Boardman or Kouta

jslater

Hi All,

I've been all set on getting a Boardman Team Comp but after failing to find one in a shop to even sit on (let alone ride) I'm nervous about splashing that kind of cash with something I've not had a chance to try out. I was in a LBS today and saw the Kuota Kharma which looks like a really good bike for 1500 quid - so now I'm thinking of between the Pro Carbon and the Kharma.

I'm liking the fact I can get properly sized in the LBS as well as try out the Kharma, plus the reviews I've read have been excellent for both. Surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be too many reviews on Bike Radar for the Kuota - any advice?

Cheers,

James.

sturmey

I would get the Kuota myself-there is unfortunately a stigma attached to riding a Halford's bike- even if it's a 1500 quid one.
Halfords are unlikely to approach your bike shop in after sales service either.

Frank the tank

Buy the Kuota.

Must admit I'm biased though, I own two, a Kharma and a KOM. Both very good bikes.

Slow Downcp

I'm also biased, had a Kharma for 4 years, but I'd go for the Kuota.

jslater

Thanks for your replies, that was my gut feeling too - good to hear positive stuff about Kuota too.

Cheers,

James.

pianoman

Looking at them I wish I could say Boardman, but there's been so many poor reliability stories coming from them, largely because of the Halfords stigma.

Get the Kuota - and you can even get them built up from frameset if you want Campag groupset, Ultremo tyres etc.

kingrollo

I have a kharma on order (waiting for that damm cyclescheme voucher) - I did a load of research and found it the best value for £1500 - Just a tip - you might want to ask the shop to quote for an ultegra build - this only cost me an extra £90 ....will post some photos when I get it.

amaferanga

I picked up a Kuota Kharma 2007 earlier this year for a little over a grand and since I'm buying it through cyclescheme it'll cost me around £600. Absolute bargain for that money, but even at full whack I'd still say its a great bike.

I absolutely love mine. The spec of the Boardman may be a bit better, but the Kharma is a beautiful bike. Its also very comfortable - I just rode 1500km on it in 5 days

leedow19

I have read this thread with interest as I am considering buying a Kuota Kharma or Kebel frame at the end of the season - dependent on which is available at the right price (probably in the region of £1000). However, I have also been pointed in the direction of the Orbea frames - specifically the Orca but also the Onix. Anybody have any interesting comments to make about the Orbea in comparison to the Kuota?

Rhods

Saw a Kuota Kharma in my LBS last night - looks even better in the flesh! A very nice looking bike, which stood out next to some very nice Ridleys, Cubes and Giants.

kingrollo

leedow19 wrote:

I have read this thread with interest as I am considering buying a Kuota Kharma or Kebel frame at the end of the season - dependent on which is available at the right price (probably in the region of £1000). However, I have also been pointed in the direction of the Orbea frames - specifically the Orca but also the Onix. Anybody have any interesting comments to make about the Orbea in comparison to the Kuota?

The Kharma frame is £899 I think - with the Kebel around £200 more. I thought the Orca was more expensive. I think the Kharma shades it on striking looks. - but thats down to personal preference.

leedow19

While I would like a nice looking bike I would also like a good quality bike that is capable of lasting, climbing and is relatively comfortable for long rides. Therefore, I would probably compromise on looks and go with performance. Keep your thoughts coming.

kingrollo

leedow19 wrote:

While I would like a nice looking bike I would also like a good quality bike that is capable of lasting, climbing and is relatively comfortable for long rides. Therefore, I would probably compromise on looks and go with performance. Keep your thoughts coming.

Confused - is that an edge towards to Orbea or Kuota ?

aarw

I used to ride a Kharma ('07 model) with campag on it, it was my first carbon frame and at firts felt very stiff and very fast. I thoroughly enjoyed it until i crashed it and made it redundant.

i currently ride a Kebel ('08) and still really enjoy it. Many people comment on it, it a good looking frame. It's lighter than the Kharma for sure and overall feels a lot tighter. it has the same angles as the KOM.

