Bike to Work scheme - the Megathread - Read post #1 before posting

Icepick

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Seems to be just a matter of finance dept paying for it. I'll know for sure come the end of the month as I'll be putting the order through.

Any problem because the invoice is from the UK?

CramCycle

Icepick wrote: »

Any problem because the invoice is from the UK?

None, my 2nd BTW was from a UK company, it is no different than them buying any company supplies from the UK.

magicbastarder

Icepick wrote: »

Any problem because the invoice is from the UK?

As long as your company is willing to deal with a UK supplier, no.

dinneenp

First world problem but it's not easy...
- Local store don't have Giant Contend SL 1 & won't for rest of the year.
- checked Canyon website & Endurace AL 7.0 is out of stock
- will check for Specialized Allez Elite next

HSE West link-

"This service is temporarily suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak."

This scheme will close on October 9th 2020. All monies to be recouped by the last paydate in November 2020.

bbari

dinneenp wrote: »

First world problem but it's not easy...
- Local store don't have Giant Contend SL 1 & won't for rest of the year.
- checked Canyon website & Endurace AL 7.0 is out of stock
- will check for Specialized Allez Elite next

HSE West link-

"This service is temporarily suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak."

This scheme will close on October 9th 2020. All monies to be recouped by the last paydate in November 2020.

Been there last week, tried every where and couldn't get Giant, Specialised or Decathlon bike. Ordered Canyon 7.0 this week with delivery date in the 1st week of July. Wait is a killer but there was no other option.

magicbastarder

i heard the department of education have also suspended the BTW system. it's possible the people in payroll can't get into the office, perchance?

bbari

magicbastarder wrote: »

i heard the department of education have also suspended the BTW system. it's possible the people in payroll can't get into the office, perchance?

i doubt that'd be the case as no one in the DOE will get paid then?

Tony04

dinneenp wrote: »

First world problem but it's not easy...
- Local store don't have Giant Contend SL 1 & won't for rest of the year.
- checked Canyon website & Endurace AL 7.0 is out of stock
- will check for Specialized Allez Elite next

HSE West link-

"This service is temporarily suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak."

This scheme will close on October 9th 2020. All monies to be recouped by the last paydate in November 2020.

Least hassle would be waiting it out for the canyon tbh.

You could try buy a specialized allez merida scultura 400 giant contend from someone else in the country but you might have hassel with the delivery.

You could use one of the UK's mail order company like tredz sigma merlin but you might have difficulties with the b2w scheme.

You could up your budget and buy a tcr from your local shop

dinneenp

Tony04 wrote: »

Least hassle would be waiting it out for the canyon tbh.

You could try buy a specialized allez merida scultura 400 giant contend from someone else in the country but you might have hassel with the delivery.

You could use one of the UK's mail order company like tredz sigma merlin but you might have difficulties with the b2w scheme.

You could up your budget and buy a tcr from your local shop

Will contact Canyon & ask if they've any idea when it'll be back in stock. Problem is that HSE are closing the scheme is closing (don't ask me why).

bbari

dinneenp wrote:

Will contact Canyon & ask if they've any idea when it'll be back in stock. Problem is that HSE are closing the scheme is closing (don't ask me why).

Their delivery dates are on their site, beside the size.

Tony04

dinneenp wrote: »

Will contact Canyon & ask if they've any idea when it'll be back in stock. Problem is that HSE are closing the scheme is closing (don't ask me why).

Its mid July of you want it in red end of July if you want it in black.
https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurace-al-7.0/2392.html?dwvar_2392_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBK&quantity=1

My advice is just go for it. As long as you have a bike its worth the wait an old heavy bike can be brilliant for training as you push yourself harder on one. You could buy pedals and shoes now so your ready to go when you get it. I bought shoes online recently and they fit fine. Also this accessory kit might be worth a look aswell.

dinneenp

Tony04 wrote: »

Its mid July of you want it in red end of July if you want it in black.
https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurace-al-7.0/2392.html?dwvar_2392_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBK&quantity=1

My advice is just go for it. As long as you have a bike its worth the wait an old heavy bike can be brilliant for training as you push yourself harder on one. You could buy pedals and shoes now so your ready to go when you get it. I bought shoes online recently and they fit fine. Also this accessory kit might be worth a look aswell.

