by amie.huiam.net | Mar 11, 2022 | Adult bikes, Cycling advice & tips
The Cycle to Work Scheme is a great way to get all the gear you need for your commute and save money! Fuel costs are rising and Ultra Low Emissions Zone charges are making commuting increasingly expensive so many people are swapping to a greener, healthier commute by bike.
The Cycle to Work scheme is designed to give you great savings on bikes and cycling equipment. This includes E-bikes and cycling accessories, simply anything that you need to commute by bike for you and your family. And at Cycle King and Hawk Cycles there amazing deals available every day on bikes and accessories for commuting, everything in-store and online is covered by the Cycle to Work Scheme!
Click here to browse all bikes!
How does the scheme work?
Your employer will cover the upfront cost of the bikes and accessories that you want, so you don’t have to pay any money upfront. WOW, what a great way to start your commute and it will be greener and cheaper too. Now that’s what we call a result!
Each month an agreed amount will be deducted from your salary, before taxes, as you pay your employer back for the bikes and accessories that you bought via the scheme. This is called salary sacrifice. This monthly payment is deducted before tax and National Insurance which means you don’t have to pay tax on this amount which saves you money! That’s a saving of at least 32% on the purchase price of your bikes and accessories. Depending on how much you earn it could be up to 42% of savings. Plus, you’ll also be spreading the cost over an agreed period of time making cycling really affordable.
If you leave the company before you have paid all of the instalments then your employer will either keep the bike or you can pay the remainder due to your employer. Schemes vary, so please do check with your employer before you join, just to be sure.
Your employer can participate in the scheme through one of these organisations.
Can I buy more than one bike?
Subject to the value of the voucher, in the majority of cases you can use the money available to buy both your bike for commuting and for other family members too. The only limit is the value of the voucher which varies depending on how the scheme has been set up by your employer.
Are E-bikes included in the scheme?
Yes, don’t sweat E-bikes are included in the scheme, making it easier for you to make cycling a part of your commute.
Do I have to use my bike for all my commuting?
No. Buying a bike through the scheme does not mean you have to commute every day by bike but you should use the bike and/or accessories mainly for commuting to and, if relevant, between workplaces.
At least 50% of the bike and/or accessories use should be for work purposes. For example, if you used the bike 10 times in a year, at least 5 of those journeys must be work-related. The bike and accessories can also be used for pleasure, so riding out with the family or joining your mates for a trail ride is definitely allowed; lots of fun awaits you!
Can I buy accessories only?
Yes. Whatever you need to get cycling to work is included so you can save money on everything you need through the scheme. So, whether you are just buying a bike, a bike and accessories, or just accessories, go for it – the choice is yours!
How do I get a voucher?
Each employer can choose their own scheme provider, so just ask your HR department for details of which provider they use. Then go online to the scheme provider and apply for a voucher.
You will be able to choose which retailer you want to get your bike from and you’ll need a quote for the bikes and accessories that you want. Once this quote has been approved then the voucher will be issued so you can complete the purchase.
How do I get a bike using the Cycle to Work scheme?
Once your voucher is issued then simply come in-store or choose your bikes and accessories online. We accept vouchers from all of the schemes no matter which retailer is specified on voucher.
If you haven’t applied for your voucher yet, then we can give you a quote which you can upload to your scheme provider portal to get a voucher. Once approved just let us know and we’ll get your bikes ready for collection or home delivery.
Can I change retailers?
Yes, we can request for your voucher to be transferred to Cycle King and Hawk Cycles, it is simple, so don’t worry if you nominated a different retailer. We accept vouchers from all the suppliers and also vouchers issued with other retailers.
How much can I spend using my voucher?
Bikes and cycling equipment up to any value can be covered by the scheme, the limits are set by your employer.
Can I add more money to the voucher?
Top-ups aren’t allowed, the purchase must be up to the maximum value of the voucher.
Any more questions?
If you have any questions about the Cycle to Work Scheme, just pop in to your local store, call or email us. We are here to help you go green and commute in style! From folding bikes and road bikes to E-bikes and more, it your choice!
by amie.huiam.net | Mar 7, 2022 | Cycling advice & tips, Kids bikes
Traditionally, children’s bikes are measured by wheel size and categorised by age range. However, if your child is smaller or larger than the average size for their age, this system may be misleading and not applicable. It is, however, important that your child’s bike fits well. Getting a bike too small for your child could mean that they outgrow it quickly. Too big and it may be dangerous and difficult to ride.
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the wheels on a child’s bike, the bigger the bike. This is because, with larger wheels, the saddle will be further from the ground. If the bike is too big, your child might struggle to reach the floor or even mount the bike. A larger bike will also be longer in order to accommodate for the bigger wheels. Again, when too big, your child might struggle to reach the handlebars.
If your child looks between sizes, and both bikes are safe and comfortable, we would recommend settling for the larger one. As they’re continuing to grow, they will fit the new bike perfectly in little time at all and riding a larger bike will improve their confidence.
