Package Deal

MYSTICA1

Hello, I'm 34 and want to start cycling again after being away from the sport for 15 years or so .. I used to train & race a bit when I was a teenager & I really love cycling. I'm looking for a bike that I can enjoy & get myself fit again ! I'm hoping to avail of the cycle to work scheme to purchase a bike. My company restricts me to the cycle superstore. I was wondering if you could be so kind as to advise me if this bike package deal is good value & would suit my circumstances? I know the scheme will only cover up to € 1,000 but I assume I can add a few quid myslef ? Thanks a million in advance !

tomc

Search this forum for Focus, Planet X.....:)

blorg

You can get a more expensive bike on the scheme but your company has to be willing to shell out the money for it (they can take it out of your salary immediately.) You only get tax relief on the first €1,000.

penexpers

blorg wrote: »

You can get a more expensive bike on the scheme but your company has to be willing to shell out the money for it (they can take it out of your salary immediately.) You only get tax relief on the first €1,000.

I believe you can also add the money yourself i.e. only the 1000 has to come out out of your salary.

stuf

tomc wrote: »

Search this forum for Focus, Planet X.....:)

OP can only use Cycle Superstore for the scheme so it's a bit redundant looking at internet deals.

I think CS will adjust the deals a bit depending on the bits and pieces you want/need. Check if your company has negotiated an extra discount with CS - they have a standard 5% loyalty discount which they'll give you on a large first purchase.

Will leave others to advise on the bike etc but that water bottle is gak - I bought that one and it never lost the plastic taste.

stuf

if you're going over the €1000, I would think about where you get the other stuff - better prices available at online retailers like Chain Reaction, Wiggle and ProBikeKit who all have free delivery to Ireland

MYSTICA1

Thanks to all, Can anyone advise on the bike / deal or is there a better option for the likes of me ?

tomc

MYSTICA1 wrote: »

.... My company restricts me to the cycle superstore. ....

Dooooohh....silly me!:o

petethedrummer

stuf wrote: »

I think CS will adjust the deals a bit depending on the bits and pieces you want/need.

yeah you don't have to stick rigidly to the pack on the website, you can tailor it to your needs. And they will give you discount before the CTW discount is applied. Can't remember the exact percentage or number of items in the pack.

@MYSTICA1 its hard to come by Lapierre reviews on the web. In my unexpert opinion, I would imagine its as good as any of the bikes listed here. http://wiki.boards.ie/wiki/Buying_a_bicycle

Is it the Francais De jeux pro-team that uses Lapierre bikes?

stuf

In Cycle Superstore, at the price range you're looking at then it's probably a toss up between Giant and Lapierre. TBH you want to compare the spec of similarly priced bikes from the two manufacturers and see which is for you.

If you're spending €1000+ then you owe it to yourself to research the components and understand what the differences are. Think about what you want and need

MYSTICA1

I want : to get fit on a road bike
to enjoy myself doing it
to be comfortable & safe
to not pay over the odds

I need : Advice on the best bike for me, bearing in mind the above !

Thanks again for all the responses so far !

DirkVoodoo

MYSTICA1 wrote: »

to not pay over the odds!

Unfortunately Lapierre bikes are quite expensive. They are still excellent bikes and I am a big fan of them, but they are more expensive than similarly specced bikes from some of the online specialists.

MYSTICA1

On that basis .. would the recommendation be Giant, Stuf said that it's a toss-up between Lapierre & Giant .. Is Giant better value for money ?