Bike to Work scheme - the Megathread - Read post #1 before posting

DaveyDave · 03-03-2023 5:30pm

Knobbly tyres have feck all contact patch with the road. They're made for digging into dirt on trails, the little rubber blocks are made to act like claws in dirt. On the road you'll have less actual tyre touching the ground compared to a road tyre. They absolutely do not make sense from a grip or comfort stand point.

Plenty of wider road tyres out there for grip and comfort.

JMcL · 03-03-2023 5:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120309890#Comment_120309890

Arguably you've less grip as the knobbles (knobblies, knobs, lumps?) will mean less tyre surface in contact with the road surface. I'd argue unless you're talking about negotiating mud, they don't add anything. Aquaplaning is a non issue as well unless you're planning on topping 100km/h (https://sheldonbrown.com/tyres.html) which I doubt even the most souped up Fiido is up to!

Patsy167 · 04-04-2023 4:04pm

I'm looking to buy this electric bike under the BTW scheme - it seems very cheap compared to others - is there anything that I might be missing?

https://www.halfords.ie/bikes/electric-bikes/carrera-subway-e-mens-electric-hybrid-bike-2.0---16%22%2C-18%22%2C-20%22-frames-445926.html

iwillhtfu · 04-04-2023 4:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120439932#Comment_120439932

It's cheap for a reason. 5-6 hours charge for 40km..ish range. All of the components are pretty basic and I'd say it will rust at the thoughts of moisture. I've no idea on motors but suntour being suntour I wouldn't say it's great. Also 18kg is pretty hefty.

In saying all of that I'm sure it's perfectly fine as a commuter/run around.

Patsy167 · 05-04-2023 8:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120439959#Comment_120439959

Thank You. Apologies if this is the wrong thread but could anyone recommend an ebike in the €2k range for a 13km commute each way that is quite hilly. I'm looking for a hybrid style bike rather than foldable and battery range is not a priority as I can charge at both ends of the journey. It will be through the BTW scheme.

loyatemu · 05-04-2023 10:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120439959#Comment_120439959

Halfords are still using ye olde imperial system - it's 40 miles, so 60km. I'd have said 18kg is light enough for an eBike, a lot of them are well north of 20kg.

magicbastarder · 05-04-2023 10:13am

my wife's ebike is 24KG and she'd often travel with a couple of kilos in the pannier, the weight is not an issue (unless you're lugging it in and out of tight spaces at each end)

iwillhtfu · 05-04-2023 10:46am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120442734#Comment_120442734

Ah true, I notice the reviews on that particular bike aren't great with one questioning the range.

I guess by the time you add in a decent size battery and motor the weight adds up.

OP I think Orbea have some nice looking hybrid ebikes

iwillhtfu · 05-04-2023 10:46am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120442741#Comment_120442741

True.

loyatemu · 05-04-2023 10:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120442741#Comment_120442741

the weight is an issue if you have to lift it up kerbs, or in and out of the house, onto a train etc and you have a bad back or other mobility problems.

Nemanrio · 16-04-2023 2:04pm

Hi fellow cyclists,

As I have never used this scheme before I have a couple of questions:

Can I use my own bike to work scheme plus my other halves bike to scheme at the one time to buy 1 bike? She works in a different company to me.

If this doesn't work could I use a fellow colleagues plus my own? If so, how does this work?

TIA.

16-04-2023 5:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120484016#Comment_120484016

No to both.

Squidgy Black · 16-04-2023 5:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120484827#Comment_120484827

No from a legal point of view on the two person scheme, but I’ve heard many a bike shop offering to do it for people.

And very reputable ones at that.

Girly Gal · 02-06-2023 11:44am

Using the bike to work scheme for the first time, just wondering what accessories I should definitely not go without and what accessories are not worth getting?

HeidiHeidi · 02-06-2023 12:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120669678#Comment_120669678

Obviously helmet, decent lock, and hi-viz (without wishing to start a 10-page argument about it!).

If it's an electric bike, it'll have lights built in (AFAIK, mine certainly does) - if not, good lights.

If the bike has a rear rack, definitely a pannier is the handiest thing ever - much better than a rucksack giving you a sweaty back, and while a basket is handy (I got both with my first CTW bike), the pannier is all I ever use.

Girly Gal · 02-06-2023 12:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120669753#Comment_120669753

Thanks for that, it's not an ebike, will probably be looking at a hybrid. I'm covered on the hi- viz ( could probably start selling them at this stage 😂).

HeidiHeidi · 02-06-2023 12:26pm

In fact, if you can get two locks on the scheme, I think the advice is to have one main one, and a second one just to make it a bit more awkward for would-be thieves. I only have one humdinger lock for my current bike, but I had a U-lock and a smaller cable one on my other bike, so I could lock frame and both wheels. I keep meaning to get a smaller second one for this bike but haven't got around to it yet.

