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.
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?
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
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
bbari wrote: » i doubt that'd be the case as no one in the DOE will get paid then?
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.
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?
Higgins5473 wrote: » They are accepting applications from 8th June 2020https://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.
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
dinneenp wrote: » Some you can buy the bike now & when your company pay them, they'll give it to you.
magicbastarder wrote: » that's not really 'buying the bike now', though? more just reserving it?
dinneenp wrote: » Ok, so the plot thickens. The HSE BTW scheme is opening again this Monday & they confirmed that Canyon & Specialized are in. The recommendations from here seems to be go for the Canyon. Will take a bit longer to arrive but I'm ok with that.
