Boardman vs Cannondale

carverhill
carverhill Posts: 4
edited June 2011 in Road beginners
Hi this is my first post in the forums. I am looking for the views of others on two bikes. I am looking to buy myself a cycle cross bike this year as currently ride a mountain bike but want to get something that goes better on the road but can also do light trails etc.

So have the decision made that I want a cross bike now trying to choose. My two bikes of choice are...

Cannondale caadx 6 tiagra 2011 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-6-tiagra-2011-cyclocross-bike-ec025339
Boardman CX Team 2011 http://www.boardmanbikes.com/cx/cx_team.html

So wondered if anyone here had real experience of either of these bikes or component parts. I have about £1000 to spend and want something that is going to last, I am quite new to cycling and am aiming to be riding 3 times a week covering around 100 miles a week.

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The main difference between these two bikes is the drivetrain / components and the type of brakes. The Boardman has both a wider range of gears as well as disc brakes which will make it better for offroad use - the downside is the weight penalty, particularly due to the heavier hubs and brakes. The cantis on the Cannondale will not provide the same degree of power or feel. The upside of disc brakes is lack of rim wear and that they are so much better than cantis in any conditions. It really depends on whether you want a relatively light bike for occasional forays offroad or something that'll mix it up more but with a slight weight penalty. BTW you are paying a premium for the Cannondale brand too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Garz
    Garz Posts: 1,155
    Monty has summarised it perfectly well. The Boardman will offer better value but getting the right fit will be key as they come in S,M,L with little flexibility on stem length etc.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Yes, sizing on cross bikes is a little more critical, people prefer to have a little extra clearance, particularly as they 'ride' a little higher due to fatter tyres and elevated bottom bracket in comparison to typical road geometry - erring towards the smaller size of frame if in-between sizes in case you need to put a foot down on rough terrain.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • carverhill
    carverhill Posts: 4
    Thanks for the advice guys, think I am being pulled more to the Boardman for value for money. Looking at the sizes I am 5ft 6 so look like I am at looking at the small frame then, think I will go find one and see how it feels.
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    CX bikes make useful commuting and touring bikes so check that they can fit bolt-on rack and mudguards. You may not want them right now but some time you will.
    Discs have better stopping power than most cantilever brakes and carry on working well in grimy conditions. I've used both and prefer discs.
    If you want to do road racing or competitive riding, a disc-equipped bike may not be within the rules.
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    MichaelW wrote:
    If you want to do road racing or competitive riding, a disc-equipped bike may not be within the rules.
    Disc equipped CX bikes are now UCI legal, I believe.
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    For the OP, I'm pretty similar in stature and would find Boardman in small quite a neat fit - my preference would be something a touch shorter in reach so definitely suggest a test ride before you commit your readies - most people ride a cross bike a bit smaller than a road bike for extra clearance and the ability to move the weight around in tricky handling conditions. Certainly make sure you have enough standover clearance for those sudden stops and dismounts on rough terrain.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • carverhill
    carverhill Posts: 4
    Just been at Halfords in Hemel and they seemed to be pretty good, I tried a medium but think this is borderline for me, and they have a small in stock so they are building this up for me to try tomorrow night, so hopefully will know which one is a better fit tomorrow. The medium cross bar was just a little to close for comfort if you know what I mean, so good call Monty!

    Will keep you posted on what I go for and my impression of the store but all seems good for now.
  • Garz
    Garz Posts: 1,155
    I am 5'6" and bought a comp in small two years ago. It fitted pretty well and is a great bike for it's price. Not long ago I got n+1 and it's more of a touring frame but got sized in 56 (medium - bike fit measured).

    I was in between S and M on the boardman as I have a long torso, so for you I would say on a CX it would be S that would fit best.

Categories