cycle to work

JT77

JT77

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looking to partake in our cycle to work scheme as hoping to increase fitness and health with added exercise.
not sure what I need. looking at a hybrid style bike but what should I look for? makes etc? dobi need disc brakes or carbon fibre?
thanks in advance :)
 
lordy lord, where to start... it's like buying golf clubs!

for commuting, if your budget stretches to it I'd go for hydraulic discs (really handy for stopping quick in traffic, I'm not a fan of the cable variety), and a carbon front fork (takes a little pain outta the UK roads) - oh, and unless your journey is super hilly there's no need for loads of gears.. 8 or 9 will do most

enjoy looking, you'll soon get confused by the choice!
 
It all depends on what you are going to use it for. I got a decent MTB through our scheme, but I have no intention of using it to "Cycle to work", Its 30+ miles!! So, what are you wanting to do with it?

With regards to specs, I'd look for hydraulic brakes on a MTB, but road bikes will be fairly expensive before you get to the hydraulic brakes.. Not a fan of hybrids, but some of the Cyclo Cross bikes are nice and have sturdier frames..
 
IMO I think that the whole hyb/road/cx debate depends on
1) the type of commute
2) your riding style & confidence

Many Hybs do have a fairly upright riding position, while other manufacturers are more like road bikes with flat bars. Either way visibility & manouverablilty on both are still better than a road bike or cyclo-cross for all but the more confident riders

If you're lucky enough to have a commute where traffic, and traffic lights are't a problem and you're able to drop it in the big gears and crank out the miles, then a road bike might suit better.

In the end it's all personal preference - get out there & see what you like.

oh - and unless you like messin about with inner tubes & puncure repair kits - pucture resistant tyres are a great upgrade
 
wow lots to think on then. I plan to use it to get to and from work only really lol its about 7 miles decents surfaces not too hilly I start work at 7am so traffic is pretty quiet but coming home at 3 will be busier.
I work for Michelin so tyres arent a prob as I get them free but not sure if they supply puncture resistant ones

thanks
 
I'd start with a hybrid type bike. Flat bars with an upright, comfortable position is best for commuting, particularly in traffic. Make sure it has 700c wheels, a 26" mountain bike may look 'cooler' but is not really fit for purpose and a full road bike isn't really suited to cycling in traffic or on pot-holed city roads.

If you want absolute simplicity of maintenance, single speed is ideal. For a 7-mile commute this is probably a bit limited so I'd go for hub gears. I see so many poorly maintained dérailleur geared bikes in our works cycle shed, many rusting and or caked thick in dirt.

WRT brakes, I would go for standard cable actuated rim brakes. They are simple to maintain and equally as effective on the road. If you really want discs, then I'd go cable actuated. I'd certainly avoid hydraulic disc brakes. But, if you must, make sure they are Shimano. For a commuter type cycle they will be fairly low-spec and the like of Avid and Tektro can't match Shimano at that price for reliability.

Other things to consider are very good lights and proper clothing. 7 miles is a fair distance twice a day, being seen is critical to staying safe so don't scrimp on lights. Good clothing will keep you warm/cool/dry & comfortable but doesn't come cheap (and should be brightly coloured for safety). People get a bit funny about helmets, but again, if you want one, don't scrimp.

Going slightly beyond the kit, does your work have a shower and changing facilities? After 7 miles I'd want a shower and change of clothes. If you need to carry a change of clothes with you then rack and panniers are another consideration!
 
best tip I had recently was find your nearest bike recycling centre/shop. Mountain bikes refurbished etc for about £80 as opposed to £300 in a retail shop, yes they are second hand but good enough for what I want which is cycling tracks and paths and with the family
 
I bought a 29'er Specialized MTB in the scheme, it has fork lockout for road work and is not bad on the light off road stuff i do. worked out about £26 a month net and i just paid the last £15 off so its now mine!
 
ah ok paul, thanks, been a few years since i even owned a bike lol!
was looking at the carrera subway in halfords as it is on my way home, a friend in work reccomended a trip to a cycle shop a little bit away as they do giant bikes, is it maybe worth it?

thanks again
 
People do knock Halfords which I do understand as they let any joker loose on the bikes. However they do sell some good bikes for a limited budget in particular the Carrera and Boardman brands, just compare the level of trim you get for say £500 on either of these models with the likes of Specialized, Giant, Trek etc etc and they come out winners big time. However give the bike a real good check over yourself before taking it out on the road and you can't go wrong in my opinion with Halfords.
 
Get yourself down to a proper bike shop and test and sample the bikes in the shop,usually the lads working in them will look after you and take you through anything you need to know...

If you go for say MTB each make will have something slightly different so for instance you might think Giant and Specialized look the same but if you sit or even better get to ride them the riding positions will be slightly different and one may feel more comfortable than the other so my advice is get to proper bike dealer..
 
getting a brochure off a pal in work but the shop is an 80 -90 mile round trip and they closed sundays so tough to fit in.
that one looked canny beau more reasonable too.
 
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