Buying online or measuring from home
If the bike for your child is a surprise, perhaps a gift from Santa or something for their birthday, you may need to choose one without them present. If this is the case, the most accurate way to achieve the correct bike size is by measuring them, particularly their height and inseam.
For their height, simply measure the distance from the floor to the top of their head while they’re standing. For their inseam or inside leg length, measure the distance from the floor to their crotch. Once you’ve got these measurements, take a look at our handy table below. This gives an estimation of the bike size appropriate for your child. Again, if your child appears to be in-between sizes, we would recommend going for the larger one.
If you’re unable to measure them, using their age as an indicator of the bike size they’ll need is an alternative method. As this is a little less reliable, therefore we’d strongly recommend popping into one of our stores to view the bike for yourself. Our highly trained staff will be more than happy to help select the perfect bike for your little one.
Buying in-store
If you are able to bring your child into a store, this is the most reliable way to find the best fitting bike and they’ll even be able to pick their favourite colour and style! Our staff are fully trained to measure and fit your child to their new bike. To find your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, use our handy store finder.
When measuring your child for a bike, there are a few essential things to ensure. Firstly, ask your child to stand over the bike’s top tube. There should be a clearance gap, it is essential that this is present for their safety while on the bike. If there is no gap, the bike is too big and dangerous to ride.
It is important to also check that the bike is not too small, this can be achieved through the heel-on-pedal method. Ask your child to sit on the bike and put their heel on the pedal. If the seat is at its maximum extension and their leg is bent, then the bike is too small.
Generally, children are more comfortable sitting upright than adults. Therefore, you should ensure that they can comfortably reach the handlebars and apply the brakes with ease. If installed within the bike, check that they can also change gears easily, if they’re struggling to reach, the bike is too big.
Finally, before you buy any boys’ or girls’ bike, confirm that it is of a manageable weight for your child. Surprisingly, many children’s bikes tend to weigh the same or more than adult bikes. Pick up the bike and make certain that it isn’t too heavy for your little one to ride and manoeuvre.
by amie.huiam.net | Feb 7, 2022 | Kids bikes
You may have heard of balance bikes and wondered whether they’re worth it. They provide endless benefits to your child’s learning and development, and they’re great for getting your toddlers to places quickly, meeting friends at the park and keeping them entertained when you need a well-earnt break!
Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about balance bikes and whether your toddler will benefit from one (hint: they’ll love it).
Build strength and coordination
Fortunately, balance bikes will keep your toddler entertained for hours. It’s great exercise and will boost your child’s confidence. Not to mention, balance bikes help develop core muscle strength and endurance. Furthermore, balance bikes are great for development in young children. According to Kid Sense Child Development, learning balance and coordination is important for injury prevention, self-regulation, and developing a foundation for future development of fine motor skills.
Perfect gateway to pedal bikes
Do you remember learning to ride your first pedal bike? The frustration and embarrassment every time you toppled over? Balance bikes provide your child with the skills they need to ride a pedal bike. You’ll know when the time is right to upgrade when they outgrow their balance bike. It’s a win-win.
Promotes good health and wellbeing
Children love being outdoors, especially with their families. Balance bikes provide a great opportunity to get the family outdoors for the day and explore the area safely. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach your child about road safety from a young age. Balance bikes are great for back gardens, grass, or even hiking trails. They’re completely dynamic.
First taste of independence
Whether your toddler uses their balance bike to ride to nursery, meet up with family and friends, or day-to-day entertainment, it opens a wealth of opportunities. For more tips for keeping your child safe on their first bike, click here.
A safer way to start riding
Balance bikes are a safer way to ride for your little cyclist, helping them gain confidence before progressing to a pedal bike. Browse our range of kids Balance Bikes, perfect for toddlers and children aged 2-4 years. Free home delivery or same-day Click & Collect available.
Go further on family adventures
As the evenings are slowly starting to brighten, many of you, we’re sure, will be keen to get back outdoors with your children. If you’re a parent, grandparent or childminder, you may have thought about taking your young ones with you. If you’re not yet tempted, take a look at our ’10 reasons to cycle with your kids’ blog.
We are more than happy to help your little one pick the best option for them, even if they are more concerned about the pretty colours! Visit one of our stores or shop our range online.
by amie.huiam.net | Jan 10, 2022 | Cycling advice & tips
‘New Year, new me’. We’ve all said it, but how many of us are able to make sustained changes to our lives as we turn our calendars to a new year?
The start of January can sometimes feel overwhelming, with the pressure to set resolutions or make dramatic changes to our lives, but it doesn’t need to be this way. If you’re ready to lead a happier and healthier life in 2022, our list of 6 reasonable and simple steps will help. Whether you tick off all six or try one or two, we’re confident you’ll notice a positive change!
1. Regular exercise
You probably don’t need us to tell you that exercising has a whole multitude of benefits. It improves your physical health and fitness and the way you think and feel.
