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

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Comments

  • #1952
    dahat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,826 ✭✭✭✭dahat


    magicbastarder wrote: »
    based on what though?
    i think it'd be more helpful for them to look at VAT bands on bikes and bike kit. less regressive, too.

    Not sure really, maybe wishful thinking more than anything. It was mentioned at some point recently as a recommendation from a committee at some level.


  • #1953
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    magicbastarder wrote: »
    based on what though?
    i think it'd be more helpful for them to look at VAT bands on bikes and bike kit. less regressive, too.
    It may be reressive but I can't see a better way to implement such a simple scheme without making it less simple and therefore less effective. I worked wth someone who did not benefit from the scheme at all (financially). They did benefit from the ability to pay interest free over 12 months though. it may be regressive but as schemes go, it is one of the few I cannot find a fault with.


  • #1954
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    dinneenp wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm going to buy a road bike once bike shops reopen & my company has a window for the BTW scheme. I posted a thread for recommendations & Tony04 replied with 2 nice articles for recommendations.

    I'd like to buy in a bricks & motar store for help with sizing etc. So what stores in Ireland have the best selection, are there one or two that jump out? I'm in Galway but willing to travel.
    Cheers,
    Pa.

    It really depends on how budget conscious you are. If you dot mind a paying that bit extra for convenience go to your nearest store. Galway is a big town so most bike brands should be available there so you could find the best value bike online and go to the store that stocks it. Otherwise if you want the best value for money go online, you can find/get all the advice you need online.


  • #1955
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    Tony04 wrote: »
    It really depends on how budget conscious you are. If you dot mind a paying that bit extra for convenience go to your nearest store. Galway is a big town so most bike brands should be available there so you could find the best value bike online and go to the store that stocks it. Otherwise if you want the best value for money go online, you can find/get all the advice you need online.

    ATM I'm thinking about the €1k mark. Will end up a bit more maybe as will need clip shoes as well.
    I'll compare prices online to local & outside of Galway & if there's not a big differnece will go local.


  • #1956
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    dinneenp wrote: »
    ATM I'm thinking about the €1k mark. Will end up a bit more maybe as will need clip shoes as well.
    I'll compare prices online to local & outside of Galway & if there's not a big differnece will go local.

    At that price I would say local giant contend further specialized allez online canyon endurace. Last being the best value for money.

    Buying pedals and shoes online might be cheaper aswell although you can negotiate with lbs.

    Be careful not all online stores will do b2w scheme, canyon definitely do though.


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  • #1957
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    I'd go local, the convenience and trouble saving, as well as supporting a local business.
    Tony04 wrote: »
    Be careful not all online stores will do b2w scheme, canyon definitely do though.

    Depends on what you mean by the B2W scheme, if you mean the overall thing, any shop that takes money does the scheme. The contract as such is between the employer and the employee, the shop should in theory just see it as another purchase. If you mean those stupid middle men companies then as far as I know, Canyon don't do it here, they do through the UK scheme but not ours (very different schemes). This said they are an approved supplier for some civil service area, so if you work in a place that buys direct rather than through a middle man you can buy from them.


  • #1958
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,051 ✭✭✭cletus


    Some shops won't deal with certain "middle men" the hassle is too great, and the cut they take is too much


  • #1959
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    It may have been answered already and I know there's been doubt about Ribble but my question.

    Does the company you purchase from have to be registered for VAT in Ireland? I don't think there's a requirement but someone may know otherwise. I've sent Ribble a mail to see if they know more.

    I'm looking at picking up a Ribble CGR AL I've looked at other options and nothing seems to compare when it comes to value or the particular spec I want. Ideally shimano GRX,650b I've looked at canyon and purchased from them before but they grail I was looking at has Sram (i could live with that) but only 650b on s/xs frames (I don't want 700c)

    I could use our UK branch and scheme if needs be but would rather avoid the faff.


  • #1960
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    iwillhtfu wrote: »
    It may have been answered already and I know there's been doubt about Ribble but my question.

    Does the company you purchase from have to be registered for VAT in Ireland? I don't think there's a requirement but someone may know otherwise. I've sent Ribble a mail to see if they know more.

    I'm looking at picking up a Ribble CGR AL I've looked at other options and nothing seems to compare when it comes to value or the particular spec I want. Ideally shimano GRX,650b I've looked at canyon and purchased from them before but they grail I was looking at has Sram (i could live with that) but only 650b on s/xs frames (I don't want 700c)

    I could use our UK branch and scheme if needs be but would rather avoid the faff.

