Halfords Cycle to work scheme

[colinsloper]

Hi,
My company runs a "cycle to work" scheme operated by Halfords. I have a limit of £1000 and can only order through Halfords. I know this is the case as I have a Halfords voucher.
My options seem to be:
Urban Mover 44S (delivery issues)
Powabyke X24 (mixed reviews)
Go Cycle (city bike?)

My main requirement is range and rideability. I don't want a sit on scooter as the intention is to get fitter, lose weight and cycle more........

Thoughts?

 

[Mussels]

What range do you need?

 

[colinsloper]

Ideally about 20miles (distance to work) and a recharge of around 7 hours.

 

[flecc]

Only the first one has a reasonable chance to get to 20 miles. The Powabyke can do it only if the territory is fairly flat and you put in a fair amount of the effort, and I doubt the GoCycle will be able to reliably get that far. Also the GoCycle has a very restricted three gear system with top gear low, which means you'll be spinning like mad to keep up with the motor when it's in use so not so good for fitness gain. More fast aerobics than anything else!

Another thing to bear in mind is that the lithium batteries these all use lose capacity and range with use and age, so even if you could just about do the 20 miles at the start, that could be 17 miles after a year and 14 miles before two years.

Therefore you really need a bike which could definitely cover at least 27 miles at the outset with the battery new.
.

 

[colinsloper]

I've gone for the UM44, so I'll give an update when it arrives. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Mussels]

I've gone for the UM44, so I'll give an update when it arrives. Thanks for the advice.

It's well worth waiting for the right one even if it means being a few weeks later, 20 miles is a long way.
Plan ahead for clothing as well, clothing designed for cycling is well worth the investment but it doesn't have to be expensive stuff.
Get a simple multi tool, puncture repair kit and good pump. You may need an adjustable spanner to get wheels off as well, spare inner tubes are a handy thing to have around.