£1k Bike 2 Work - buy Brompton or replace my PlanetX

[Converse2020]

As per subject. Not been in scheme for a few years and fancy a new bike.

Wondering about a Brompton (n+1 etc) but will only do occasional commute on it and suspect it would be a bit frivolous.

Have also got a PlanetX Pro carbon from a few years back via cycle scheme and also thinking about a new one (got £1k limit now through cycle scheme which is a shame) and then sell old one.

Any points of view on this idea. Is the new Pro Carbon just the same frame but with new paint job ? If so any other Planetx bikes worth a look or other makes at £1k through cycle scheme.


Thanks

[stripy7]

Very different! Ive just bought a brompton (should be buying a bike for Trans AM but thats another story) its great fun and super practical but the best thing about it is the residuals are super high. You won't lose anything buying via bike 2 work.

[anonymous-user]

I guess the official line is, which bike is the most suitable for your commute?!

[TwistingMyMelon]

Planet x will probably be the same bike with similar kit, nowt wrong with it, but same as you already have!

Brompton: Will you use it? They do hold value well if you need to sell though

[Quickmoose]

Should be able to top up the £1k with your own money... I did

Get a £2k bike for £1k...man maths... "it was half price love!"

[bakerstreet]

As far as I'm aware the Pro Carbon frame hasn't changed at all since it was launched. They just change the paint and spec. The specs are changed on an almost monthly basis

Are you limited as to where you can spend the voucher?

I have had a Brompton since July last year and it gets used Monday to Friday. They are fantastic. I had a Tern folding bike before and the difference is night and day in build quality and design. However, I'm not sure I would bother buyine one if you aren't going to get a decent amount of use out of it.

Planet X do have the RT80 and RT90 bikes, but they haven't had great reviews and don't look as good as the Nanolight or N2A, which was their predecessors.

[jamiebae]

Can you buy from Wiggle? If so this is a good bit better than the Planet X offerings if recent reviews are to be believed

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-emitter-r3-105-201...

Or this if you fancy disc brakes

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-zener-d3-tiagra-20...

Both have good groupsets and also come with decent finishing kit and wheels, unlike the PX alternatives.

[Converse2020]

Thanks all. Some useful suggestions.

I think the risk I see on the Brompton is that I might not use it as a folder all that often - so maybe a crazy idea to buy one , but they do have good resale.

I might spend more - but I would want a canyon if I was adding £1k and they don't take cyclescheme vouchers.

Can't use wiggle either.

If I went for the Brompton I'd like the black 2016 edition - but the Brompton web site is tricky and I can't seem to find a page that simply lists all the bike ranges (other than going through the app to chose each time).

If I go with PlanetX Pro Carbon then the way I see it I could get brand new same bike for little money if I can sell mine for £450 as they have some at £800.

[PapaJohns]

I asked about putting cash towards the £1k limit and they said maybe £100-£200 but no more as there then becomes an issues on who owns the bike, until it is paid for

[Quickmoose]

PapaJohns said:

I asked about putting cash towards the £1k limit and they said maybe £100-£200 but no more as there then becomes an issues on who owns the bike, until it is paid for

who is 'they', because the rules are being bent more or less depending on who you go through it seems.

I bought a bike from Velorutions in London, who accept Halfords vouchers which were bought through the scheme... and then I added £700 of my own cash. No-one cared about ownership, the financial risk in the worst case is that the scheme might demand the bike back? never heard of such a thing though..