Should I increase the budget?

Slow Downcp

Having decided to set a limit of £500 for a hardtail, I went out today to look at a few options including the GT's at Halfords with 20% off. However, I saw the Boardman Team for £850 - much better spec and a LOT lighter. Wife instantly told me to get the Boardman, but I resisted to mull it over - plus as I hadn't even considered going to that much I haven't looked at anything over £500 (with the exception of the Genesis Core 20), until now.

Given that I will only be using the bike for riding trails and singletrack, nothing extreme, the occasional commute, and a bit of messing about, am I going to notice any real difference between the Boardman and say a Focus Fatboy at £540? Or is there anything else I should consider at the Boardman price level? Should point out that, although an extra £300, the additional cost to me will be half that as it will be bought through a cycle to work scheme.

prawny

Slow Downcp wrote:

Having decided to set a limit of £500 for a hardtail, I went out today to look at a few options including the GT's at Halfords with 20% off. However, I saw the Boardman Team for £850 - much better spec and a LOT lighter. Wife instantly told me to get the Boardman, but I resisted to mull it over - plus as I hadn't even considered going to that much I haven't looked at anything over £500 (with the exception of the Genesis Core 20), until now.

Given that I will only be using the bike for riding trails and singletrack, nothing extreme, the occasional commute, and a bit of messing about, am I going to notice any real difference between the Boardman and say a Focus Fatboy at £540? Or is there anything else I should consider at the Boardman price level? Should point out that, although an extra £300, the additional cost to me will be half that as it will be bought through a cycle to work scheme.

WHAT! Right two things to consider there, you're wife encouraged you to spend more money on a bike! AND you resisted???! Come on man the Boardmans are a bargain, I want a new light MTB now I've got the roadie sorted and any of the Boarman HTs would be perfect, infact I think they are the only reason to consider buying a bike from halfords. Luckily for you halfords is open on sundays get thee back there tomorrow before the wife changes her mind! Then come over follow the dog with me so I can have a go

JxL

prawny wrote:

WHAT! Right two things to consider there, you're wife encouraged you to spend more money on a bike! AND you resisted???

lol same thing I was about to say!!

Boardman is definitely worth it. I limited myself to spending £500 too, but now 3 weeks later I have spent an extra £400-£500 on top of that for upgrades (better forks, brakes, etc).

Slow Downcp

The wife won't change her mind so I don't need to rush - one of the advantanges of marrying a girl I met at the bike club

Can't go back tomorrow as I have an invite to Old Trafford to see Villa lose badly The food and drink's paid for though so maybe I won't remember much when I get back

If only Halfords ran a 20% off promotion on Boardman's, like they did Carrera last week and GT this weekend.

Must admit the Boardman's looked impressive for the money though.

prawny

TBH I think the GTs need the 20% off these days I've always been a bit of a GT fanboi but they aint what they used to be, the name is costing a fair bit.

If the Pro is too much why not the comp? Although looking at the price the spec is loads better for not much money.

Mmm I Iove prawn sandwiches too, have fun tomorrow, tis a tricky run in for The Villa indeed.

Slow Downcp

Yeah - the Team's only gonna cost me £75 more after tax relief, so £6ish a month if I pay over 12 months and there does seem a big chunk of extra spec for the cost. The wife thinks the Team looks nicer as well, so gotta take that inot consideration.