If i was able to get an Orbea Orca for the same money though..... yeah, i'd take it.

jslater

I ended up ordering the Kharma and I'm picking up on Monday - can't wait! Wish I'd have known about that Ultegra upgrade though, for 90 quid that's a steal... I may see if they can convert it as that's such a bargin.

kingrollo

jslater wrote:

I ended up ordering the Kharma and I'm picking up on Monday - can't wait! Wish I'd have known about that Ultegra upgrade though, for 90 quid that's a steal... I may see if they can convert it as that's such a bargin.

who are you buying it from ?
ultegra 2010 has just been released, and its a lot different from the 09 - so there might be some bargains on 09 ultegra - probably why I got my ultegra upgrade so cheap.

jslater

Ah that explains it then - my LBS wanted another 400 quid for the upgrade so I'm sticking with the standard build. tbh, this bike is such an upgrade from my previous (very old) 531c frame that I probably wouldn't appreciate the Ultegra component swap anyway.

Picked it up yesterday and very much looking forward to taking it on a run today - tis a nice looking bike that's for sure.

Cheers,

James.

kingrollo

jslater wrote:

Ah that explains it then - my LBS wanted another 400 quid for the upgrade so I'm sticking with the standard build. tbh, this bike is such an upgrade from my previous (very old) 531c frame that I probably wouldn't appreciate the Ultegra component swap anyway.

Picked it up yesterday and very much looking forward to taking it on a run today - tis a nice looking bike that's for sure.

Cheers,

James.

Thats makes me even happier with mine ! ,......don't forget the photos !

sonny73

There is no way I would ever buy a bike from Halfords, the stories you read and the customer service I have experienced buying basic things for my car have been enough to teach me that recently.
Your local specialist bike store is always the best option there.
Get the Kuota or look at other bikes for the same price.
Boardman bike's need seriously to consider getting stock in LBS's :?

range

Hi guys,
I read the thread and I'm currently deciding which frame I should get. I'm looking at the Kuota Kom, Orbea Orca, and an '08 Wilier Cento.

For starters, the Kom is second-hand and a lot cheaper than the others. At my LBS, the Cento and Giant are about the same price. The Orca is also in the same price range. If I wasn't mindful of my budget, I'd go with the Wilier, but it's hard to justify getting that bike when I can get an '08 Kom for $1,500 USD.

I've checked around the web and found that an '08 Wilier Cento can cost about $2,100, but I'd have to negotiate a bit with my LBS to get that price. I'm pretty sure that I could get the Wilier Cento for $2,000. They have that frame in stock in my size.

How does the Kom compare to the Orca? I've read that the Orca is a bit heavy. Also, there are some issues with the Kom downtube, it's very thin and vulnerable to chain damage. I've read that quite a few people have cracks in their Koms.

Thanks

kingrollo

Get the KOM - and insure it with M&S - all risks. If you crash they replace !

KOM is supposed to be superlight and superstiff. Its probably cheaper as Kuota hasn't yet got the brand appeal. Apparently a lot more shops will stocking Kuota next year.

range

Thanks!

I've been leaning toward the KOM as it's a really good second-hand deal. The Wilier Cento is a bit too expensive. However, I just learned and confirmed that both the Wilier and the Pinarelle Prince are made in Taiwan. I'm currently teachin/studying in Taiwan. This gives me a good bargaining tool, as things are always negotiable in Taiwan.

bristolpete

I have been riding the Kebel solid for some 6 weeks since purchasing it as a custom build from Strada Cycles in Bristol. I really, really like it, but something about it I don't love but all my 'bike buddies' do.

I 'think' it is the hexagonal top tube which I cant dig, I would prefer it round or oval, but I love everything else about it but being honest I think I prefer the shape of the Kharma due to the curvey nature and the sportive feel. When I look at the Kebel it seems to small - but I think its an optical illusion due to the compact rear triangle which puts you right over your crank for power. If you go for a Kebel consider the next frame size up....

As for the Kebel, it is incredibly stiff, the power transfer in immense (I am running 105) and it is a smooth bike with lots of miles to come. BUT, something is missing at the moment as I am finding climbing hard so I am going to see the lads at my LBS to discuss the gearing options as I am using compact where as before my upgrade I was using triple, which has made a difference.

I rode the bike to band practice and all the fella's loved it, as you would.

