Going through the cycle2work scheme of course.
This looks good with the deals and what not:
Anyone know more about bikes than me? This a good choice?
A guy I work with knows a lot but he's very snobby when it comes to bikes and says I should spend 4 grand and get something that have loads of crap I don't want or need or even understand what it is.
Spend more on the lock than the bike!
Bike thieves are scum and should die. 
So try to make life hard for them.
Ignore him. The cycle to work thing only covers you buying a bike that is used mostly for cycling to or from work - you're not allowed to use it for pleasure unless you use it for pleasure less than 50% of the time.
I would recommend something light. When I first got my bike I wanted something sturdy as I was quite new. Now though, I'd want something lighter to make it easier for cycling and lugging up stairs.
You can only spend up to a grand on our cycle to work scheme to make allowances for helmet, lock and lights.
Quote: Afinkawan @ April 8 2010, 12:58 PM BSTyou're not allowed to use it for pleasure unless you use it for pleasure less than 50% of the time.
What if the road to work is cobbled?
Just had a look Paul, nice bike, but if you're mainly riding on roads, get thinner wheels. I have a hybrid though and it suits me just fine.
Quote: Paul W @ April 8 2010, 12:40 PM BSTA guy I work with knows a lot but he's very snobby when it comes to bikes and says I should spend 4 grand
Bugger me! 
Quote: EllieJP @ April 8 2010, 1:14 PM BSTJust had a look Paul, nice bike, but if you're mainly riding on roads, get thinner wheels. I have a hybrid though and it suits me just fine.
Mostly riding on roads I can always get slickers tires?
Quote: Afinkawan @ April 8 2010, 12:58 PM BSTIgnore him. The cycle to work thing only covers you buying a bike that is used mostly for cycling to or from work - you're not allowed to use it for pleasure unless you use it for pleasure less than 50% of the time.
Government taking the fun out of more things in life eh! Thanks again Brown!
Quote: SlagA @ April 8 2010, 1:14 PM BSTWhat if the road to work is cobbled?
Might be going on canals alot, some ones on my way to work.
If you're canal riding, don't at all get thinner tyres. You'll sink.
Quote: Paul W @ April 8 2010, 1:17 PM BSTMight be going on canals a lot.
A barge then?
Quote: SlagA @ April 8 2010, 1:19 PM BSTA barge then?
Oh my sides! Didn't see that coming!
How far will you have to cycle to work?
I don't think it's worth spending a fortune on a bike (personally anything over £500 is excessive) unless you're a really serious biker and/or loaded.
It will probably get nicked and/or break down at some point. I've not noticed a huge difference in cheap and more expensive bikes to be honest - just the pricey ones are more likely to get nicked. Like Ellie said get somnething that's comfortable to ride and store and doesn't have too much on it that go wrong.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 8 2010, 1:28 PM BSTHow far will you have to cycle to work?
I don't think it's worth spending a fortune on a bike (personally anything over £500 is excessive) unless you're a really serious biker and/or loaded.
It will probably get nicked and/or break down at some point. I've not noticed a huge difference in cheap and more expensive bikes to be honest - just the pricey ones are more likely to get nicked. Like Ellie said get somnething that's comfortable to ride and store and doesn't have too much on it that go wrong.
10 mile round trip a day (I might not do it everyday).
I've always had shitty cheap bikes in the past though so I'm not very knowledgable about what makes a better bike, apparently having "Shimano" written all over it helps.
I can try that carrera bike in store if I want so that's a bonus.
Quote: Paul W @ April 8 2010, 1:36 PM BST10 mile round trip a day (I might not do it everyday).
That won't take a lot out of a bike. Make sure you've got good lights, safety hat and visibility gear.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 8 2010, 1:43 PM BSTThat won't take a lot out of a bike. Make sure you've got good lights, safety hat and visibility gear.
Not looking forward to dressing up like a Gok Wan Christmas tree.