What would you do?

RockyHopperShow

Further to my earlier posts I went down to BikeHut in Brighton today to order a Boardman Comp (I have already sized -up other bikes for comparison) The sales assistant went down to the cellar to have a look and came back saying that there none in my size left. I would have to wait until the 2009 bikes come onstream he advised. So I asked for any details of the 2009 Comp and, after much searching, he came up with the facts that there "seemed" to be no spec changes, the bikes would be available from October/ November and have a prospected rrp of £599 (£50 cheaper than 2008)
My other options are a GT Aggressor XCR (?) for £649 or even use my voucher on a Marin from QuestAdventure in Worthing (they accept Halfords Vouchers) - although I'm not sure what sort of model /spec I would get for that value (up to £700)
Or should I just hang on for the 2009 Boardmans? I do like 'em mind.

supersonic

I would get some definite info on the Boardman. Most bikes are going up in price with slightly less specs.

Aggressor XCR is a good bike, but for more aggressive trails than say the boardman. Bit heavier, tougher build.

soy_sauce

i was in the same boat as you. i been looking for a Boardman Comp since July and was force to wait for the 09 model and they told me they will be out in late Sept/early Oct, so it seem like it been delay. unlike you, i couldn't go for the GT Aggressor XCR because they don't do my size (need a 16"-17" frame).
end up getting the Specialized RockHopper Pro disc from the store (luckily someone ordered it in but change their mind, so the store got stuck with a £900 bike and no-one would buy it) instead of waiting for god-known how long it might take.

what date is your voucher expiry?

RockyHopperShow

Thanks Supersonic, I have emailed Boardman's (Halfords) Customer Services. I'll just have to wait and see what they come back with. The Marin that fit's in my price range that appeals is the B-17 with a Tora fork. It looks quite a decent bike and QuestAdventure seem a decent LBS so, if the 2009 Boardmans don't appeal then I'm not short of options.

RockyHopperShow

Henry, I am quite lucky as my voucher doesn't expire until 12th December.

spursn17

I'd try ringing other branches yourself, Halfords customer services are craptastic.

RockyHopperShow

I got a reply from Halfords about the 2009 Boardman Comp:
Thank you for your recent E-mail.

The 2009 range is due in stores at the end of September early October.

The specification of the Comp MTB is listed below:

£599.99

• Lightweight fully double butted frame
• Rock Shox Recon SL Air fork with 100mm travel, adjustable rebound damping
&
lockout.
• SRAM X9/X7 27 speed gearing
• Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes
• Truvativ Firex chainset with GXP bottom bracket
• Ritchey Pro rims with sealed bearing hubs
• Ritchey finishing kit

Kind Regards
Andy Weston
Halfords Customer Services

Now, me being me, I wondered why there is £50 off when most new ranges seem to be going up in price. So I rang Andy Weston at Halfords and he assures me it is just a case of trying to get the best possible price for the customer and that no major changes have been made to the spec.
I'll go with that then and wait a few weeks for the Brighton store to get some in.
I can't wait, and another £50 towards accessories too! . Life is good, eh?

RockyHopperShow

Ah, just noticed that there is a slight difference in the fork. The 2009 has an XC-biased Recon fork whereas the 2008 has a more trail-orientated Recon 351 fork. The Motion Control gizmo seems to have been deemed uneccessary, or is it?

supersonic

It is a slight downgrade on the fork damper, but a lighter chassis better suited for XC. And air sprung. This is an XC bike at heart.

In reality there isn't £50 off: the 2008 version started at £600, but Halfords fiddle around with the prices to make future reductions look better.

Nevertheless, incredible value compared to other 2009 machines.

passout

Seems good value but would forget it and get a GT. Why wait when the GT is such a nice handling bike - there are rides to be had!

mulletclothing

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/
ye can also order marins and rocklobsters and loads of other bikes through halfords just ask them if they say they dont order in bikes they lie as i work in a branch up my way

RockyHopperShow

Thanks chaps....I keep thinking my mind is made up............ :roll:

Anyway, does the Motion Control do that much? The GT Aggro XCM is certainly an option and I quite like the B-17 from Marin. It could all come down to the fact that my local Marin dealer (who accepts Halfords vouchers) seems so bloody good! Halfords and Bikehut seem to be staffed by disinterested spotty kids around my neck of the woods. I would sleep on this if it wasn't for the fact that I'm on nightshift, lol. As Passout said, there are rides to be had.
That said, I very much appreciate your time and advice. It's great browsing websites and bikeshops searching for my next bike.

supersonic

Motion Control is an adjustable low speed compression damper. The recon unit is fixed, but not a massive deal.

RockyHopperShow

Thank you Supersonic. Just looked and the B-17 is now out of my reach as far as my voucher is concerned at £799 . ( I don't think the Worthing shop has any 2008 Marin B-17s left) so, it'll finally be down to the Boardman or the GT....it's getting closer - and Passout has got me itching to get out there. Oh dear.

RockyHopperShow

I did what SpursN17 suggested and rang round the other BikeHut stores and nearly all seem to have a Comp in my size so it's off to London to pick one up on Monday. I can't wait to get it muddy! Thanks all - I will post a pic when I get the chance.