Planning to ditch the clown commute, or at least part of it.
I live 16km from my university, and have no plans to move (live with parents for cheap).
I live in Ireland, and the Irish government has a wonderful scheme that allows you to pay for a bike + accessories out of your pre-tax income, and have the cost split over 12 months (0% interest) and deducted from your paycheque directly. My very kind non-cycling mother has agreed to allow me to use her scheme, and I'll pay her the money every month.
Essentially, I can get a 550 euro bike for 300 euro, at 25 euro a month.
Also, you can spend up to 1000 euro on this scheme on a bike and accessories, but it has to be done in one single purchase.
Of course, the standard recommendation would be to get a second-hand bike, cycle for a while and see what things you need, but the option of getting a 54% discount and being able to pay over 12 months is too good to pass up. The scheme only applies to new bikes, and I've been watching my national craiglist like a hawk for weeks and seen nothing.
So - I need some mustachian help.
What bike do I get, and what accessories?
Have been recommended to get a hybrid bike, but after that I'm a bit lost.
Would like to have the option of attaching a toddler seat to the back in the future (have a very light nearly 3-year-old).
Weather in Ireland is mild (very little snow, not very hot), but could rain 200+ days/year.
I'll need to carry books, laptop, food, spare clothes/towel (showers in college). On short round-town journeys I'll also be carrying a child, or be towing one.
Obviously I need a helmet, probably a rack for panniers? Lights, reflective clothing... what else?
Any advice greatly appreciated! This will be my biggest purchase in five years - I don't want to make a mistake!