    Basically the only requirement is that your company have to buy it for you, so if they are happy to buy from Ribble that is it. There is no need for them to be registered for VAT here. Basically your company buy the bike from them and hand it to you and take that amount away from your wages within a year.


  • #1961
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Basically the only requirement is that your company have to buy it for you, so if they are happy to buy from Ribble that is it. There is no need for them to be registered for VAT here. Basically your company buy the bike from them and hand it to you and take that amount away from your wages within a year.

    Thanks that's what I was thinking but just wanted to be sure before putting the plan in motion. Cool new bike day soon so. :D


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  • #1962
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,302 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    cletus wrote: »
    Some shops won't deal with certain "middle men" the hassle is too great, and the cut they take is too much
    Some employers (such as mine :() will only deal with the middle men which means that there's no room for price negotiation with LBS or ability for the LBS to throw in a few freebies.


  • #1963
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Depends on what you mean by the B2W scheme, if you mean the overall thing, any shop that takes money does the scheme. The contract as such is between the employer and the employee, the shop should in theory just see it as another purchase. If you mean those stupid middle men companies then as far as I know, Canyon don't do it here, they do through the UK scheme but not ours (very different schemes). This said they are an approved supplier for some civil service area, so if you work in a place that buys direct rather than through a middle man you can buy from them.

    So the list here is only relevant to civil servants?


  • #1964
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Tony04 wrote: »
    So the list here is only relevant to civil servants?

    Pretty much, and even then, only if the localised grouping operates that. Under the scheme, any bike can be bought from any bike shop in the world, but every employer is allowed put their own restrictions on it. Any civil servant could get a non listed shop to fill out the form and submit to become an approved supplier. They even have a list of whiich ones operate through a middle man scheme and which ones don't eg Canyon do not as seen here: https://ogp.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/23_05_2018_Bicycle-Suppliers.pdf


  • #1965
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    Tony04 wrote: »
    At that price I would say local giant contend further specialized allez online canyon endurace. Last being the best value for money.

    Buying pedals and shoes online might be cheaper aswell although you can negotiate with lbs.

    Be careful not all online stores will do b2w scheme, canyon definitely do though.

    Did some research after reading this and the Canyon sounds great- best value, more comfortable ride that the Specialized etc.
    However, my companies scheme is through Travelhub & they don't include Canyon.
    hhhhhmmmmm


  • #1966
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    dinneenp wrote: »
    Did some research after reading this and the Canyon sounds great- best value, more comfortable ride that the Specialized etc.
    However, my companies scheme is through Travelhub & they don't include Canyon.
    hhhhhmmmmm

    If your company uses a middle man you're bunched so. Is it a big company? Perhaps ask the finance dept if they'll do a direct payment for you it's no more hard work and could be done in a matter of minutes. It's when 100's of people ask for the same it becomes an issue.

    My place sends out a generic email about the bike to work and some voucher scheme they came across at a trade show but there are no ties to them and I've gone direct when I used the scheme.


  • #1967
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,184 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    in my company, the limitation is that they will only deal with bricks'n'mortar stores within the country (as in 26 counties).


  • #1968
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    Sent an email to HR, will see what they say.
    Seems that most listed shops in my scheme don't stock Specialized either...
    My wife works for the HSE, maybe she's interested in getting a Canyon road bike through the scheme..


  • #1969
    byrnem31
    Registered Users Posts: 876 ✭✭✭byrnem31


    I would not buy cycling shoes online either.
    I bought peddles and shoes out of a bike shop recently.
    I would have saved €20 buying online. However, the shop changed the peddles for me for my old ones and made sure the shoes were the right size. I take a 10, the shoes I needed were an eleven. Therefore, for the sake of €20, I got a shoe fitting service and got my peddles changed free of charge. Plus I gave a local shop some business.
    Buying clothes/shoes online is a lottery.


  • #1970
    katie275
    Registered Users Posts: 148 ✭✭katie275


    I applied for a quote availing of the bike to work scheme, the retailer refused stating that the demand for bikes has increased and the suppliers are running out of bikes, causing bikes to be out of stock upon receipt of BTW


  • #1971
    byrnem31
    Registered Users Posts: 876 ✭✭✭byrnem31


    katie275 wrote: »
    I applied for a quote availing of the bike to work scheme, the retailer refused stating that the demand for bikes has increased and the suppliers are running out of bikes, causing bikes to be out of stock upon receipt of BTW

    Try penny farthing in Camden street


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  • #1972
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    dinneenp wrote: »
    Seems that most listed shops in my scheme don't stock Specialized either...

    Thats because specialized only sell in there own store in city west in Dublin.
    Travelhub dont list them, your best bet is just haggling your companies hr/accounting to buy direct.


