Commuting ideas - please help me pick the best one
Discussion
Hi all, I was after a bit of advice really. I am commuting into London at the moment by train then taking the tube which i can't stand! Always been keen on cycling of some discription and feel like it would be a good way to get some daily exercise and some enjoyment before work.
Firstly anyone do this and what is the minimum kit needed (eg fluro jacket bags) and how do you go about getting suits etc into work? - Fortunately we have showers at work and a gym near by
Secondly anyone bought a bike through the bike to work scheme that the goverenment do? makes it cheap i think? and tax breaks for all involved?
Next question is what to do the ride on I have a few ideas but not sure which is the best option,
1. get a folding bike of some description and take it on the train. will prob want a 26" wheel one if so whats the best make? I was looking at a Dahon but they are pricy! pros: security wise can store it at home and at work cons: moody commuters not liking sharing their standing space with a bike!
2. Keep a bike at Euston to use to and from work either the specialized rockhopper fs that i currently have on slicks at the moment, scrapping the front suspension and maybe moving to single speed or an ebay special like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LOOK-SINGLE-SPE then use it till it gets nicked, rusted away etc etc.
3. a road bike to do the above on
4. get a 99quid special from one of the adds in the paper and use that as above
5. any other good suggestions!
sorry about the waffle hope it makes sense!
Andy
Firstly anyone do this and what is the minimum kit needed (eg fluro jacket bags) and how do you go about getting suits etc into work? - Fortunately we have showers at work and a gym near by
Secondly anyone bought a bike through the bike to work scheme that the goverenment do? makes it cheap i think? and tax breaks for all involved?
Next question is what to do the ride on I have a few ideas but not sure which is the best option,
1. get a folding bike of some description and take it on the train. will prob want a 26" wheel one if so whats the best make? I was looking at a Dahon but they are pricy! pros: security wise can store it at home and at work cons: moody commuters not liking sharing their standing space with a bike!
2. Keep a bike at Euston to use to and from work either the specialized rockhopper fs that i currently have on slicks at the moment, scrapping the front suspension and maybe moving to single speed or an ebay special like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LOOK-SINGLE-SPE then use it till it gets nicked, rusted away etc etc.
3. a road bike to do the above on
4. get a 99quid special from one of the adds in the paper and use that as above
5. any other good suggestions!
sorry about the waffle hope it makes sense!
Andy
1. I think with these folding commuter bikes you pay for what you get, and security wise, having it at home and under your desk at work is the best option. Other commuters on the train? F
k 'em. If the rail companies are happy for you to take your bike on the train (small charge?) and you have paid for your ticket the same as they are then you are doing nothing wrong. In fact, why get a folding bike at all? Wgy not get a full size bike, and stand with it out of everyones way. Then flick them the V's when you zip past their cancer belching black cab stuck in traffic at the other end.
2. You'll end up buying a new bike every week when it gets nicked or vandalised.
3. as above
4. as above, or sooner when the thing falls apart or siezes up completely
5. Just my Cityphobia coming out, but why not relocate closer to work (too pricey?), or get a job closer to home (less money, but also less commute costs and time too - more to life than a big salary)
k 'em. If the rail companies are happy for you to take your bike on the train (small charge?) and you have paid for your ticket the same as they are then you are doing nothing wrong. In fact, why get a folding bike at all? Wgy not get a full size bike, and stand with it out of everyones way. Then flick them the V's when you zip past their cancer belching black cab stuck in traffic at the other end. 2. You'll end up buying a new bike every week when it gets nicked or vandalised.
3. as above
4. as above, or sooner when the thing falls apart or siezes up completely
5. Just my Cityphobia coming out, but why not relocate closer to work (too pricey?), or get a job closer to home (less money, but also less commute costs and time too - more to life than a big salary)
Just looking at the scheme myself. Your employer has to register for it and process it. SOme companies take up to 6 weeks to sort it out. We just did our first purchase here and the chap got his bike in 5 days but your HR dept have to push a bit I think.
Saves almost 50%, maybe a bit more!
Max limit of £1k per year per employee.
Saves almost 50%, maybe a bit more!
Max limit of £1k per year per employee.
FYI - you do not have to use the bike to cycle to work on the cycle scheme. It is not part of the terms and conditions. If your HR dept is efficient you should get the vouchers in around 7 working days, maybe less. Some companies take up to 6 weeks to get it sorted though which I guess could be a pain. Great scheme, I am looking for a new bike now to buy through it. Only works though if your company signs up I think.
I've left one of these at Paddington for the last four years and the only thing that's been nicked is a mudguard. Use a couple of decent locks and you won't have any problems. Top bike, takes everything you throw at it and will never ever break. Every now and then I'm forced to use the tube and remember exactly why I stopped.
In terms of kit - I carry a spare inner tube and some patches, wear a decent waterproof jacket and carry spare socks (nothing worse than wet feet all day).
In terms of kit - I carry a spare inner tube and some patches, wear a decent waterproof jacket and carry spare socks (nothing worse than wet feet all day).
pappa lurve said:
FYI - you do not have to use the bike to cycle to work on the cycle scheme. It is not part of the terms and conditions.
AIUI its actually a condition that 50%+ of your journeys to work should involve the bike in order to qualify for the scheme. Note that cycling to the station and leaving it there would make that journey count.
{edited to add:} but seriously, who's going to be checking?
Edited by pdV6 on Monday 2nd April 09:35
deckster said:
I've left one of these at Paddington for the last four years and the only thing that's been nicked is a mudguard. Use a couple of decent locks and you won't have any problems. Top bike, takes everything you throw at it and will never ever break. Every now and then I'm forced to use the tube and remember exactly why I stopped.
In terms of kit - I carry a spare inner tube and some patches, wear a decent waterproof jacket and carry spare socks (nothing worse than wet feet all day).
In terms of kit - I carry a spare inner tube and some patches, wear a decent waterproof jacket and carry spare socks (nothing worse than wet feet all day).
That bike is exactly the type of thing i am looking for! cheap and won't stand out, but up for the punishment! Was considering going for a single speeder but having a few to choose from seems a good comprimise!
Thanks all again
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