The corporate is via a perks website.

Eg. I’d purchase vouchers for outstanding balance of the bike after the discount and get 8% off of that price (if that makes sense).

The finger is hovering perilously over the “Buy” button

https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/haggle-on-top-of-scrap-scheme/

Since starting this thread I’ve looked closely at the specs between the Pro and the Expert and other than the Di2 (shifters, derailleurs), upgraded wheelset, carbon rails on the saddle and reflective tape on the Pro, the two bikes are near identical.

I can see there is a £520 difference between a standard Ultegra groupset and the Di2 version (if purchased at market value), and also around £300 difference between the wheelsets (again, market value) which amounts to £820. There’s a £1750 price difference from the Expert to Pro so where is the extra £850 going to on the Pro other than the saddle and grip tape?

It’s hard to see why there is such an increase on the mark-up between the two models for what are only a few upgrades.

Having taken the Spec and price difference into account, the Expert seems the more logical choice and likely to be the option I’ll take. The only thing I don’t want to do is regret not going for the Pro and Di2 option later on down the line.

I have seen a Scrap Scheme offer from a well-known high-street retailer that offer £350 discount (higher priced models) in exchange for any type of bicycle, regardless of condition. I can also get a small percentage discount with the use of corporate E-vouchers to use against the remaining cost of the bike bringing the total down to around £3350 for the Expert (16% off). I think for a 2019 model this would be good value. The same discounts applied to the Pro means I could get it for around £5000 (13% off).

Having visited the Specialized Concept Store in Newbury recently they said the most they could offer was 10% value of the bike in store credit and nothing off the bike, fair enough as it is a new model.

I’ll be visiting the Cycle Show this month to see what else is available and also keen to see the Canyon 2019 range once released……

I’d just enjoy it to own, ride and admire on a personal level. I’m not interested what other people think however, I do value experience and opinions when making such a purchase.

I’m able to get a 15% discount if ordered with Wheelies which will bring the price down to £4,887.5.

This now makes it fairly affordable and very competitive to the Canyons price tag of £4450 (although they’re currently offering the CF SLX 8.0 disc for £4250) but not sure how long this will last.

The geometry between the two frames is quite different and I’ve looked at lots of good reviews for the Tarmac which are very positive.

I plan on ordering in early spring so I have plenty of time yet to decide.

I don’t have £5K to spend but can afford to borrow someone else’s £££ for a few years to spread the cost 0%👌 🤪

My main reason for being reluctant to purchase anything Specialized is the brand premium.

I almost convinced myself I’d never but a Specialized product after that whole Cafe Roubaix scandal.

But the Tarmac is so nice, and also made probably the same place as the Canyon.

Time is on my side so I don’t need to be hasty….

Why is my post doing this <div> crap 😡

Edit – disregard

I bought an Epiphone ES-333 in March for a fraction of the price of a Gibson. The quality is great and very happy with it for what is my first proper guitar.

Watches with interest

I plan on this next bike lasting at least 10 years with regular use.

My only concern was the longevity of the structural integrity of carbon over this time.

I know it depends on a number of factors of how a frame might fatigue so was just interested to see what people tend to go for. The build would be fairly standard, most probably with a 120 fork and Alu rims.

I’m currently doing 650 – 700 miles a year split across road / XC but hoping this will increase to 1000+ as from September as the kids will all finally be in school. 🙌

Looks great, Max. Nice build!

a very tempting option indeed….

Sherpa is a contender for the Sync. Time to arrange some test rides….

*Or what are you running / any advice appreciated

I did the SDW on my 2012 Five in a day and having put many hours in the saddle to train for this length of ride, I got through it okay, but, it was a long day!

I built up a 2014 Soul (26) a few years ago and am waiting for the opportunity to do the SDW once again, once my children are all in school and I have some more “free time” to train.

I’d definitely recommend a Soul for this type of ride but fitness is the priority as both bikes are very capable, just different in what they offer.