02-06-2023 12:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120669775#Comment_120669775

For the lock, don't cheap out. I've seen expensive bikes locked up with 20 quid locks that would be cut in seconds. Madness

loyatemu · 02-06-2023 1:05pm

re: panniers - Lidl have them in next week.

ILikeBoats · 02-06-2023 1:28pm

Not sure what to make of this...

Buying a road bike on the BTW scheme. Went to local bike shop, happy to give them the business. Found a decent bike which I'll also need to pay a sum of cash to as above the limit. Tested it out, I was happy so agreed to buy. Bike shop guy asked how my company paid, I didn't know so went off and found out and came back. It's done through biketowork.ie, they'll issue a voucher and I'll give that and the cash when I pick up the bike. Guessing it's a middle man set up.

He said that because it's this certain company, biketowork.ie, and done via voucher, there's a surcharge of 90 euro to me as that's what the bike shop get charged by biketowork.ie. If it was just a money transfer from my company, there'd be no surcharge. I thought that charge would be something they agree to when signing up as a "partner bike shop" and it shouldn't be passed on to the customer?

Are they allowed to do this? Or is this normal? Should I shop elsewhere?

Thanks

DaveyDave · 02-06-2023 1:37pm

Depends on what cycling you'll be doing and where you're putting the bike. If it's not securely locked at work or you're running errands you'll want two good locks (you'll easily spend €100 on them). If you're going to be cycling in all weather, you'll want decent mudguards in the rain, a good set of lights and if you're commuting during Winter a proper waterproof jacket and maybe trousers/shoe covers.

CramCycle · 02-06-2023 1:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120669678#Comment_120669678

2 decent and different types of lock and decent lights, everything else is at your own descretion.

CramCycle · 02-06-2023 1:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120670124#Comment_120670124

If you can, ask your company would they consider doing it direct as biketowork.ie are simply middle men and do not actually save the company time or money. As for if it's OK, well, they told you before you went with them so they haven't misled you. Most bike shops have wiggle room or simply include the % in their cost and you can negotiate down if paying cash. Is it worth the hassle to start again and find a bike shop who have probably included the cost elsewhere, well that choice is yours.

DaveyDave · 02-06-2023 1:56pm

I don't understand what bike to work companies do that makes the process easier for the employer, surely that's the type of task you have a HR/payroll department for? That's like outsourcing who pays your salary.

They take 10% according to my local shop, if the bike shop are offering something at literally no margin then I could see where they'd have to charge for the bike to work. You also lose any wiggle room on discounts.

The IBAN is usually on the invoice from the bike shop, literally no reason your employer can't just pay themselves.

Squidgy Black · 02-06-2023 2:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120670248#Comment_120670248

Laziness from the employer side, especially if you’ve a fair few employees applying for it, they just redirect you to the 3rd party website and then at the end of the quarter or whatever period they do it, they just get given an invoice to the 3rd party for all the bikes, and the details for salary deductions for the employees. It’s literally just so they don’t have to pay multiple invoices to shops

jajor95 · 19-06-2023 11:07pm

Hey so I need some advice.

my company states they offer bike to work.

I queried it with our HR team who are located in the U.K. and they told me I couldn’t avail of the benefit due to being on my probation period.

I double checked and from my research a company is not obligated to offer the scheme however if they do they must offer it to ALL employees.

Am I right I’m saying this is discrimination? Does anyone have any ideas on who I can contact or where I can find more legislation to show my HR team.

Also there is no contractually binding agreement that benefits are restricted in my contract.

gn3dr · 19-06-2023 11:11pm

Maybe wait until your probation period is up before you start annoying them 🙄

cletus · 19-06-2023 11:14pm

How long is your probation period

magicbastarder · 20-06-2023 7:28am

My wife (public sector) says they've the same policy where she works.

Squidgy Black · 20-06-2023 8:21am

Yeah we’ve the same thing in our place.

You’re probably better off just waiting the few months until your probation passes, I’m not sure that’s a tree I’d be keen on shaking

CramCycle · 20-06-2023 8:52am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120737337#Comment_120737337

It's not discrimination once everyone has to be finished their probation period. This is quite normal for various schemes eg pension, health insurance etc. It's a pity but it's not discrimination.

vintcerf · 20-06-2023 10:55am

All companies I've worked for offer these type of benefits (bike to work, espp, etc. ) to permanent/full-time employees. IMO - for non electric bikes you're better off looking for a second hand bike. The most "savings" you can make is 350 on a 1250 bike 🤷.

magicbastarder · 20-06-2023 11:03am

that is if you are on the lower tax rate. if you're on the higher tax rate you save half.

DaveyDave · 20-06-2023 11:25am

I'd just like to know who thought an extra €250 allowance would cover ebikes.

You can get a decent bike for €1,250, but a decent ebike is well over €2,000.