Thanks. Don't think that info was up today. I got a pop-up for my email saying they'd update me when it's in stock (or maybe that was on the general page).

I'll go for the red, it's recommending medium (I'm 180cm, inseam 83cm). Have to double check inseam, as I inputed 80cm by mistake first time & it recommended small.

Any recommendation for pedals & shoes please?

I borrowed a road bike from a neighbour- Lapierre Audacio 500, nice bike. 58cm so probably not the right size for me. Beat my old courier bike (which I loved until I tried the Lapierre). My plan is to put offroad tyres on my old bike & do a spot of offroading as well.

Tony04

dinneenp wrote: »

Thanks. Don't think that info was up today. I got a pop-up for my email saying they'd update me when it's in stock (or maybe that was on the general page).

I'll go for the red, it's recommending medium (I'm 180cm, inseam 83cm). Have to double check inseam, as I inputed 80cm by mistake first time & it recommended small.

Any recommendation for pedals & shoes please?

I borrowed a road bike from a neighbour- Lapierre Audacio 500, nice bike. 58cm so probably not the right size for me. Beat my old courier bike (which I loved until I tried the Lapierre). My plan is to put offroad tyres on my old bike & do a spot of offroading as well.

Yeh medium should fit you perfectly. It's one size down to the LaPierre so if you can fit on that the canyon will fit comfortably.

In terms of shoes you can buy either road or mtb(offroad) shoes. Mtb shoes are more durable and you can pretty much run in them. On the other hand road shoes will perform that bit better and might be that bit more comfortable during long periods clipped in. I got these road shoes a few weeks ago, if they in stock one size up from what you usally wear they offer pretty good value as the perform the same as 300€+ shoes. Theres plenty of options cheaper than that out there though.

dinneenp

Tony04 wrote: »

Yeh medium should fit you perfectly. It's one size down to the LaPierre so if you can fit on that the canyon will fit comfortably.

In terms of shoes you can buy either road or mtb(offroad) shoes. Mtb shoes are more durable and you can pretty much run in them. On the other hand road shoes will perform that bit better and might be that bit more comfortable during long periods clipped in. I got these road shoes a few weeks ago, if they in stock one size up from what you usally wear they offer pretty good value as the perform the same as 300€+ shoes. Theres plenty of options cheaper than that out there though.

Thanks. Have a pair of shoes already, must be mtb, have a different clip/connection size than road bike pedals.
Will go for a pair of road shoes though I'd say.
€300 shoes, €200 clips/pedals, what have I let myself in for? You'd think a light road shoe or a simple pedal can't vary much but obviously I'm wrong!

magicbastarder

i am still using a pair of SPD shoes i bought when the shops were operating in dual euro/punt mode. and they're the ones i still use most.

Tony04

dinneenp wrote: »

Thanks. Have a pair of shoes already, must be mtb, have a different clip/connection size than road bike pedals.
Will go for a pair of road shoes though I'd say.
€300 shoes, €200 clips/pedals, what have I let myself in for? You'd think a light road shoe or a simple pedal can't vary much but obviously I'm wrong!

You dont need to be spending that unless you want to have everything the pros have even at that once you from a third of the highest prices up your only getting 'marginal gains' although many people out there are like that. These 50€ pedals perform absolutely fine and come with cleats. You can buy mtb clips for about 30€ if you mtb shoes already.

dinneenp

Tony04 wrote: »

You dont need to be spending that unless you want to have everything the pros have even at that once you from a third of the highest prices up your only getting 'marginal gains' although many people out there are like that. These 50€ pedals perform absolutely fine and come with cleats. You can buy mtb clips for about 30€ if you mtb shoes already.

I know I don't need to spend that much. Was only joking at the path ahead -
Shoes
Pedals
Garmin
Car rack
More clothing
Accessories
Then upgrade
Winter clothing
Etc

Actually looking forward to it all.

Seth Brundle

https://twitter.com/CiaranCuffe/status/1259509653253259264

dinneenp

OK, so my options might be down to-
Merida Scultura 400
Giant Contend SL1
Cube attain SL


All very similar, which would you recommend please?

iwillhtfu

dinneenp wrote: »

OK, so my options might be down to-
Merida Scultura 400
Giant Contend SL1
Cube attain SL


All very similar, which would you recommend please?

