£600 bike...?

g00dd0ggy said:

I am looking for a commuter for my 35 mile commute.

It needs to be a drop bar, with Tiagra or better STI and braze ons for guards/rack. It cannot be more than £600. I am having a lot of trouble finding a bike for this money (it can't be any more than £600 because it is a bike to work scheme) - there are loads at about £650, but for £600 I am struggling.

Anyone got any good ideas?

What AREN'T you looking at?

Tiagra components haven't changed in years ...

2006 models (i.e., LAST YEAR'S inventory) should be 75%-to-80% of the 2007 prices.

Any unsold 2005 models should be 60%-or-less of the 2007 prices.

If possible, you should look for a 2005/2006 bike with Campagnolo Veloce components. Find a Bianchi dealership ... you'll be glad if you do.

Or, skip the some "luxury" (e.g., budget 1 pint/whatever less per week for a year == ~£50+) and allocate the additional money to your bike.

I can't go over £600 because I have a voucher from work, and I am not allowed to supplement it (stupid, but there we are). I also have to get it through Halfords, so it has to be from the dealers lists, which means I can't go the discount route.

On the updside I get nearly£700 of gear for £360.

g00dd0ggy said:

I can't go over £600 because I have a voucher from work, and I am not allowed to supplement it (stupid, but there we are). I also have to get it through Halfords, so it has to be from the dealers lists, which means I can't go the discount route.

On the updside I get nearly£700 of gear for £360.

Ask the manager at Halfords if they have a demonstration-or-"scratched" bike in the size & model you want which s/he can then sell you for your target price ... OR, if they have any of last year's inventory still around, somewhere that s/he can let you have for £600.

What about the VAT -- does the £600 have to include THAT or can you fudge it by saying the pre-VAT price is £600?!? ... can you indicate to the people where you work your dilemma (i.e., you realize just a little more will get you a much better bike -- show them the brochures or print-outs) & ask if the voucher can cover the pre-VAT price?