Yet there's a €600 grant for EV chargers which cost as little as €1,200 and arguably shouldn't have a grant, people buying a €40-60k EV don't need it and their fuel savings cover it. Not forgetting the €5,000 EV grant, solar grants etc.

magicbastarder · 20-06-2023 11:29am

too much scope for abuse of the scheme that way, possibly? i can guarantee you there are plenty of acoustic bikes being sold above €1,250 which are appearing on the invoice as electric bikes.

iwillhtfu · 20-06-2023 11:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120737337#Comment_120737337

Perfectly normal. I'd guess technically you're not an employee as such till you've passed you probationary period and your contract will be based on this being completed successfully. I know our company withhold all benefits till after probationary period with some back dated.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120738582#Comment_120738582

This is very common and I'm told Canyon are now selling cargo bikes also 😉

It's very annoying that they don't just open it up to a tax saving on the full price. The system is already widely abused as it stands why not throw the people some crumbs.

vintcerf · 20-06-2023 12:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120738448#Comment_120738448

cheers for the correction, i should do a bit more research before giving uninformed advice 😅

jajor95 · 20-06-2023 7:00pm

Hi,

Just following up on the comments some people have made. I work in HR and Payroll so I know the legislation of my jurisdiction and today the revenue confirmed my suspicions that one cannot discriminate based on probation.

Just ran it by my Country Head and now I have grounds to demand the bike as the revenue have stated if they were to fail to provide the bike they’d be in violation of the schemes tax code leaving the company liable to fines and litigation.

BTW the reason I fought so hard on this is because I moved and needed a way to get to work

20-06-2023 7:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120741012#Comment_120741012

Let us know how you get on with the probation

Seth Brundle · 20-06-2023 8:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120741012#Comment_120741012

You're on probation and going to make demands? You do know that they don't need a reason to fire you during your probation?

Maybe update your CV before making any demands!

loyatemu · 20-06-2023 8:37pm

At least you'll be able to cycle to your next job.

CramCycle · 20-06-2023 11:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120741012#Comment_120741012

Hopefully a big company or public service where this goes unnoticed, best of luck if not. Funny a person in HR and payroll needed to come onto boards to verify what they apparently should know already.

As for the fines and litigation, lol, the company will just pull the plug and your new co workers will really appreciate you.

As for discrimination, not at all. The scheme must be applied with the same conditions for all employees. If one of those conditions is being with the company for 6+ months, well, I doubt revenue are going to go to court to bother arguing the toss about that one.

Surely a quiet word with your line manager rather than whoever your "country head " is more civil and appropriate.

the_amazing_raisin · 13-07-2023 11:05am

Folks, I've a question for anyone who's employer has provided the Bike to Work scheme through the website biketowork.com (aka HubEx)

The particular bike I'd like is only available from Decathlon, who aren't in the biketowork.com network of shops

They do take direct payments by providing an invoice

So I'm wondering if anyone has managed to workaround the issue by providing an invoice to biketowork.com?

Squidgy Black · 13-07-2023 11:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845265#Comment_120845265

No workaround unfortunately, because decathlon won’t deal with any of the 3rd party providers because they charge a percentage to the shop

the_amazing_raisin · 13-07-2023 12:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845527#Comment_120845527

Darn 😭

I'm going to see if I can get my employer to provide a direct payment option, but I suspect they'll tell me to f**k off unfortunately

13-07-2023 12:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845554#Comment_120845554

I was in the same boat recently and was told exactly that. They don't want to faff around and prefer to just use the existing service. Its not their problem if certain businesses don't want to be part of those

Seth Brundle · 13-07-2023 12:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845554#Comment_120845554

Explain to your employer that there actually isn't a difference to them aside from the effort required to set up another supplier in their accounts system.

These middlemen companies don't offer any benefits other than they act as a single payment point for the B2W scheme.

When I availed of the scheme last year, my employers allowed me to deal directly with the shop once I explained this to them. My payroll dept thought that they had to deal with the shysters! Furthermore, for me doing this directly with the shop meant that the shop received the full invoice amount - with the shysters, a cut is taken from the retailer. As I dealt directly with the shop, I got a discount from them. Furthermore, the shop I dealt with have a surcharge for using the shyster companies apparently due to the extra effort required on the retailer by the shyster (which I think is partly down to the shysters delaying payment).

DaveyDave · 13-07-2023 12:36pm

The bike to work scheme needs to change to be mandatory and also to allow direct payments. No reason these middle men shysters should be profiting for doing the bare minimum. Correct me if I'm wrong but all they're doing is taking the companies money and making up a payment voucher to pay the shop.

The employer still has to make a bank transfer, sort your wages, and the employee has to go through the effort to create an account on their portal. So much easier to just send over an invoice to accounts...

the_amazing_raisin · 13-07-2023 1:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845656#Comment_120845656

I'll give that a shot, hopefully they're in an understanding mood

the_amazing_raisin · 13-07-2023 1:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120845717#Comment_120845717

Yeah it's a bit silly that it's still up to the employer to actually provide the scheme. Can't see why individuals can't just apply through revenue myaccount and just get a tax credit relative to the value of the bike

Bike to Work scheme - the Megathread - Read post #1 before posting

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