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

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Comments

  • #1252
    Undercover Elephant
    Registered Users Posts: 465 ✭✭Undercover Elephant


    carrighead wrote: »
    I would like to get a bike on the Cycle to Work scheme. However I am on a paid career break, I get 3k quarterly and pay 50 odd euro in tax per quarter. I am due back to work in July 2016. Is it possible for me to apply for the scheme even though I don't pay tax and don't work even though I am still employed and on the payroll?

    The scheme is only good because you save on tax. If you don't pay tax, you can't save any. So it would be daft to use the scheme now even if you're eligible.


  • #1253
    carrighead
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭carrighead


    Thanks Undercover Elephant, That's what I was thinking. Thought I would ask just to be 100% sure :)


  • #1254
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,693 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    Plus also, you wouldn't be using it to commute to work so I imagine your employer may not process it anyway?


  • #1255
    jon1981
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,359 ✭✭✭jon1981


    caviardreams wrote: »
    Plus also, you wouldn't be using it to commute to work so I imagine your employer may not process it anyway?

    That's irrelevant, the employer won't care. Also if they do ask are you going to use it to commute, you say yes...


  • #1256
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    carrighead wrote: »
    I would like to get a bike on the Cycle to Work scheme.
    Threads merged. Please read the forum charter and FAQs before posting (and certainly before starting a new thread as we may, as in this case, already have a dedicated thread)

    Any questions PM me - do not respond in-thread


  • #1257
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    jon1981 wrote: »
    That's irrelevant, the employer won't care. Also if they do ask are you going to use it to commute, you say yes...
    Do not encourage anyone to commit tax fraud. Do not respond to this warning in-thread


  • #1258
    carrighead
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭carrighead


    To be honest my employers are lovely, and I don't think this would be an issue :) and I will eventually be using it to commute, I just need extra training time to prepare ;)

    its a moot point really; as undercover elephant pointed out, I don't pay tax so that's the end of it for now. cheers x


  • #1259
    fungie
    Registered Users Posts: 696 ✭✭✭fungie


    I am looking to get a bike on the bike to work scheme but I have no idea about what bike to get (brands, where to buy etc). I would like a road bike and am willing to go up to the max amount, 1000 euro. Any suggestions/tips would be great.


  • #1260
    whacker00
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 235 ✭✭whacker00


    Even better, why not try a quick search of the threads currently open. There is a massive amount of great information on bikes and all aspects of btw scheme.


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  • #1261
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Moved from Cycling Adverts


  • #1262
    Stereomaniac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,166 ✭✭✭Stereomaniac


    Can anyone tell me how do you even get the Bike To Work scheme, I don't understand it really?


  • #1263
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Stereomaniac wrote: »
    Can anyone tell me how do you even get the Bike To Work scheme, I don't understand it really?
    It's all in the BTW Megathread (which is also linked from the FAQs;))


  • #1264
    fungie
    Registered Users Posts: 696 ✭✭✭fungie


    I am thinking of getting a bike to work scheme bike, but have no idea about what brands etc to get. I would like a road bike and am willing to go to the higher end of the bike to work scale (1000 euro). Any help would be appreciated.


  • #1265
    ted1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,794 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    jon1981 wrote: »
    That's irrelevant, the employer won't care. Also if they do ask are you going to use it to commute, you say yes...

    Some do care, my last one wouldn't do it, as I had a company Van.


  • #1266
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    fungie wrote: »
    I am thinking of getting a bike to work scheme bike, but have no idea about what brands etc to get. I would like a road bike and am willing to go to the higher end of the bike to work scale (1000 euro). Any help would be appreciated.
    You started a thread here and that remains open. My comment to another poster in that thread to come over here was because they had a question about the scheme, and that's what this thread is supposed to cover. When it comes down to which bike to buy everyone will have different objectives and we are happy for posters to ask directly with a separate thread rather than clog this thread up. Of course, a quick search and you will find plenty of thread already talking about bikes in the €1k bracket

    In summary - this thread is not for asking "Which bike?" it's for discussing the BTW rules


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  • #1267
    fungie
    Registered Users Posts: 696 ✭✭✭fungie


    At least can someone recommend a good bike shop in Dublin with a big selection?


