jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

Thinking of getting a new bike through the cycle to work scheme at work. Limited to Halfords so been looking and I like the look of the Whistle series of bikes.

Not really found any meaningful reviews of them, anyone any experience / any good?

ta

Bikerboygreen

iTrader: (3)

No experience of Whistle bikes, but I have Boardman mountain and road bikes from Halfords. Can't fault them - top bikes for the money.

Graz

As above, if the only option for a bike is Halfords I'd only be looking at the Boardman range.

jonc

What sort of riding will you be doing? If it's for road only have a look at road bikes too. If it also includes some light trail, then look at hybrids or the cyclocross bikes too like
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike...team-bike-2014

Cyclocross bikes are pretty durable and can handle trail riding and the gearing is more suited to riding on the road than mountain bikes. However, if your riding does include some really rough terrain then MTB are the way to go. Also don't forget to get a bike that is the correct size for you!

http://www.evanscycles.com/help/bike-sizing

Matteeboy

Budget? Type of riding?
If it's the cycle to work scheme you can usually choose other stores too.

The high end Carrera bikes are actually pretty good; worth a look too.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Some Carrera bikes are decent.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

Not sure on budget to be honest, don't want to spend more than £700

Usage is for getting fit as I have let myself go after a car accident where I hurt my back so need low impact cardio stuff. Use is mainly for road but there are a few small trails so probably a hybrod is the way to go. Can only use Halfords unfortunately.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

cheers Jon, would be scared with just a road bike as I always think my weight would buckle the wheels , think hybrid may be the way to go

Matteeboy

No worries; that's plenty of budget (is it cycle to work? That'll up your effective budget!)!

Go for an MTB biased hybrid; it'll be kinder to your back.

jayallen

iTrader: (31)

Halfords have some deals on at present......The Voodoo Hoodoo is a steal at £400 right now(£100 off) or if you want to spend your budget then the Boardman comp is a nice bike( I own one) although i changed a few bits and pieces...

Why are you limited to Halfords? Many Local bike shops and also internet based shops are part of the cycle to work scheme..

Its a good time to buy a 2014 bike due to the discounts offered because of the incoming 2015 bikes.....Another thing to take into consideration is Wheel size, the conventional 26", 650B or 29er...The choice is yours

BBB3

iTrader: (7)

I've got a cube analog that I Used ride to work on, until my brother broke it

Cube range might be worth looking at

Matteeboy

Beware if you get too hooked - my bike "habit" was costing me more than both cars (to service) in 2009; I rode so much I wore everything out in no time. Cassettes, chains, tyres, chainrings all lasted six months at the most.

I ride far less now (I run, surf and swim a lot more) partly due to location; a shame in some ways but I do NOT miss constantly shelling out £100s on the bike!

What was a 2007 Stumpjumper Comp (£1200 at the time) now has NO original parts, not even a single bolt. In fact I'm on my third set of forks, 5th cassette, 3rd rear mech, 3rd saddle, 4th bottom bracket, etc, etc!!

A great, fun way to get fit though - just set up whatever you get to be easy on your back - full on racing attack style will give you trouble. Go fairly upright, wide bars and so on.

south_scoob

kona some of the best looking frames

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

Had the voodoo hoodoo when they first came out, had to have it due to the name!, specs were also very good as well. Didn't really like the riding position though so ending up selling it, made the mistake of not trialling it on the road beforehand.

Boardmans are ok, but I like a bike to look good as well, and they look very plain. Scheme at work just uses Halfords unfortunately (its a rewards gateway thing and must be their agreement)

As the majority is going to be road, I don't really want the 29er's that are becoming popular, a 27" (750b?) though is an option.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

Done that before in my younger years, buy a bike for a few hundred (a lot at the time) then spend the same on new chainsets, cassettes, shifters, brakes etc! so all you are left with the original frame that's it!

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

few people at work have mentioned Cube, may have a look and then call Halfords as apparently they can order bikes in that they don't stock (not sure on pricing though)

jayallen

iTrader: (31)

27.5" is also known as the 650b, which is what my Boardman is. I think the Boardman is a nice looking bike, although i am a little bias



I do also have a 29er which is ridden more by my Mrs because i do prefer the 650b Boardman.

Matteeboy

I don't even have the original frame (now a Cotic Soul)! The very last original part, the stem top cap, went about six months ago!
I roughly added up all my parts (excluding any labour) and got to nearly £3k… TBH the bike would probably suit you pretty well if it was on slightly smoother rubber…




This is rather lovely…


http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike...brid-bike-2014

I think you'd struggle to get a Cube from Halfords.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

just been looking at that one, looks stealthy not flash but I don't actually mind that look (opposite of what I said 10 mins ago )
Gears look good for speed as well. Actually gone for £800 as my budget so although out of range now (cant top up), when the voucher arrives in circa 5 weeks they may have it on a Christmas sale

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

that does look nice actually