[WorkingMan]

As part of the Cycle to Work scheme I am considering upgrading the groupset on my 2015 Giant Defy 3 from tiagra to the latest 105 disc brake set.  My company’s scheme operates the Halfords scheme which some independent shops are affiliated to.

My questions are as follows:

• Does anyone know if there is a Halfords Cycle2Work independent dealer in the north west of England who could supply and fit the groupset?
• Failing that, can Halfords or a C2W IBS supply the 105 Groupset on a special order as part of the C2W scheme?
• If I order the Groupset, are there any points I need to be specific about in the order?
• I’m happy to pay for the installation of the groupset outside of the C2W scheme. Can anyone recommend a good LBS to do this? I live near Bolton but am happy to consider anywhere in NW England. 

Many thanks 

Topic

[ibr17xvii]

Also consider the Bike

Also consider the Bike Magician in Kirkham, he really knows his stuff.

[WorkingMan]

Thanks Bhachgen

Thanks Bhachgen

[Bhachgen]

To address your request for
To address your request for LBS recommendations. The Bike Cabin in Chorley or Green Machine in Horwich. I’ve used both. Both excellent, will do a good job for you, won’t rip you off.

[Jimthebikeguy.com]

I almost always find myself
I almost always find myself saying this; clean your existing bike up, eBay it, and get a new bike complete on the c2w. It will work out much better overall. Fitting new components to an old frame and wheels, and paying full cost for them (as opposed to the bulk discount you get when they are included on a bike), its hard to make the numbers work.

[pockstone]

zero_trooper wrote:

zero_trooper wrote:

….. I’m sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra :-)

How times have changed.

A query about golf club membership as a business entertainment expense would have been the preferred way of whiling away an afternoon for the Revenue man not so long ago.

[davel]

The Gavalier wrote:

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

I did wonder why my LBS invoices were sent from Luxembourg and its registered office was in the Caymans.

[The Gavalier]

Sniffer wrote:

zero_trooper wrote:

I thought that was the old definition Sniffer. Maybe Cyclescheme are pushing the ‘common sense’ tax boundaries. I’m sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra :-)

It might be old, but I copied it from the website today.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-to-work-scheme-implementation-guidance

It seemed a better source than the companies that make commision on the sales.

To be honest I don’t object to the rules being applied liberally, but the area semed more nuanced than some of the posters were making out.

I agree, I’d rather use the government guidelines than the companies benefitting from from people using their vouchers. 

[Sniffer]

zero_trooper wrote:

zero_trooper wrote:

I thought that was the old definition Sniffer. Maybe Cyclescheme are pushing the ‘common sense’ tax boundaries. I’m sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra :-)

It might be old, but I copied it from the website today.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycle-to-work-scheme-implementation-guidance

It seemed a better source than the companies that make commision on the sales.

To be honest I don’t object to the rules being applied liberally, but the area semed more nuanced than some of the posters were making out.

[zero_trooper]

On the Cyclescheme list of
On the Cyclescheme list of accessories, cameras are specifically excluded, but you would have thought that there could be a good argument made that cameras are a piece of safety kit. Please note I said ‘good argument made’. I am NOT claiming that using a camera would actually make you safer on the road. Well no more than helmets and hi-viz, which are on the list…

[zero_trooper]

I thought that was the old
I thought that was the old definition Sniffer. Maybe Cyclescheme are pushing the ‘common sense’ tax boundaries. I’m sure that the local tax inspector would love a telephone call to discuss the merits of 105 over Tiagra 🙂

[zero_trooper]

Htc wrote:

Htc wrote:

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

I would have agreed with the Gavalier, however things seem more relaxed these days….and murkier.

https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/round-ups/round-up-what-can-i-buy-on-cyclescheme

‘Drivetrain components’ are on the permissible list, I suspect that labour/fitting charges won’t be.

Strangely enough I knew someone who lost their job over ‘fiddling’ the C2W scheme. Bought a frame only, but for C2W purposes described it as a ‘bike’. Following year bought suspension forks, described as a ‘bike’. Was later challenged about it and botched a cover up. So maybe sacked for fiddling the system or more likely for lying to cover it up.

[philhubbard]

I would wait for a few months

I would wait for a few months if at all possible. The new 105 R7000 is coming out and looks to be greatly improved.

 

At the very least it should drive the RS505 levers price down

[Sniffer]

Htc wrote:

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

Best to go the source.  Cut and paste from the government website advice to employers

 

2) What equipment is included under the tax exemption?

Eligible equipment includes cycles and cyclists’ safety equipment. The tax exemption defines a “cycle” as ‘a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor vehicle’ (192(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52)). An electrically assisted pedal cycle can be included under the scheme.

Cyclists’ safety equipment is not similarly defined in the legislation and a common sense approach should be taken to the equipment provided. This could include:

Cycle helmets which conform to European standard EN 1078
Bells and bulb horns
Lights, including dynamo packs
Mirrors and mudguards to ensure riders visibility is not impaired
Cycle clips and dress guards
Panniers, luggage carriers and straps to allow luggage to be safely carried
Child safety seats
Locks and chains to ensure cycle can be safely secured
Pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant to allow for minor repairs
Reflective clothing along with white front reflectors and spoke reflectors

It is the employer’s choice what safety equipment is offered, but you may wish to confirm with your local tax inspector whether the equipment you provide falls within the tax exemption.

 

If I was an employer I would struggle to defend thw purchase of a groupset.

[Htc]

The Gavalier wrote:

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

 

Categorically incorrect. The cycle to work scheme can be used for bikes, clothing, accessories or components.

[The Gavalier]

Cycle to work schemes are

Cycle to work schemes are only for full bikes or safety kit. Using a voucher for anything else is a tax fiddle. 

[Author]

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