  • #1268
    vinnyobrien
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭vinnyobrien


    Great lads, nice bikes


  • #1269
    sin_26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 475 ✭✭sin_26


    I would recommend Cycle Superstore. Good range and you always can haggle a bit ;).


  • #1270
    darragh o meara
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,236 ✭✭✭darragh o meara


    I'm about to sign up for this but could do with some advice please.

    The bike I'm looking at is 1000, I'm on the higher rate of tax and my company dosent let me pay the remainder in installments so it'll be one lump sum.

    Buying the 1000 euro bike, what am I likely to see deducted from my wages the week after I get the voucher?


  • #1271
    brianomc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 693 ✭✭✭brianomc


    €1000 will be deducted from your pay BEFORE taxes are calculated. Everyody is slightly different because of marriage status and various other tax reliefs that you might get that someone else doesn't.

    But if you earn €1000 per week you will get roughly €200 + a bike worth €1000. If you earn €800 per week you will get a bike worth €1000 and the price of a cup of coffee if you're lucky. Just barely into the higher tax bracket and you don't earn enough for them to take the full cost in one week.

    That's based on you being single or not taking any of your spouses tax credits/standard rate cutoff point if married. It also assumes you've been earning the same all year and not just started with the company.


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  • #1272
    traprunner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,887 ✭✭✭traprunner


    darragh o meara wrote: »
    I'm about to sign up for this but could do with some advice please.

    The bike I'm looking at is 1000, I'm on the higher rate of tax and my company dosent let me pay the remainder in installments so it'll be one lump sum.

    Buying the 1000 euro bike, what am I likely to see deducted from my wages the week after I get the voucher?

    480 quid


  • #1273
    darragh o meara
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,236 ✭✭✭darragh o meara


    Thanks for that. 480 sounds pretty decent for a 1000 bike. Just wasn't sure when it was being taken as one lump sum


  • #1274
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    I bought a bike from bike to work scheme in 2012. Do.I.have to wait until 2017 before I can buy another bike through bike to work?


  • #1275
    jamesd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,464 ✭✭✭jamesd


    Amprodude wrote: »
    I bought a bike from bike to work scheme in 2012. Do.I.have to wait until 2017 before I can buy another bike through bike to work?

    Every 5 years


  • #1276
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    It's based on tax years so you can avail again, assuming your employer permits it, from 1 January 2017


  • #1277
    Cycle Superstore: Philip
    Company Representative Posts: 16 Verified rep ✭Cycle Superstore: Philip


    Stereomaniac wrote: »
    Can anyone tell me how do you even get the Bike To Work scheme, I don't understand it really?

    Hey Stereomaniac, drop into any bike store. (preferably ours) ;)
    Have a look at a range of bicycles and if you spot one you like, have a quotation put together by a member of staff. The scheme will cover you up to €1000, anything over that and you will need to cover yourself. Bring the quotation back to your employer. The quotation will list the bike you selected and any safety items (jacket, lights, helmet, lock) also. Your employer will then process the quotation for you using one of the bike to work vendors (there are a number to choose from), you will then be issued with a voucher/ cheque with which to collect your bike. I hope this helped.


  • #1278
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    @CycleSuperstore:Philip Do you have a good selection of sizes in MIPS helmets in your shop? I think my size is 53cm, but haven't been able to find any to try on.

    OP:

    https://www.biketowork.ie
    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/cycle_to_work_scheme.html


  • #1279
    Cycle Superstore: Philip
    Company Representative Posts: 16 Verified rep ✭Cycle Superstore: Philip


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    @CycleSuperstore:Philip Do you have a good selection of sizes in MIPS helmets in your shop? I think my size is 53cm, but haven't been able to find any to try on.