If you can, build a new bike up from new parts so you have two bikes, unless you plan on getting rid of the Four.

I have a Soul. I want a Soul. You should get a Soul.

I’d go for a Kinesis Sync but the T7 does look awesome.

I’d probably have to consider a new generation Cotic Soda with the current Soul geometry over both of these, if they were ever to produce a titanium version again.

I’m 5’9 so would probably look at 20.5 from what I’ve read.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/yet-another-bmx-vs-mtb-question

This is an interesting and timely thread. Some people found BMX didn’t work for them but I think it would still be a cool toy to mess around on.
Just got back from the pump track on the Orange Five – waste of time.

The Soul was okay but I’m keeping that for xc. I’m considering changing the old Orange Crush to a singlespeed setup and slamming the saddle for a more DJ feel. It’s currently running DMR Motos so should roll quite nicely.

That is also rather cool. Will definitely need a rear brake though (I’m guessing it’s missing in pics for aesthetics).

Only 25% over budget at £499 but quite like this.

Treat myself to a bag of Sqaure Mile – Red Brick seasonal blend every now and again. Any decent local roasters in Portsmouth?

Book marked.

My neighbour parks his car outside my garage (which isn’t attached to my house). He has done so since I moved here 9 years ago.

It’s not an issue as parking is good where I live and I prefer my cars on the road rather than down the alley behind the houses.

I see the positive side of this in that a car parked in front of the garage keeps it more secure. If my situation changed, my neighbour would be happy just to park elsewhere.

Big #69 fan here! Really hoping he’s okay, such a great guy.

Since building the Cotic, I barely ride my Five these days unless going to a decent trail centre.

Next bike will either be a Kinesis Sync 27.5, Kinesis Tripster or Croix De Fer.

I used to collect Minichamps 1:12 die-cast ((MotoGP/WSBK/BSB) but stopped around 2007 as their prices got silly.

I have some of the rare Rossi models including 2004 test bike and original 2001 Mugello.

When I started the models retailed at £39.99 but now cost £100 each! Minichamps got greedy with success so put a lot of keen collectors like myself off as it was no longer financially feasible to keep up with their new releases.

I’d avoid paying the £18 Uuni are asking for their pellets.

As long as you’re buying ENPlusA1 grade, they’re all the same product.

molecountrystores.co.uk do 10kg bags for approx £4/5

My kids find “Pull My Finger” hilarious!

Rrrrraaaaasssssssspp!!!!

I really want to try that Creature Comforts Tropicalia IPA!!!!!

Thanks for the positive comments. The copper pipes are intentional as we went for the Raw / Industrial look and this kind of fitted in with the factory lights, Column Radiator (school Rad) and exposed brick walls.

Google “Copper Pipe Lighting”. Not what we went for but same kind of theme. Seems to be a popular choice at present.

drlex – I’ll upload a Hob section if interested.

Counting down the days of this Dry January. Why do it to ourselves?

OP update. Delighted with the outcome.

Kitchen’s done so after a three year wait, finally managed to get the coffee machine ordered.

Being an amateur home barista is certainly not as easy as it looks!

If he’s into his food:

Donut Plant

Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridian)

Lombardi’s (America’s first Pizzeria)

I own an Audi A6*, an Orange Five, Cotic Soul and will soon buy a Rocket R58 Espresso and no, I am not in IT!

I guess that makes my first choice fairly obvious.

*Essential with three under fours!

I own an Audi A6*, an Orange Five, Cotic Soul and will soon buy a Rocket R58 Espresso

My little dude currently has the Early Rider Alley Runner balance bike so the Belter would be a nice upgrade.

Exton Vinyard on the South Downs Way are up and coming.

Home

Cheers guys. Order place.

I’ll update progress in due course.

Thanks for all the honest feedback.

They’re not moving up there blind, they’ve stayed over previously on a few occasions and have some family nearby.

They’re after more house for their £££ compared to what they can get down here.