The TAX MAN is going to PAY for my electric bike!
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Hi Guys,
It's that time of year again for me, doing my Tax Returns! Has to be done, otherwise its off the jail
Anyway, there is a bright side to this unpleasant proceedure this year. I was talking to my accounant, Declan, on Friday and amoung other things we both agreed that we should really be cycling to work.In my case its about a mile downhill but its the return trip that's a killer. For Declan its over 2 miles also he HAS to wear a suit at work but as his office doesn't have shower / changing facilities he sees it as a non runner.
Over the weekend I did a little research. I looked at the GoCycle http://www.gocycle.com and this now looks like a very interesting proposition as the Government now offers a €1,000 subsidy for bikes. I have yet to figure the ins and outs but it looks like I could buy a GoCycle and totally write it off against my tax bill. Declan could do likewise as it would increase his Tax Allowance, being an employee.
I have looked at a load of 'office commuting' bikes and the GoCycle is the best. I imagine this is because Richard Thorpe (ex McLaren Race Car Designer), was having to 'office commute' and wanted to get from his London flat to his office with clean clothes and not covered in sweat. The rain doesn't count
I am looking at suitable coverall lightweight breathable gear for this. If anyone know of such please advise.To move on! A detachable Ortlieb Office Bag 2 can be attached which has enough room for a 17" lappie, files, books etc so that area is covered.
I don't like the cycle helmets on sale as they just look TOO sporty! I did a little looking around and located the YAKKAY Hat Helmet. This helmet is adjustable and can be fitted out with a few 'covers' that appear to look like 'normal' headware (see pic).
I have also downloaded the GoCycle Manual and it appears that the 'governed' 15 mph top can be 'tuned' (via software USB plugin) to achieve 20 mph! This would make the GoCycle nippy for scooting around Town all be it illegal at this speed unless on a track!
I will be ordering the bike on Monday and doing by bit to GO GREEN. I will also be looking at ways of charging the battery via wind power. I have noticed a DIY system that uses bicycle wheels (see pic). Hey, its all falling into place as long as I don't end up falling off, but again I'll have my YAKKAY.
Mike
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See what I mean!
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Maybe there are a few interested so I will update.
I was also interested in the GoCycle 'Hard' Carry Case until I found out that it was not suitable for flight travel due to possible damage by airport baggage handlers!
I then put two and two together! I dawned on me that GoCycle should consider combining the Ortlieb Office Bag 2 (Case) and the GoCycle (Hard) Carry Case and come up with a product that would be dual purpose!
The Ortlieb Office Case 2 appears to be an aluminium alloy case 'square' in shape. This could be made larger to accommodate a 'fit in' cradle to accommodate the GoCycle.
GoCycle would then have a more useful product that could be used for air travel with the GoCycle (cradle in place) and Shopping and Office Trips with the cradle left out.. It would also be a good idea to have it 'lockable' so that it could be left on the GoCycle.
The 'ideal' combo carry case / shopping / office case would be the result. I might even design it in SketchUp if they send me an Orlieb Office Bag 2 and a GoCycle (Hard) Carry Case so I can take dimensions
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It's actually quite a cool looking cycle in my opinion.
I say go for it Mike! -
Hey mike, is this using the cycle to work scheme launched last year? Myself and a few colleagues have used this to upgrade our bikes and it's great.
You basically pay for the bike yourself, but the money is taken from
your wages pre-tax, over the course of a year, which results in 21-41% savings. If you have any questions let me know and I'll do my best to help out. This may help too.....http://www.bikescheme.ie/frequently-asked-questions
also tell Declan that a 2 mile journey in a suit isn't too bad. I
10k from Dublin city and do not need shower facilities, just change in the bathrooms when I get there.With irelands lovely weather, you will need to be prepared, especially in the west. I don't use waterproofs becuase good ones are very expensive. Cheap ones will make you sweat buckets after a few miles. So I just wear shorts and sandals if it's wet, easier to dry off.
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Good luck with this Mike.
I think the bike needs a carrier compartment. a sleek one over the back wheel would be nice and make the rider look less like his butt was hanging in the air. I'd lose the suit.
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Thanks Pbacot, the GoCycle has a luggage arm that the above case is attached to, looks quite good but the aluminum case is a little pricey. I think the GoCycle design team slipped up when they designed the neat carry case for the bike strictly as such! They could have designed a dual purpose case, both for carrying the folded bike also for use as a luggage case.
Thanks to the link Stephen. If you are finding the Irish weather a bit wet, how about a Veltop?
http://www.veltop.eu/index.php?produit_veltop_en A bit pricy and I wonder about the wet and WINDY weather, still if the wind was behind, that would be fine
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