But, have heard that there are better alternatives out there? A lot of people seem to be mentioning Giant?

Thanks for any comments...

 

[themosquitoking]

I bought a giant defy and i love it. Probably the best advice though is buy a bike that fits and you find sexy.

 

[Milzy]

Boardman Road race. Light bike & good spec for the money.

 

[vickster]

The Merida under consideration is however a flat bar bike. The Boardman hybrids are decent, as is the Giant Rapid, or the Specialized Sirrus is popular (i.e. common)

 

[Milzy]

The Giant defy has no carbon fork. Only 16 speed. Only shimano 2300 gear. It would be nice upgraded. There's loads of bikes better for the money. Defys seem to have plenty of fan boys like with the spesh allez. The exact same thing, plenty of bikes better for the same price.

 

[vickster]

The Giant Defy 3 at around £680 does have a carbon fork...and Sora not 2300

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-3-2013---Road-Bike_56258.htm

An equivalent Allez will be £725

 

[Milzy]

The Giant Defy 3 at around £680 does have a carbon fork...and Sora not 2300

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-3-2013---Road-Bike_56258.htm

An equivalent Allez will be £725

Yes but his budget is £650. If the order isn't processed he can up it. Don't make my mistake, I got £650 & wish I went for the full 1k.

 

[vickster]

But he may be able to get a discount on the bike, and some retailers are quite happy to take some cash on top (just not Halfords)
Also, doesn't sound like he has actually applied, just identified £650 as a budget

 

[inkd]

My advice would be to try hybrids and road bikes too, get a feel of the different geometry`s. Don't forget your extra`s i.e lock/lights/helmet/gloves/shorts/jersey/tights/shoes/pumps/bags/glasses/computer/hydration/jacket/pedals etc etc

 

[helston90]

Don't forget your extra`s i.e lock/lights/helmet/gloves/shorts/jersey/tights/shoes/pumps/bags/glasses/computer/hydration/jacket/pedals etc etc

.....that's pretty much the £650 gone there and then!

 

[Leodis]

I would be looking at a starter CX bike, the Edinburgh Cycle coop has a Revolution Cross sport for around £650.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-cross-sport-13?bct=browse/bicycles/cyclocross-bikes

If you want racks and something more sturdy, I would avoid a road bike.

 

[Cyclist33]

Do this. You wouldn't regret it. The bike's so good that it would be an easy one to keep if you decided to go full road bike down the line. It's soooo versatile, weighs about 10.5kg so not heavy, and is fast and comfy and also able to take knobbly tyres if you so desire.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/quick-sl-3-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042950

 

[Cyclist33]

ps theyre small for their size so try before you buy!