If hitting the gym or getting out for a run is your thing, we’re sure you’ve got this one covered. But, if you’re struggling to find time around a busy work life or being a taxi to the little ones, we’re here to help:
– Walk or cycle to school/work instead of the car or public transport
– Organise your kids’ playdates to take place at the park – lots of running (and fun!) guaranteed
– Set your alarm clock half an hour earlier for a quick morning stroll
– Exercise while watching TV, our home trainers are great for this!
– Take the stairs instead of the lift
– Get moving in your lunch hour or suggest a walking meeting with a colleague
– Meet with friends for a walk or fitness class rather than coffee or dinner
– Park further away than you need to. You’ll thank us later for that extra stroll.
2. Develop healthy sleeping habits
After all that exercise, you might think you’ll be more than ready to sleep. However, a surprising estimate of 4 in 5 Brits get less than the ideal 8 hours of sleep a night! If you’re guilty of cutting short your forty winks, let’s explore some of the reasons you might want to change this.
A good night sleep can:
· Reduce stress
· Improve your mood
· Help you concentrate for longer
· Improve your memory
· Better control your weight
· Keep your heart healthy
· Allow your body to rest and repair
· Benefit your relationships
3. Stay hydrated and eat well
A healthy diet is imperative to feeling good. Try to get your 5 a day (and beyond) and keep your diet well-balanced. This gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and energised to get you through the day.
As well as eating well, always try to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is a good way to do this, especially while exercising. If you’re out on your bike, attach a bottle cage to its frame to prevent dehydration. This is particularly important in the summer months!
4. Look after your mental health
When thinking about improving your lifestyle, don’t forget your mental health. To establish a happier and healthier life, it’s just as important to look after our minds as it is our bodies.
We suggest a useful place to start is doing something meaningful each day. For example, it might be meaningful for you to call a friend or read a good book. Whatever brings you joy, attempt to find a little more time to introduce it into your day. For us, we love taking the scenic route on a daily bike ride!
Similarly, limit anything that does the opposite of bring joy. For example, overconsumption of the news or your social media feeds might not be the best use of your time. Reducing your screen time, in general, can have a whole host of benefits!
Another great step to take is to practice gratitude for the things we have rather than what we do not. Try writing a quick morning gratitude list to appreciate what is present in your life.
5. Improve your relationships
As human beings, relationships are often an integral part of our day to day lives. Whether with friends, family or colleagues – positive relationships can benefit our lifestyles.
Spending time with loved ones is a fantastic way to feel good. You could even tick off two things on our list and invite them out for some exercise! Bike ride anyone?
6. Get started today!
It’s time to get your healthier lifestyle going and, there’s no time like the present! Why not make just one small change today? Try taking the stairs over the elevator or calling a friend for a catch-up!
Making small changes each day is the best way to persevere with your healthier lifestyle. Don’t overwhelm yourself all at once, and be patient with any setbacks. You’ve got this!
At Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we like to practice what we preach! That’s why family, mental wellbeing and exercise are such integral parts of our team. We love providing bikes to local families and hearing how they help you create healthier lifestyles!
Share your story! When you’re out and about on your bike, use #CycleKingUK or tag us @CycleKingUK in your Instagram photos.
by amie.huiam.net | Dec 8, 2021 | Cycling advice & tips, Kids bikes
With Christmas quickly approaching, we wanted to share our top tips for gifting your child their first bike. Read on for more information and, remember to check out our amazing range of kids’ bikes here.
1. Keep it a surprise!
They may have seen our latest Christmas advert and be begging for a new, flash cycle. To keep the excitement for the big day, ask neighbours or family and friends to help hide the bike away. If this isn’t possible, keep the bike in a box in a shed or garage if you have one.
2. Christmas club:
Our Christmas Club is another fantastic way to keep their bike a surprise! Reserve a bike today by ordering for Click & Collect and, your local store will call you to handle the rest! We’ll hide your bike in one of our stores until closer to the big day.
Shop our range of kids’ bikes here. Whether you’re buying online or in one of our 23 local stores, you’ll receive the same friendly, expert service we pride ourselves on. We prioritise ensuring that you have total confidence in us and that we’re always here to help.
3. Stocking fillers:
Don’t forget fun stocking fillers such as helmets, clothing and baskets! These are a lot easier to hide and can be selected in a range of colours to meet your child’s Christmas wishes. You can shop stocking fillers from £20 here.
4. Check out our blogs for riding in the dark and winter:
We’re sure they’ll want to rush out on their bike straight away, so ensure you’re prepared for taking your child out in the dark and winter. It’s important that your bikes are well lit, you are wearing protective and bright clothing, and you’re familiar with the route and any complications along the way. You can find more tips for keeping your child safe on their first bike by clicking here.
5. Building their confidence:
Take your child out for several bike rides to build their confidence on their new bike. Ensure they know basic road safety and are in your eye-sight for the whole journey. Always wear a helmet and protective clothing. For our top tips for teaching your child to ride a bike, click here.