Whichever you like the look of and are most comfortable on. No one else can answer what suits you best. Go for a test ride on them and you'll know quick enough.

Tony04

dinneenp wrote: »

OK, so my options might be down to-
Merida Scultura 400
Giant Contend SL1
Cube attain SL


All very similar, which would you recommend please?

Does cube have discs? All from local shops?

Higgins5473

magicbastarder wrote: »

i heard the department of education have also suspended the BTW system. it's possible the people in payroll can't get into the office, perchance?

bbari wrote: »

i doubt that'd be the case as no one in the DOE will get paid then?

They are accepting applications from 8th June 2020

https://www.education.ie/en/Education-Staff/Services/Payroll-Financial/Cycle-to-Work/Cycle-to-Work-Scheme.html

I'm hoping to return to teaching in September (my business failed due to the crisis).

Anyway, as a teacher, how does the scheme work? Do you pay up front in shop and then get a tax credit with department? I have never bought on the bike-to-work scheme.

Thanks.

magicbastarder

the scheme works by your employer buying the bike on your behalf, and deducting the amount out of your salary.
so if you spend the full grand, your pay drops by a grand - but from your gross salary, not your net salary.

Higgins5473

magicbastarder wrote: »

the scheme works by your employer buying the bike on your behalf, and deducting the amount out of your salary.
so if you spend the full grand, your pay drops by a grand - but from your gross salary, not your net salary.

thanks, so I'm guessing you have to apply for the bike you want on the application form and have that approved before you can proceed? The shop wouldn't be in position to just hand the bike over without guarantee of payment surely?

magicbastarder

they won't hand over a bike without payment being received. not sure how payment is handled with the department of education.

generally, what you need to do is go into the bike shop, decide what you want, and get them to supply an invoice. that's submitted to your employer as part of the application process, and they'll get the ball rolling.

you can spend over a grand if you want, but the excess over it has to be paid by you.

dinneenp

Higgins5473 wrote: »

thanks, so I'm guessing you have to apply for the bike you want on the application form and have that approved before you can proceed? The shop wouldn't be in position to just hand the bike over without guarantee of payment surely?

Some shops will take a deposit & hold the bike for you. Some you can buy the bike now & when your company pay them, they'll give it to you.

cletus

Higgins5473 wrote: »

They are accepting applications from 8th June 2020

https://www.education.ie/en/Education-Staff/Services/Payroll-Financial/Cycle-to-Work/Cycle-to-Work-Scheme.html

I'm hoping to return to teaching in September (my business failed due to the crisis).

Anyway, as a teacher, how does the scheme work? Do you pay up front in shop and then get a tax credit with department? I have never bought on the bike-to-work scheme.

Thanks.

Bear in mind that ETB's (or at least KWETB) operate on a January to November time frame for the BTW.

That means if you get the bike in September, you will make all of your repayments over 3 months. If you wait till January for the bike, you'll make the payments over 11 months

danoriordan1402

Higgins5473 wrote: »

thanks, so I'm guessing you have to apply for the bike you want on the application form and have that approved before you can proceed? The shop wouldn't be in position to just hand the bike over without guarantee of payment surely?

Our place do the bike to Work one4all voucher, sign up at work they then start taking monthly deductions. Got the voucher just before lockdown so its yet to be spent....

Higgins5473

cletus wrote: »

Bear in mind that ETB's (or at least KWETB) operate on a January to November time frame for the BTW.

That means if you get the bike in September, you will make all of your repayments over 3 months. If you wait till January for the bike, you'll make the payments over 11 months

thanks, appreciate that. Just planning on going with a basic bike, nothing expensive. i realise the more you spend the more you save but at the end of the day it's a bit of a false economy to spend the max if you cant afford it which I cant.

As an aside, somewhat off topic and sorry if so. But there can't be a bike bought around dublin on the online stores at the moment, adverts.ie big demand!

magicbastarder

dinneenp wrote: »

Some you can buy the bike now & when your company pay them, they'll give it to you.

that's not really 'buying the bike now', though? more just reserving it?