I bought a bike a few years ago when this was a really good deal as I effectively paid about 70% of what the bike cost though I think since then things have changed. I checked it out before buying my latest bike a few months ago and was told it's only worth it if you're buying something costing over a certain amount ( not sure but think it was £500).

I've just got a bike on the bike to work scheme, this week in fact. Went for the full £1000 limit since its effectively a tax free loan. Will end up costing me around £700 over 18 months. Went for a full carbon road bike in the end as I intend to use it with the local cycling club too. Echo what others have said about mountain bikes, unless you are actually going to go offroad, i'd avoid them and go for either a cross or road.

I wouldn't bother with the bike to work scheme, the bikes are all full RRP and you can get much better deals as well as a far wider range of bikes buying end of season stuff or even more heavily discounted, nearly new bikes on ebay etc.

The most modern race bike I have (I collect/ride retro for the most part) I paid £600 for, it was nearly new condition wise and had Shimano's top end Dura Ace racing groupset, the frame was also top end it would have cost £3K new 12 years ago equivalent to £4k+ now.

Yes for some it is the only way they can afford to buy an expensive bike but the savings you can get over buying new with virtually no wear is incredible.

Mine wasnt, picked up a £1650 jamis for £950 from evans cycles. One of the few shops that does allow you to choose sale bikes as well as full price. Either way, if you dont earn the higher tax bracket, you still effectively get 32% off a full RRP bike. Thats a pretty good deal. Especially if you dont want to shell out a lump of cash in one go.

That's very fortunate, most BTW schemes don't allow you to choose discounted bikes though I agree the 32% does allow you a certain attraction to the oft limited range available.