  • #1973
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    Tony04 wrote: »
    Thats because specialized only sell in there own store in city west in Dublin.
    Travelhub dont list them, your best bet is just haggling your companies hr/accounting to buy direct.

    Cheers, I was wondering what was going on. Especially as many of the shops were listed as having Specialized bikes.

    I'm going to go local first, some stock Giant etc. The Giant Contend 2 has 105 derailleurs, same as the Allez. Would I be wrong in saying that the difference between the 2 (and possibly the Canyon) aren't that big, that they're all decent bikes?


  • #1974
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭Tony04


    dinneenp wrote: »
    Cheers, I was wondering what was going on. Especially as many of the shops were listed as having Specialized bikes.

    I'm going to go local first, some stock Giant etc. The Giant Contend 2 has 105 derailleurs, same as the Allez. Would I be wrong in saying that the difference between the 2 (and possibly the Canyon) aren't that big, that they're all decent bikes?

    Yeh they're all decent bikes. Imo the allez might be more worth while as the frameset might just be that bit better more worth while upgrading. If you want to dip your foot in to racing or even more challenging sportifs after this is over the canyon might be worth getting as its significantly lighter which will make it marginally better. Anyway the biggest gain is going to be had from going to any old heavy bike to any of those you mentioned. Another bike you might look at is the merida scultura 400. If you want to go up a tier to 1500-2500 range the giant tcr is one of the best value bikes out there but again differences are only marginal.


  • #1975
    danoriordan1402
    Registered Users Posts: 701 ✭✭✭danoriordan1402


    I recieved a one4all voucher to the bike2Work scheme, narrowed it down to a few bikes, - only ever used bricks and morter stores before, never purchased online. Stupid question, does the bike come fully or partly assembled, or like a lego kit :) I was planning on ordering from theEdge in Cork.


  • #1976
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,302 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    It should come fully assembled and ready to go.
    Phone the bike shop to be 100% sure what way they're currently delivering (but I would honestly doubt that they will let you put it together yourself).


  • #1977
    Icepick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,456 ✭✭✭Icepick


    iwillhtfu wrote: »
    It may have been answered already and I know there's been doubt about Ribble but my question.

    Does the company you purchase from have to be registered for VAT in Ireland? I don't think there's a requirement but someone may know otherwise. I've sent Ribble a mail to see if they know more.

    I'm looking at picking up a Ribble CGR AL I've looked at other options and nothing seems to compare when it comes to value or the particular spec I want. Ideally shimano GRX,650b I've looked at canyon and purchased from them before but they grail I was looking at has Sram (i could live with that) but only 650b on s/xs frames (I don't want 700c)

    I could use our UK branch and scheme if needs be but would rather avoid the faff.
    I am also looking at Ribble.
    Have you found out what needs to be done without a 3rd party involved?


  • #1978
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    Icepick wrote: »
    I am also looking at Ribble.
    Have you found out what needs to be done without a 3rd party involved?

    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. :D


  • #1979
    katie275
    Registered Users Posts: 148 ✭✭katie275


    I'm a high rate tax payer, I want to purchase a bike through the BTW scheme, the bike company sent me a quote based on the standard tax rate, which I then sent to my employer. Company said the relief will be fixed when my employer applies for me, is this right? I don't really know how the scheme works, thanks a mill!


  • #1980
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭iwillhtfu


    katie275 wrote: »
    I'm a high rate tax payer, I want to purchase a bike through the BTW scheme, the bike company sent me a quote based on the standard tax rate, which I then sent to my employer. Company said the relief will be fixed when my employer applies for me, is this right? I don't really know how the scheme works, thanks a mill!

    The bike company has nothing to do with your tax affairs that will be dealt with by your payroll. The invoice they gave you will be for the price of the bike there may be an approximation of savings based on tax bracket but that's irrelevant.


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  • #1981
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    What iwillhtfu said


  • #1982
    Icepick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,456 ✭✭✭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. :D
    Any problem because the invoice is from the UK?


  • #1983
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,172 Mod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #1984
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,184 CMod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #1985
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1986
    bbari
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭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.


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  • #1987
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,184 CMod ✭✭✭✭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?


  • #1988
    bbari
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭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?


  • #1989
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭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


  • #1990
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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).


  • #1991
    bbari
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 996 ✭✭✭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.


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  • #1992
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1993
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1994
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1995
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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!


  • #1996
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,184 CMod ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #1997
    Tony04
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1998
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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.


  • #1999
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,302 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


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


  • #2000
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,153 ✭✭✭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?


  • #2001
    iwillhtfu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,373 ✭✭✭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.


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