Boardman Bikes........

steerpike

Hi,

I'm looking to buy my first bike through a cycle to work scheme and can't decide whether to updgrade from the basic Boardman to the next one up. I will get either for approx 40% less than RRP. Is the Team bike worth the extra £300? I don't want to be in a position in 6 months where I'm regretting not having stretched that bit extra.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/

Cheers

steerpike

really, how interesting

andrewc3142

Never ridden one but according to the website the Team has Ultegra and 20 gears rather than what seems to be a mix of 105 and Tiagra, plus better wheels, etc. Just on that basis it would seem to be a better package for sure.

Trouble is, it moves close to the £1k mark, where there is masses of competition, and as an alu frame it would have to be good to better a well made steel frame or the cheaper but good carbon ones (depending on which ticks your boxes).

Plus, don't you have to buy it from Halfords? Nothing wrong with them per se, just that they mainly deal with a different market segment than more serious road bikes and I expect that would tell. Other places take the vouchers as well.

alfablue

andrewc3142 wrote:

Plus, don't you have to buy it from Halfords? Nothing wrong with them per se, just that they mainly deal with a different market segment than more serious road bikes and I expect that would tell. Other places take the vouchers as well.

If it is the Halfords scheme then you have to use the voucher at halfords, but under the scheme they can source almost any brand of bike you want (you gotta ask, and not take no for an answer), so you have a very wide choice.

steerpike

thanks guys, I have investigated this and, apparently, I absolutely HAVE to have a Halfords bike. This is a pain as I wanted this one:

http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/PEL ... 21066_.htm

But it appears I cannot have this. In the event I can, any thoughts on this as compared to the Boardman at a similar price? (The COMP).

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Someone with hands on experience will hopefully confirm, but I was always under the impression that Halfords can source most bikes in, to use on their tax free cycle scheme?

dsmiff

Yes - Halfords can source any bike, you should have a number to call for the Halfords cyclescheme, and they are pretty used to dealing with this and have a reasonable knowledge of some of the more popular bikes.

Where can I get my bike and cycling safety equipment?
Halfords has the largest selection of cycles and cycling safety equipment in the UK, and sells more bikes than any other retailer. Look at our huge range of top brand products either at Halfords' 400 plus stores or on-line at www.halfords.com.

Still can't find what you are looking for? You will be provided with a dedicated call centre number on which to call the Halfords Cycle2Work team and we will see if we can source the bike for you.

http://www.cycle2work.info/employees/qsandas.html

I don't know who told you you can only get a Halfords bike, but I'm afraid they are misinforming you.

I contacted wiggle and you can also get the Focus bikes through the scheme.

A couple of colleges have got the Planet-x and the others opted for Specialized, all ordered via the Halfords helpline and delivered to their local store.

steerpike

the scheme with my work is Bikescheme so it does have to be a Halfords bike. Both Bikescheme and Halfords have confirmed this.

dsmiff

Apologies, just found your previous post regarding the scheme.

Indecently I got hold of a Carrera Valour last year and a Virago this year, so have no problem with Halfords bikes.

I was looking at the comp as well but decided to stretch to the virago.

derekwatts

I would say the problem with Halfords depends very much on the store. A friend of mine bought a Boardman bike there, but their sales and after sales service was shocking. They told him he could only ride it around the shop floor (despite leaving a deposit to cover the cost of the bike!), so after banging fists on the table they said he could ride it for 20 minutes on the main road outside the store. He was warned "If you're not back in 30 minutes we'll come looking for you!" So we agreed, then dissappeared off around Richmond Park for an hour and a half. Stuff 'em! During that time he could barely use half of the 20 speeds available, but nonetheless he decided to buy a new Boardman, also incorrectly believeing they could not source any other frame in the store.

A week later we picked it up, and it was practically thrown together. Bits missing, nothing lubed or adjusted, an extra foot of brake and gear cable hanging off all over the place! Sratched crank arms and paintwork. After about 4 hours it was safe to ride. It's a shame that stores like that will sully Mr Boardman's good name.