How to Benefit from the Cycle 2 Work Scheme

With the sun starting to come out commuter bikes are starting to awaken from their winter hibernation. All over the UK there are cyclists who are starting to dust off the frames, inflate their tyres and check on the condition of their brakes & drivetrains ready for a summer of cycling.

Of course, what this also means is that people are
starting to think about leaving the car at home or saving money on their bus,
train or tram fares by cycling to work – an idea made more feasible in recent
years thanks to the Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
Rather than riding into work on the bike they’ve owned for years, or their
favourite weekend road or mountain bike they don’t want to risk losing when
they chain it up outside, the Cycle 2 Work scheme has made it easier than ever
to buy a new bike, with savings of at least 32% on the cost of the bike and any
safety accessories.

What is the Cycle 2 Work scheme, and how does it work?

Introduced by the UK government in 1999 in an attempt to get more people cycling instead of driving or using public transport to get to their places of work, the Cycle 2 Work scheme makes it possible for everyone to buy a new bike (or two bikes, if you wish) and safety accessories including a cycle helmet, lights, bike locks and reflective clothing.

The scheme works through salary sacrifice which, if
you’re not aware, is a process whereby the repayments are deducted from your
salary just like tax. It allows you to buy a brand new mountain, road or hybrid
bike by spreading the cost – usually over a year but up to 18 months – saving
between 32% and 42% on your tax contributions depending on your tax band.

The offer does not extend to all accessories, however,
with items like GoPro cameras, turbo
trainers
and GPS cycle computers not available on the Cycle 2 Work
scheme.

All you have to do is inform your employer of your wish
to get involved in the scheme, and they will provide you with all you need to
know and do (which is broken down on the Tweeks Cycles Cycle
2 Work page
). Once you’ve looked at the details you can start the
fun part of choosing which bike you’d like, along with any safety accessories.

From that point onwards it’s just a case of filling out a
form including the details (colour and sizes) of what you’re wishing to
purchase, then your employer will finalise the details and place the order on
your behalf. At the end of the agreement you’ll own the bike, and the
accessories.

Am I eligible for the Cycle 2 Work Scheme?

Yes! Employees working in all public, private and third
sector organisations signed up to the Cycle 2 Work scheme are automatically
eligible, with the cost of the bike and any accessories automatically taken
from your monthly pay as a form of salary sacrifice (like many company pension
schemes).

The benefits of cycling to work

When you think about it, there are a lot of benefits of cycling to work meaning the Cycle 2 Work scheme makes a lot of sense. Firstly, there are the benefits to the environment of getting one more car off the road which means less pollution – and less traffic, too. (You might even find it’s quicker than taking the car!)

There are the then the financial benefits of cycling to
work as you don’t have to worry about putting fuel in the car or paying to
park.

Finally, there are the more obvious physical and health
benefits of cycling. Riding to work will help you to get physically fitter and
healthier, helping you to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular fitness;
as well as helping to reduce the
effects of stress and anxiety
.

Top mountain bikes available on the Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Just because it’s called the Cycle 2 Work scheme, it
doesn’t mean you’re restricted to a road or hybrid bike. A lot of modern
mountain bikes, while made to be ridden off-road, are just as comfortable on
the flat stuff but can still be fun out on the trails, including these three
gems:

  • Scott Aspect 960 Hardtail Mountain Bike. The Scott Aspect 960 is a hardtail mountain bike that is designed to be light, efficient, and reasonably priced. It features a Suntour suspension fork with 100mm travel, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for superb powerful and all-weather stopping power. This is the perfect bike for the novice or budget conscious mountain biker and for those weekend leisure rides.

  • Cube Aim SL Hardtail Mountain Bike. Cube have equipped the brand-new Aim SL with a smooth and reliable damping 100mm travel in the form of a RockShox fork including a lockout function. In a team with powerful hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, a confined head tube and grippy 2.25 inch wide Schwalbe tyres, full control is always guaranteed, no matter where in the terrain.

  • GT Bicycles Zaskar LT Elite Hardtail Mountain Bike. The GT Zaskar is about as legendary as mountain bikes get; back in the day the Zaskar was the all-round mountain bike and is the only bike to have won XC, DH and Trials World Cup events. The Zaskar LT returns the bike back to its roots, as an incredible bike built for a bit of everything!