    OP:

    https://www.biketowork.ie
    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/income_tax_credits_and_reliefs/cycle_to_work_scheme.html

    Hey, we sure do. We have a huge range of Bell helmets, and the new Giro Savant and Bishop. Lots to choose from. Always good to see someone asking about MIPS.IMG_20151023_112451.jpg IMG_20151023_112514.jpg


  • #1280
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Cycle Superstore: Philip wrote: »
    Hey, we sure do. We have a huge range of Bell helmets, and the new Giro Savant and Bishop. Lots to choose from. Always good to see someone asking about MIPS.IMG_20151023_112451.jpg IMG_20151023_112514.jpg

    Do you have the Giro Savant with MIPS in standard sizes only, or also in smaller sizes?


  • #1281
    Cycle Superstore: Philip
    Company Representative Posts: 16 Verified rep ✭Cycle Superstore: Philip


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    Do you have the Giro Savant with MIPS in standard sizes only, or also in smaller sizes?

    We have them left in size Small which you'd need as a 53cm


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  • #1282
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Thanks! I'll take a wander in. Are they very dear with you?


  • #1283
    Cycle Superstore: Philip
    Company Representative Posts: 16 Verified rep ✭Cycle Superstore: Philip


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    Thanks! I'll take a wander in. Are they very dear with you?

    The Savant is currently €110 here.


  • #1284
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Cycle Superstore: Philip wrote: »
    The Savant is currently €110 here.
    That's your price on the non-MIPS version isn't it?

    Qualitymark was asking about the MIPS variant which is typically more expensive (although with online UK retailers that are not VAT registered in Ireland the VAT can be saved)

    EDIT - actually you don't have the MIPS version listed on your website - do you actually stock it at all, as if not Qualitymark would be wasting a journey?


  • #1285
    Cycle Superstore: Philip
    Company Representative Posts: 16 Verified rep ✭Cycle Superstore: Philip


    Beasty wrote: »
    That's your price on the non-MIPS version isn't it?

    Qualitymark was asking about the MIPS variant which is typically more expensive (although with online UK retailers that are not VAT registered in Ireland the VAT can be saved)

    EDIT - actually you don't have the MIPS version listed on your website - do you actually stock it at all, as if not Qualitymark would be wasting a journey?

    Correct (on pricing), we did have stock of it in store but not at present. Apologies Qualitymark, the only option we have at the moment is the POC Trabec.


  • #1286
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Cycle Superstore: Philip wrote: »
    Correct (on pricing), we did have stock of it in store but not at present. Apologies Qualitymark, the only option we have at the moment is the POC Trabec.

    Mm. I think I'll wait till I'm next in London or Paris, where there'll be bigger bike shops with a bigger range.


  • #1287
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    Mm. I think I'll wait till I'm next in London or Paris, where there'll be bigger bike shops with a bigger range.
    If you get chance you can try a normal one on. The fit of MIPS helmets is the same as those without the feature. They just have an additional layer within the helmet to help alleviate/mitigate the consequences of a collision. You can then pick something online if it suits.


  • #1288
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Beasty wrote: »
    If you get chance you can try a normal one on. The fit of MIPS helmets is the same as those without the feature. They just have an additional layer within the helmet to help alleviate/mitigate the consequences of a collision. You can then pick something online if it suits.

    But wouldn't I need to try one that fitted to see if it was comfortable, and if it still had that horrid choking feeling from the strap?


  • #1289
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    Qualitymark wrote: »
    But wouldn't I need to try one that fitted to see if it was comfortable, and if it still had that horrid choking feeling from the strap?
    That's what I was suggesting - the "feel/fit" of the MIPS and non-MIPS ones will be the same, so if you get a chance try on a non-MIPS one (unless you can find someone over here stocking the Savant MIPS), and if necessary you can then buy something with an identical fit online (and in all likelihood cheaper if you can avoid the VAT)


  • #1290
    Qualitymark
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,824 ✭✭✭Qualitymark


    Beasty wrote: »
    That's what I was suggesting - the "feel/fit" of the MIPS and non-MIPS ones will be the same, so if you get a chance try on a non-MIPS one (unless you can find someone over here stocking the Savant MIPS), and if necessary you can then buy something with an identical fit online (and in all likelihood cheaper if you can avoid the VAT)

    Mmmsounds a bit of a hack; maybe I'll wait for the big city bike shops.


