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Gazelle on C2W scheme

(8 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by MV
  • Latest reply from Uberuce
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. MV
    Member

    My company is doing a cycle to work scheme via Halfords at the moment and I've been looking around for a suitable bicycle. Being a Dutch guy, I'm naturally inclined towards the more Dutch-looking bicycles, which to me means that the handle bars are higher than the saddle. My current favourite is the Gazelle Medeo Excellent, although some other Gazelles look good too.

    I emailed the Halfords people but to my surprise Gazelle "is one brand that we cannot get on the cycle2work scheme". They suggested Dawes bikes as an alternative (never heard of them, probably that's my own ignorance). The only Dawes that I think looks similar (this one) is £50 more expensive and doesn't have hub brakes.

    Does anyone know if it's possible to get a Gazelle on the C2W scheme anyway, regardless of what Halfords say?
    Has anyone got any suggestions of a similar bicycle to the Gazelle linked above?

    (Non-Halfords brands allowed: Specialized Cube Scott Giant Cannondale Felt Trek Marin Brompton GT Charge Bianchi Ridgeback Focus Whyte Claud Butler Genesis Orbea Lapierre Commencal Mongoose Orange Wilier Montague Concept Merida Saracen Moda Dolan)

    Thanks, help appreciated!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. Uberuce
    Member

    No clue about the other brands, I'm afraid, but the Brompton and the Charge Steamer both do the sit'n'beg posture you're after, and the Brompton has the added bonus of folding up so tight that it's smaller than a medium sized sleeping dog. Neither have hub brakes, though.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. crowriver
    Member

    Seems to me the 'Geneva' from Dawes is much more like a Dutch city bike than the 'Karakum', which is really an expedition tourer. It even has a European name.....it's also £150 cheaper.

    Still no hub brakes mind you: very few bikes in the UK have them. You probably need to go Pashley to get them: the Parabike is a great deal for £540, or else the Roadster Classic is based on the same design most Dutch bikes followed: the English 3-speed. Only £525 too. The Roadster Sovereign adds dynamo lights, 5 speed gears and a few extras for £645. There's also a (slightly less elegant) 26" wheel Roadster for a tenner less.

    If hub brakes and hub gears are not important, then various "comfort hybrids" available from Dawes with front suspension forks, etc.

    Pretty sure Halfrauds sell Pashley bikes as well as Dawes.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. LaidBack
    Member

    The Scottish produced Paper Bicycle is another one that Halfords won't do.

    This offers drum brakes, 8 speed hub gears and built in lighting with full chain guard....

    Welcome to have a test ride of this at the LB shop if you want something in the Dutch category.

    Our experience of trying to co-operate with Halfords has been negative. They claim that they work with smaller dealers - not sure how though.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. Peterward2008
    Member

    Hi MV

    The Halfords Cyclescheme is fortunately not the only one out there. Perhaps your employer would sign up to this one:

    Cyclescheme

    This scheme includes more retailers including Evans and independents who may be willing to order in for you.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. crowriver
    Member

    Don't know how I forgot the Paper Bicycle, it's lovely.

    Another one that Halfrauds do is the Raleigh Superbe, similar spec to the Pashley Roadster Sovreign but a bit cheaper. Drum brakes, 5 speed hub gears, hub dynamo, etc.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. Instography
    Member

    That Raleigh's lovely. No lightweight but very charming.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. Uberuce
    Member

    23.6kg on the Superbe. I suspect I'll let discretion be the better part of valour on the finger test, there.

    I can vouch for the awesomesauce of the Paper Bike's ride. Magic carpet stuff.

    Posted 12 years ago #

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