Finally, being honest, I expect to use the bike for two years as I am pushing it on long rides and will then look at my +2K options, perhaps going for something else such as a Cervelo.

Here is a short, but crap movie of my bike !

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bristolpete/3661922855/

range

I have started talks with the seller. A new KOM frame + fork retails for about $2,400 here in Taiwan. I'm hoping to pay $1,500 for his, as he's put on some miles. It's an '09, I mistakenly thought that it was an '08. He's also including seatpost, saddle, headset, stem+handlebar in his deal.

I was looking at Wilier Cento, but it's a bit too expensive. For that price, I'll have a whole smartly second-hand setup bike. I'll purchase some used components + wheelset to use for training.

Thanks

range

If that deal happens, then I'll have quite the bike for not a lot of cash. I was initially shopping for a training bike, but after looking at the second-hand market , I found some really interesting deals.

As for the training bike, there's someone selling an '07 OCR C1 with Ultegra components for not a lot of money. I think that would do nicely.

kingrollo

bristolpete wrote:

I 'think' it is the hexagonal top tube which I cant dig, I would prefer it round or oval, but I love everything else about it but being honest I think I prefer the shape of the Kharma due to the curvey nature and the sportive feel. When I look at the Kebel it seems to small - but I think its an optical illusion due to the compact rear triangle which puts you right over your crank for power. If you go for a Kebel consider the next frame size up....

As for the Kebel, it is incredibly stiff, the power transfer in immense (I am running 105) and it is a smooth bike with lots of miles to come. BUT, something is missing at the moment as I am finding climbing hard so I am going to see the lads at my LBS to discuss the gearing options as I am using compact where as before my upgrade I was using triple, which has made a difference.

I have the Kharma - my head told me Kebel because of the stiffness - but I buy on looks - and the fact that I got ultegra & bling wheels for less than the 105 kebel price.

I have also noticed the gearing is weird, the ratios pretty much match my old bike - but I found pedalling so much easier, but I need to be on the big front ring to really get the thing shifting. I ve angled the bars down slightly, which helped, and may take a spacer out to get the bars a bit lower. I have found the Kharma good on the hills - but doesn't quite have the oomph on the flat....I don't think its a stiff bike at all. The stock tyres maybe something to consider changing, they are low budget (£10 !) continental ultra sport - have put some pro races on, and will test the weekend.

bristolpete

kingrollo wrote:

bristolpete wrote:

I 'think' it is the hexagonal top tube which I cant dig, I would prefer it round or oval, but I love everything else about it but being honest I think I prefer the shape of the Kharma due to the curvey nature and the sportive feel. When I look at the Kebel it seems to small - but I think its an optical illusion due to the compact rear triangle which puts you right over your crank for power. If you go for a Kebel consider the next frame size up....

As for the Kebel, it is incredibly stiff, the power transfer in immense (I am running 105) and it is a smooth bike with lots of miles to come. BUT, something is missing at the moment as I am finding climbing hard so I am going to see the lads at my LBS to discuss the gearing options as I am using compact where as before my upgrade I was using triple, which has made a difference.

I have the Kharma - my head told me Kebel because of the stiffness - but I buy on looks - and the fact that I got ultegra & bling wheels for less than the 105 kebel price.

I have also noticed the gearing is weird, the ratios pretty much match my old bike - but I found pedalling so much easier, but I need to be on the big front ring to really get the thing shifting. I ve angled the bars down slightly, which helped, and may take a spacer out to get the bars a bit lower. I have found the Kharma good on the hills - but doesn't quite have the oomph on the flat....I don't think its a stiff bike at all. The stock tyres maybe something to consider changing, they are low budget (£10 !) continental ultra sport - have put some pro races on, and will test the weekend.

Sure thing - it is amazing how going from one bike to another can change everything.....

Love your bike dude - looks great, just great.

range

@kingrollo I have to say that your Kharma looks awesome. In Taiwan, a Centaur specced Kharma sells for $1,900 and it does look good.

Then again, my LBS received a Record 11 Kredo Ultra and it also looks amazing. Kuota bikes are quite distinctive. I find the KOM a bit under-the-radar looking, a kind of sleeper bike. There's nothing great about the paint job and design, but from what I've read, it's to keep the weight down.