The best road & gravel bikes available on the Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Road bikes have a long way since the start of the Cycle 2
Work scheme. Today’s road bikes are lighter, faster and more practical meaning
riders can get on in the morning and get off for a coffee three hours later fresh
as a daisy. Of course, you’re probably looking to buy a road bike you can
commute on, but there’s no reason you couldn’t use any of these as your weekend
road bike, too:

  • Scott Speedster 40 Road Bike. The Scott Speedster 40 is a light, agile and cost efficient alloy road bike. With fully integrated cables, not only will this bike ride well, but it will most definitely look the part! Its been built with a reliable Shimano Claris 16-speed drivetrain, giving a you a fantastic gear range for tackling every climb or descent that comes your way.

  • GT Bicycles Grade Elite Gravel Bike. The gravel scene wouldn’t be where it is today without innovative bikes like the GT Grade pioneering the way. The iconic Triple Triangle frame with floating stays ensures the best ride on any multi-terrain adventure. Thru-axle hubs, full-carbon forks, and a Shimano group set come standard on a bike that’s fun, flickable, and surefooted.

  • Kinesis R1 Road Bike. The R1 is the latest complete bike from Kinesis UK, following on the success of the G2 complete gravel bike and heavily influenced by our award winning Kinesis RTD and 4S road frames. The R1 is aimed at the cyclist craving simplicity, reliability and the capability a 1x drivetrain can offer, in short a bike they can just get on and ride and have fun.

Our favourite hybrid bikes available on the Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Can’t decide if you want a road bike or a mountain bike?
Simple, opt for a hybrid bike and you’ll get a versatile blend of both! Offering
excellent comfort across a range of surfaces, these hybrid bikes are available
as part of the Cycle 2 Work scheme and offer something for riders of all
abilities:

  • Raleigh Stow-A-Way Folding Bike. Perfect for commuting and leisure riding alike, the Stow-A-Way isn’t just compact – it’s also a seriously good bike. With powerful alloy V-brakes and a comfy padded saddle, you’ll be just as ready to hit the trail as you will be to beat the rush hour. The 20” wheels are big enough for racing down hills and navigating city streets, but still small enough to be packed away in tight spaces.

  • Scott Sub Cross 50 Hybrid Bike. The Scott Sub Cross 50 emphasises comfort and convenience for touring and transportation. The Sub Cross is set up perfectly for your commutes and weekend leisure rides.  It comes equipped with a lightweight alloy frame, a reliable 24 speed Shimano drivetrain and powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

  • Cube Kathmandu Pro Hybrid Bike. Cube designed the Kathmandu Pro to have everything you need and nothing that you don't. From the redesigned Integrated Carrier to the full-length mudguards, front and rear lights and Cube FM kickstand, it's the practical everyday companion that's rugged enough to take on longer trips, too. A Suntour air suspension fork makes even the roughest roads smoother, for a more comfortable ride.

The best electric bikes available on the Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Electric bikes are becoming ever more popular and with the £1000 limit no longer in place with a lot of Cycle 2 Work scheme providers, the electric world is your oyster! From electric hybrids to make you commute or leisure rides easier through to down trail smashing full suspension electric mountain bikes, you can now truly electrify your ride wherever and whatever you ride!

  • Raleigh Array Low Step Hybrid e-Bike. Whizzing through the weekday commute or tackling longer trips on the weekend. The Array is ready for it all, and with a 60-mile range it's ready to go again, and again, and again. Whether you want to rediscover the joy of cycling or just want a little extra push on the Monday morning rush to work, the Array is here to help.
  • Kinesis Lyfe Equipped Hybrid E-City Electric Bike. The Kinesis Lyfe keeps it breezy with a relaxed riding position and ergonomically designed contact points. Hop on and enjoy a comfortable ride that allows you to take in the world as you navigate the streets and trails amid the ebb and flow of daily life. At just 17kg (size large Equipped), Lyfe is the apartment dwellers friend, as it is easy to lift and easy to live with.
  • GT Bicycles eForce Current Full Suspension e-Bike. The Force Current is GT's "performance-enhancing" version of the podium proven Force that comes with 29" wheels, 150mm of travel, SR Suntour Zeron 35 fork, X-Fusion 02 Pro rear shock, and a Shimano Steps E7000 Drive Unit. With an unreal part spec, the Force Current is ready for anyone who wants to start charging the trails.


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