Any pro's semi pro's or people here that actually know about these things?

 

Im after one for work.

 

I work less than a mile from home, would be nothing less than stupid o drive to work, so thought I would use their cycle to work scheme to get 52% discount on a bike upto a maximum of £1000.

 

I have found two I like the look of, but I know zilch about push bikes lol.

 

If you know anything about bikes, can you take a look at the specs, let me know if its made up of good components, or pretty average.

 

Maybe even make a better suggestion?

 

These are the two I found that I like:

 

Cannondale Trail SL4 2012

Specialized Rockhopper 2012

Both entry level hardtails mate, very similar spec's, both warrant the frames for life, 9speed, hydraulic brakes, 34t cassette etc.

I'd go for the Cannondale, looks better and not as common, specializeds are the 'subaru imprezza of the mountainbike world'.. lol. The cycle to work deal is nowhere near as good as it used to be, be better off getting 0% on sale bike from last year tbh.

Not sure what size you need, but if this fits then it's a real bargain.. http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/merida-mountain-bikes/merida-matts-pro-d-bike-2011-model-18-only.html i'm a 32" inside leg, about 5'8", thats the size i would go for if that helps..:biggrin:

dont spend a grand ,and watch out for the scheme its a bit of a con cos some areas have stopped it half way and my mate has to pay for it all half way through the period

If you work less than a mile from home then why not walk?

This is a good online shop ;) but that Merida looks a good price :)

 

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/

Edited June 30, 201213 yr by daZvert

If you work less than a mile from home then why not walk?

 

Good question Daffy, and I feel I have a good answer, I only get half hour lunch break, but have to go home and let the dogs out, would like o make the journey that bit quicker, if i saves me 3-4 mins each way. thats 20% of my break time, to grab a coffee or something whilst at home :D

 

I do like the "look" of the cannondale over others. But the price on the one posted by sideshowbob is outstanding for a bike with hydraulic discs and not to be ignored. I remember about 11 years ago I was manager of the "bike hut" at a Halfords store. Back then, I was into cycling, but specs are like computers, they have changed so much. But I do remember Halfords own 160mm Hydraulic discs (despite being made by Hayes on their behalf) were around £80 per set. Thats £160 for a pair. without fitting.

 

Our work cycle scheme, we get a written quote for the bike and accessories, take it to HR. They then buy the bike, and we pay 12 monthly payments to them, direct from wages - before Tax and NI is calculated (enabling us to also claim working tax credits) - thus increasing my earnings on anything over £600 incl accessories)

 

Due to this, I was willing to go upto the £1000 limit, as I would actually have a higher take home at the end of the day, due to decreasing my salary by £1000 for the year, paying less tax and NI, and claiming a fair amount of working tax credits.

 

Both of these are £999 and I dont know the difference again. Whats better the 23 or the 24?

 

Canondale One Twenty 3

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p3709

 

Canondale One Tweny 4

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p3117

Thanks guys for help.

 

got a deal with pauls cycles on the cannondale mentioned before.

 

Here is the one I bought. should be here in a couple of weeks :)

 

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b65s2p4343

 

 

 

Specification (I understand none of it, except Magensium White lol)

 

 

 

Frame: Trail SL, Optimized 6061 alloy, SAVE, 1.5" headtube

Rear Shock: None

Front Fork: RST Deuce TNL, 100mm, coil/elastomer, lockout, 1.5"

Head Set: Tange Custom 1.5"

Stem: Cannondale C4, 1.5", 31.8, 7 degree

Handlebars: Cannondale C3 riser, 680x20 mm, 6061 alloy

Tape / Grips: Cannondale Dual Density grips

Front Brake: Cannondale Helix 3 Hydraulic Disc, 160/160 mm

Rear Brake: Cannondale Helix 3 Hydraulic Disc, 160/160 mm

Brake Levers: Cannondale Helix 3 Hydraulic

Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 34.9 clamp

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio

Shift Levers: Shimano Acera

Cassette: SunRace M66, 12-32, 8-speed

Chain: Shimano HG40, 8-speed

Crank Set: Shimano FC-M361, 42/32/22

Bearings: Shimano FC-M361, 42/32/22

Bottom Bracket: Tange Seiki LN-3912

Pedals: FPD Platform

Front Rim: Maddux DC3.0, double wall w/eyelet, 28 hole front, 32 hole rear

Front Hub: Cannondale C4 front & rear

Rear Rim: Maddux DC3.0, double wall w/eyelet, 28 hole front, 32 hole rear

Rear Hub: Cannondale C4 front & rear

Spokes: Stainless Steel, 15g, black

Front Tyre: Schwalbe Rapid Rob, 2.1"

Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Rapid Rob, 2.1"

Saddle: Cannondale Stage 2

Seat Post: Cannondale C3, 31.6 x 400 mm (L,X,J)

Seat Clamp

Notes: Magnesium White (gloss) (WHT)