Bike to work scheme - recommend good bike shop

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Thirsty

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I'm looking at purchasing a bike under the Bike to Work scheme.

Apparently, I have to find a bike shop to give me a quote for what I want first & I'm hoping someone can help..

I don't want a 'mountain bike' or 'racing bike' type of thing and most of these 'Superstores' seem to employ young people who have no idea of what I'm talking about...sigh.

Anyway as someone who has fond memories of the old 'Princess' and 'Chopper' bikes, can anyone give me a recommendation of where I can get a bike that will be/have

- a big fat, comfy saddle for my big fat backside!
- basket/carriers for work stuff
- step through space (what used to be known as a 'girls' bike!)
- higher handle bars (don't want to be leaning forward on wrists)
- simple gear system
- mudguards (why don't bikes have these any more!!)

.... feeling very old now & wondering if I'm bonkers doing this at all!
 
Hi. You have not said where you are. I go to Richies in Swords, Co. Dublin. Once you buy a bike off him it has free service for life ( still have to pay for the parts unfortunately). Had mine serviced on Monday.

I have one of the racer bikes, 18km a day round trip to work.

Have you looked at a hybrid bike. It is nice and light and has a straight handlebar. No matter which store you go to just make sure that they have a good after care service. If you are going to be cycling every day to work little things will require maintenance.

You might want to consider getting a gel seat cover and a good pair of cycling shorts also but this will depend on how far you intend to cycle. A good pump is very important. If the tyres are at full pressure you get less punctures.
 
What you are looking for is a tourer bike, sometimes these days, they are called hydrids. They never have mudguards and a carriers but they are always available.

Here are a few options for you to think about.

[broken link removed]

[broken link removed]

You are right, you need a bricks and mortar shop where you will get advice and will be able to test drive the bike.

If you live in South Dublin, I am recommend two bike shops that are long established and have good staff that will help you find a suitable bike

Joe Dalys in Dundrum
Hollingsworth in Templeogue and Kilmacud. www.bikez.ie
 
Thirsty said:
Apparently, I have to find a bike shop to give me a quote for what I want first & I'm hoping someone can help..
Click to expand...

The scheme works like this

You find a bike you want to buy and get a Pro-Forma invoice ( like a quote) from the shop, with the total cost including any accessories you intend buying (mudguards, lights, helmet, carrier, pump etc).

Your employer pays the shop directly and takes the money from your gross pay.
 
dogfish said:
Hi. You have not said where you are.
Click to expand...

If you're on the northside of Dublin, I recommend Duff Cycles - Donaghmede & Santry (Omni). We have bought 4 bikes from them in recent years, including a fold-up one I bought under the cycle to work scheme last year, and my wife's bike which matches the description of your requirement.

IMHO, they don't suffer from "young people who have no idea of what I'm talking about".
 
I wouldnt recommend Hollingsworth in Templeogue, never found them helpful, and have been living in the area over 30 years.

I would recommend [broken link removed] in Tallaght. Absolutely brilliant staff - years of experience and knowledge.

Purely on good price Id recommend The Cycle Superstore in Tallaght, but they do tend to have young staff who may or may not know whats going on with us older folk - they do have older staff as well and plenty of high nellie style bikes - got my own hybrid there.
 
huskerdu said:
The scheme works like this

You find a bike you want to buy and get a Pro-Forma invoice ( like a quote) from the shop, with the total cost including any accessories you intend buying (mudguards, lights, helmet, carrier, pump etc).

Your employer pays the shop directly and takes the money from your gross pay.
Click to expand...
Well different employers may do it differently. In my case I just get a quote for a bike and gear to the amount I want to spend. My employer then issues me with a voucher for that amount which I give to the bike shop against whatever I ultimately decide to buy.
 
another vote for Joe Daly in Dundrum - sure he kitted Stephen Roche out since he was a nipper. - What better recomendation would one need!!
 
I heard recently that the bike-to-work scheme is subject to widespread abuse - people are buying all kinds if things (e.g lawnmowers, white goods etc) and getting the shops to issue receipts showing bikes or bike equipment.
It's a bit disappointing really. Anyone else hear about this?
 
Teatime said:
I heard recently that the bike-to-work scheme is subject to widespread abuse - people are buying all kinds if things (e.g lawnmowers, white goods etc) and getting the shops to issue receipts showing bikes or bike equipment.
It's a bit disappointing really. Anyone else hear about this?
Click to expand...


Yes, I have heard of shops with a reputation for issuing fake receipts.
Presumably this only works if the company turns a complete blind eye also.
 
Teatime said:
I heard recently that the bike-to-work scheme is subject to widespread abuse - people are buying all kinds if things (e.g lawnmowers, white goods etc) and getting the shops to issue receipts showing bikes or bike equipment.
It's a bit disappointing really. Anyone else hear about this?
Click to expand...

Have to say everyone I know has used it to buy bikes and cycling gear.
 
Hi Thirsty ... I'm in the same situation as you. I went around last Friday and tried out a few. I think I've pretty much settled on the Trek Allant WSD. Really comfy. Nice saddle, h/bars further towards you, step through, rack for basket if you so wish, and ... mudguards. Trek would be stocked by a lot of bike shops. If you haven't already purchased, try it out. I was originally going for the one I liked the look of, but tried this one and 'the look' [a bit more high nelly than mtb] grew on me very quickly :). Should retail btwn 575 & 595.
 
Thanks for that Apollo - I sat on the fence for too long & missed the purchasing window so will have to wait till the next opportunity comes along later this year, but I'll keep your recommendation in mind!
 
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