Halfords, Sirrus, Subway and Cycle to Work

[gekko]

Hi all - first post on the forum.

The Cycle to Work window has reopened at work and I'm thinking of taking advantage. As a result I've been scouring this forum for advice on the best bike to buy.

The problem is that the scheme where I work only allows you to purchase from Halfords. The general consensus seems to be that Halfords are pretty rubbish and I must say my own experience of the store (mainly to buy car accessories) has been less than positive. In fact, the last time I visited Halfords the young guys in there seemed more interested in testing out the car stereo systems at full blast than helping customers. Slightly intimidating for a female in search of some advice! Anyway, it seems I'm stuck with buying from there and to be honest the choice available seems a bit crappy.

The two bikes I like the look of so far are the Carrera Subway and the Specialized Sirrus but I'm open-minded. Halfords sells the Subway but not the Sirrus. As well as on-road cycling, I would be looking to use the cycle in the park on slightly gravely surfaces and on towpaths. So I'm looking for something that will be quick but can handle a bit of off-road. I live in London so don't want dropped handlebars as I need to be able to see around me. Where I live (Crystal Palace) is pretty hilly so I'd like something that can handle that adequately.

My budget is around £300 but I'd go up to £400 for the right bike. I haven't cycled for years so don't want to spend a fortune in case it doesn't work out but I do want to get something decent that is comfortable and safe to ride.

So, what do people think? Will Halfords order in a bike I want even if it doesn't normally stock it? Which would be better for my usage needs - the Sirrus or the Subway? Are there any other bikes I should be looking at?

Thanks all!

 

[The Jogger]

Hi Gekko
Welcome to the forum, I was in a very similar position last year, same as with the C2W scheme, only through Halfords. I decided to go for the Sirrus but miscalculated the size in which I made a mistake and based it on another bike I had tried out. When I got the bike , they said they wouldn't change it for me as they had to source it from outside the company. This means, this year I'll be going for the Sirrus Sport but using the vouchers at somewhere like Condor that also accept the vouchers.

The Subway does get a good write up but I would take it straight to an lbs to have it set up and checked over.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

The Subway does get a good write up but I would take it straight to an lbs to have it set up and checked over.

from what i've read on here, that's good advice…

 

[jig-sore]

yes, halfords do "claim" that they can get you just about any bike you want.

there is a website that explains it all somewhere

 

[gekko]

Thanks for all your advice so far. I've been doing a little more research and am leaning more toward the Specialized Sirrus Sport, just because the reviews seem to be really good. I didn't see a women's version of this bike though. Does it matter or would the men's one be fine? My colleague has a Sirrus and she seems to think it's fine.

Jogger - thanks for the warnings re size. Must admit I'm quite confused by this as it seems to be measured differently by different manufacturers. I measured my inside leg according to this site posted on another thread and I'm 76.5 cm. However, some sizing charts seem to go by height, which doesn't seem very accurate to me as you could have a long upper torso but shorter legs. Most confusing really. Hopefully my Sirrus-owning colleague will remember what size she bought and I can try her's.

 

[HLaB]

I think the Spesh Vita is the womans version.

 

[gekko]

I've just found out that the tender for Cycle2work is being renewed at the moment. However, the new scheme won't be in place until Sept/Oct. I was hoping to get a bike for the summer so I don't think I can wait. Even if I apply in this window (got to do it by end of month) I prob won't get my vouchers until mid-late July.

Apart from Condor and Pearson (in Sutton) does anyone know of any LBSs in London that accept Cycle2work and whether they pass on the 10% admin cost to the customer? To be honest, I may be happier to pay the admin charge as if I buy from Halfords and then have to get it set up elsewhere I'll end up paying more anyway.

 

[marchammer]

Hi.Like you my wife. was restricted to halfords, but they can get most bikes and my wife got a trek 7.5fx wsd.We picked it up from leisure lakes as they had to supply it.We also spent the rest of the money in leisure lakes.result.Phone halfords on 08450 77 88 50 or email cycle2.work@halfords.co.uk

 

[Ant]

I bought a Subway 2 from Halfords a few weeks ago and I'm extremely pleased with it. I can do my 13 mile commute to work on it only 10 mins slower than my road bike, so it's pretty nippy on the road, and it's more than capable of light off road too, I've tried that as well It will also fit mudguards and panniers if needed.

Unfortunately, I have to echo people's sentiments about Halfordfs assembly qualities, my back wheel fell off getting it in to the car and I also had to re-adjust the gears myself. However, I wouldn't let that put you off....seriously Just give it a good check over in the shop. They are obliged to put anything right, and as long as you've made sure that the wheels, brakes, saddle, headset and gears are OK then it's hardly going to explode on you or anything

I'm surprised how much I really like my subway.

 

[Crankarm]

EvansCycles also do C2W. They are also doing their summer clearance sale at the mo but you apparently have to go to Guildford to their main warehouse. Maybe you might get a nice bargain in their shops if they have that sale model in stock in your size. Whilst they're a chain of bike shops based mainly in and all over London they are better than Halfords in that they only do bikes and offer a much wider range of bikes from all the main manufacturers plus all the accessories clothing and luggage. Having such a large stock of bikes they are more likely to have a women specific frame in your size. Condor are probably the best and do C2W but are a tad more expensive. My road training bikes come from Condor. You get what you pay for though. I have bought several bikes from both and have had good experiences each time. My Specialised Sirrus Sport came from Evans in Holborn. It has been excellent and the service was good. My Kona Kula which I bought last Autumn also came from Evans. I wanted to do C2W but my then company were being too difficult, so I bought on my own in Evans end of summer autumn sale saving £175 compared to purchasing through C2W and I got it on a 6 months interest free deal as well. Cheaper than C2W in the end. Don't let the tail wag the dog.

 

[gekko]

Thanks for all your advice guys. Crankarm - Evans Cycles do Ride2Work but I can't find anything to say that they take Cycle2Work vouchers as well, are you sure about this?

Ant - your Halfords experience sounds shocking. Imagine if you'd been cycling along a main road when that happened!

 

[Crankarm]

Thanks for all your advice guys. Crankarm - Evans Cycles do Ride2Work but I can't find anything to say that they take Cycle2Work vouchers as well, are you sure about this?

I would give them a call or a visit.

 

[gekko]

Will do thanks.

 

[Bman]

My employer has just announced this. We are also restricted to Halfrauds

Do they even offer bikes anywhere near a grand?

 

[The Jogger]

Bongman, you used that word, the F word, Crankie will be after ya