I've decided to take the plunge and do the 2013 Roade Triathlon next september (I did the run as part of a relay team in 2010) This is all the excuse I need to buy a bike and get back into cycling. Any opinions on the Felt F95? Wiggle have them at a good price right now, but I plan on waiting until January as I have an end of year bonus then which softens the blow a lot (leaves plenty of change, and still 9 months of training time - plenty for a 20km ride) having said that, the current price is VERY tempting... Wiggle | Felt F95 2012 Road Bikes
Can you get one on a "ride to work scheme"? Can save you quite a bit or maybe allow you to get a higher spec bike?
Have you looked at the Cycle to work scheme It provides tax advantages to your employer and gets you a bigger budget for the same money effectively. Only works on pushbikes I'm afraid, not a new 848 :biggrin:
A copy and paste from my Facebook from a few days back... Are you inspired by the games to go buy a bike? If you are, may I suggest you go to an independent dealer who will help you choose the right bike and the right size. Many of these dealers are the mainstays of local cycle comps and without their past support I doubt our cycling would be as healthy as it is. However if you want to save £50 go online and support a business man then go for it. Depends if you have the right attitude. Buy the best you can afford as it really does make a difference to the enjoyment of cycling. Support your local store (and I don't mean Halfords) apologies for the lecture
Just been to Evans in Milton Keynes, really know their stuff. They stock felt, but they advised the Fuji Newest 2.0 if you don't want to upgrade the groupset, as its a better package out of the box (although the felt has a better frame). It's well within budget and comes out at £579, add in £100 for shoes and pedals, and about another £50 for a helmet, and its well inside the budget. On ride to work, its a no brainer. I'm going to have a loot at a few more, but it feels nice, and they will even offer a test ride. I'm expecting to make a purchase soon. :smile: I will also pop to Baines racing next weekend, as they also have a few bikes in my price bracket and they are just down the road from me.
I used the cycle to work scheme to buy my Specialized Roubaix Comp a few years ago - genius. Now I'm riding around Sydney on it. Next bike for me is the Pinarello Paris .. mmmm, sex...
Nice! the Fuji Newest looks like a winner for me, I'm hoping to have one by the end of next month, its just how long HR take to process the paperwork that will be the deciding factor. By the time I had factored in pedals shoes and a helmet we were still looking sub £750. Cant wait. :biggrin:
By all means get a bicycle, and good luck with that. You will have only a quarter of one horsepower to play with though. Don't forget - in the pecking order on the road, that puts you well below the feeblest little moped.
The time HR take will give you enough time to get matching Lycra and water bottle sorted oh and don't forget the wrap round shades
Phil, if you are close to Baines you might alsoe be near to either Grafham or Rutland Water. They both have large bike shops and you can demo quite a few different models. I gought a Giant Defy from Grafham 3 years ago and they were amazingly helpful. Not sure if the have the Fuji though. That`s a lovely looking bike isnt it. I did a triathalon in Beford a few years ago and have been thinking about doing another, I`ll look the Roade one up.
I have a very lightweight vintage Peugeot Etoile Index in good condition that I hardly ever use....there's no way I'm cycling while there is a motorcycle handy. AL.
You can add all of your cycle clothing and accessories on to the same invoice as the bike and the whole package is covered under the Cycle to Work Scheme.
I'm in Milton Keynes (grew up in Bedford), and Know Grafham well, so I'll take a ride out there at the weekend. Thanks. Rode is on the 29th Sept this year, and I think there are still a few places left in the 2012 event. I'm going to go along to watch, paying particular attention to the changeovers. www.justracinguk.com