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  • #1291
    Officer Giggles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,679 ✭✭✭Officer Giggles


    Do the changes in the USC from January mean that at the top end your saving will drop from 51% to 49.5%


  • #1292
    cython
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,781 ✭✭✭cython


    Officer Giggles wrote: »
    Do the changes in the USC from January mean that at the top end your saving will drop from 51% to 49.5%

    If you the top end you refer to the 7% rate that has since dropped to 5.5% (as opposed to the 8% over €70k, since many more people are in the former position) then yes. The same was seen last year when they reduced the tax burden as well, and it actually worked out that up to 70k you saved 1% less, but the new USC band meant people paid over 70k would see the same saving. The very top end rate of 8% sees no change though.


  • #1293
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    Officer Giggles wrote: »
    Do the changes in the USC from January mean that at the top end your saving will drop from 51% to 49.5%

    Wow I wish had to worry about this :(


  • #1294
    mydiscworld
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 808 ✭✭✭mydiscworld


    Officer Giggles wrote: »
    Do the changes in the USC from January mean that at the top end your saving will drop from 51% to 49.5%

    Yes. Max saving drops from 510 to 495 from Jan 1 2016, though one might argue you'd get a cheaper bike in the Jan sales than buying it before Xmas


  • #1295
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    You will only be saving less tax/USC because you will be paying less tax/USC in the first place;)

    Having said that, if you have the choice of getting a bike this year or next, there is a net saving in the above scenario (and you get to qualify a year earlier next time if you and the scheme are still around!)


  • #1296
    Unknown Soldier
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,124 ✭✭✭Unknown Soldier


    Has anyone ever had to get a Credit back from an LBS under the scheme?

    Say you order a bike and pay for it with the company cheque but when you are building the bike you notice that the geometry is nothing like was advertised and is too big. The next size down is not available (might never be again) and even if it was the geometry might not suit.

    Where do you stand with getting a credit? Should you be able to get a cheque written back to the company? (not yourself obviously)

    Can an LBS insist that as you've started the BTW they can't do a credit? Even though you are still going to use it in another LBS?


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  • #1297
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,431 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Unknown Soldier wrote: »

    Can an LBS insist that as you've started the BTW they can't do a credit? Even though you are still going to use it in another LBS?

    The fact that it is B2W makes no difference to the shop. It is a normal transaction to them. It would be covered under the sale of goods act. Your company would be entitled to a refund although it may be awkward.


  • #1298
    Unknown Soldier
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,124 ✭✭✭Unknown Soldier


    CramCycle wrote: »
    The fact that it is B2W makes no difference to the shop. It is a normal transaction to them. It would be covered under the sale of goods act. Your company would be entitled to a refund although it may be awkward.

    Thanks, Cram.

    I did a bit more research and came up a blank but the more I thought about it.. the more I came the conclusion you just mentioned. They just took a cheque for the full amount. So it might just as well have been cash/credit card. It would be a different situation were it bought "through" a bike to work scheme company with them. I think this is where the confusion lies.

    Grand so!

    Thanks for coming back to me. Appreciate it!


  • #1299
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,380 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    The company buys the bike and "sells" it to the employee under the salary sacrifice process. If the bike has not been delivered to the company yet they can cancel the contract, as Cram says, under normal sales of goods act rules

    I think it only becomes a little more difficult if the company has already "sold" it to the employee. Even a BTW "company" can only contract with the employer and not the employee as for the scheme to work the employee can only be contracting with their employer


  • #1300
    RainyDay
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,925 ✭✭✭RainyDay


    CramCycle wrote: »
    The fact that it is B2W makes no difference to the shop. It is a normal transaction to them. It would be covered under the sale of goods act. Your company would be entitled to a refund although it may be awkward.

    I thought the Sale of Goods Act only applied to consumer transactions? In this case, if the company is the buyer, they don't have consumer protection.


  • #1301
    traprunner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,887 ✭✭✭traprunner


    RainyDay wrote: »
    I thought the Sale of Goods Act only applied to consumer transactions? In this case, if the company is the buyer, they don't have consumer protection.

    Is the company not just a facilitator seeing that it's the individuals money in the long run?


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