What road bike??

Gareth3590

Hi,

I am doing the London to Paris ride in July over 3 days. I have not been on a bike in years and want to start training ASAP.

I want to spend about 1000 on a bike using the cycle to work scheme but I have to buy the bike from Halfords.

I am 6ft 4 and about 14 stone.

I was considering the Boardman Team Carbon?

Do you think this bike is a good option for 100miles a day or should I be looking at other bikes?

Also does anyone know of a decent bike shop in SW London to get the bike set up as reading other posts Halfords are fairly poor.



Thanks

Gareth

nochekmate

Gareth3590 wrote:

Hi,

I am doing the London to Paris ride in July over 3 days. I have not been on a bike in years and want to start training ASAP.

I want to spend about 1000 on a bike using the cycle to work scheme but I have to buy the bike from Halfords.
I am 6ft 4 and about 14 stone.

I was considering the Boardman Team Carbon?

Do you think this bike is a good option for 100miles a day or should I be looking at other bikes?

Also does anyone know of a decent bike shop in SW London to get the bike set up as reading other posts Halfords are fairly poor.



Thanks

Gareth

Doesn't look like you have many options then!

Plenty of similar threads in the past - use the search function

night_porter

I think you have lots of options, I am sure that Halfords will get in any bike you want but it will be at full retail price (I think most cycle to work bikes are anyway).

If I was going to ride to Paris at 100 miles a day then I would be looking at a light tourer rather than a bike designed for racing like the Boardman is. Especially if you need to attach a rack to carry things with you.

Kona, Ridgeback, Dawes, Genesis etc all make decent relaxed geometry audax/light tourers that should add quite a bit of comfort to your journey.

Halfords also sell Carrera bikes and their Vanquish is not only good value for money but it can take mudguards/rack and rides extremely well. Perfect for lighter touring or commuting.

You could ask for advice in the Audax/sportive forum on here for something suitable it really depends how much gear you need to take with you?

Of course if you want a Boardman then it is a highly recommended bike but it will be a harder ride especially for someone who doesn't ride that frequently.

As for Halfords build quality, it has to depend on which store you are buying from. If it doesn't seem right when you purchase it then keep complaining until they get it right or consider a lbs then. Don't assume that all Halfords are rubbish there are plenty of people on here who have bought from Halfords with no problems at all.

gregster10217

Not cracked the 100 yet on my Boardman, but regularly do 70-80 without problems, so think, with training, you'd be fine doing 100miles for 3 days. It's not like you'll be doing 100 miles a day for the next xx days/months/years, and it's a great bike to ride.
For your info, I'm 6'4 and 15 stone, and have had no problems with the wheels/frame/parts from day one. I got the XL from Halfords, Maidstone. Just be aware that it'll take you a few weeks (upto 2 months) to get the bike after applying for the voucher, so that doesn't leave you much time for training!
As for the Boardman itself, it's a cracking bike. I tested a few out when I got mine last December, and nothing came close, for me, and it still makes me smile a year on. SRAM components are good quality and don't need much adjustment after initial set up, and very easy/nice to use. The only thing I've done is put on a different saddle, Shimano pedals and turned the stem over and rotated the bars upwards slightly (however I'm looking to get a shorter stem as feel the reach is just a bit too much)

night_porter

So Gregster is a happy Halfords customer because he is recommending the Boardman!

Don't think I don't like the Boardman because I do but Gregster is making changes to make it more comfortable instead of its natural racing setup.

Also I am sure the long rides he does are not consecutive and he probably does not have to carry luggage, maybe there is something more suitable for what you want?

aclintern

Chris Boardman could do it but us mere mortals need something else - my suggestions a Specialized Roubaix (for pacy progress) or Secteur (a lower priced alternative).

A very good handbuilt wheelset and conti GP tyres would also be a crucial asset.

chunkytfg

just for your info On your bike in Tooley street near london bridge will accept Halfords C2W vouchers and stock a fair range of road bikes.