It's Down to 2

tferino

Hi all,

I've just received my Voucher to go and get myself a bike through the company's C2W scheme - I've gone for the full £1k, it's through Halfords so my options are basically:

1. Boardman Road Team Bike - http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710
2. Carrera Virago Ltd Edition - http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710

As far as I can see (very limited knowledge admittedly) they both appear to be a similar spec, the main difference is the Carrera is full carbon. The local Halfords have ordered in a Carrera so I'll get to sit on both (won't be allowed out of the shop I expect) so unless one is obviously a better fit what would everyone recommend? Any particular reason to avoid the Carrera?

alihisgreat

This months (Technically the February issue?) of Cycling Plus has a review of the Carrera, got a decent score (maybe 3.5/5 if i remember correctly)

so you could either buy the mag, or wait a week or two for the review to pop up on Bikeradar to get some more info on it.


I could probably go with the Boardman though -> i think the C+ review said the Virago frame was a little flexy? and the boardman has mavik aksium wheels, which are better than the Virago's CPX22 rim wheels

oh and the Boardman is discounted to £899 at the moment.

jonbristol

You dont have to buy through halfords...there are about 300 independent bike shops that can accept the halfords vouchers. In Bristol I think Fred Baker and The Triathlon Shop can take it for example, ask your local bike shops - it will give you a much broader choice.

jonbristol

Oh, forgot to add - if the shop/halfords wont let you at least ride it around the car park then walk away. Would you buy a car without a test drive?

tferino

Thanks for the replies.

Jon, I did have a look at some of the other independent shops that are on the list but the only thing that put me off was that you lose out on the 15% worth of accessories. The Boardman is effectively £750 (with the accessories), I didn't see anything else much better spec'ed elsewhere. Admittedly I'd get to deal with my LBS and would get to try things out.

jonbristol

Tferino - no worries, its a good deal that halfords offer, just didnt want you to jump in without knowing you have more choice. So many people dont think anyone but Halfords accept cycle2work vouchers.

Wirral_paul

Do you have the option to add £200 cash / card and go for a Boardman Team Carbon??

b16 b3n

id go for the boardman. My other halfs dad has just bought one and its a nice bit of kit

essjaydee

I've got a Boardman road race and it's a great bike

Done just over 300 miles on it so far and it's been spot on, rides well and looks great IMO 8)

Wouldn't hesitate to buy another Boardman

tferino

Wirral_Paul - unfortunately not, think it's part of the C2W scheme T&Cs that doesn't let you do that.

The local store are getting both bikes in this weekend so I'll have a go then, assuming they let me out of the store on them. I'll also have a read of the Cycling Plus review mentioned above beforehand.

tferino

Well, reading the Cycling Plus review has thrown a spanner in the works, the Giant Defy 1 gets a really good write up - so much so that I might have to consider giving up the 15% worth of accessories from Halfords and going elsewhere!
Decisions ... decisions

MarksMintness

You've got a nice dilemma there, stop making me jealous!

alihisgreat

tferino wrote:

Well, reading the Cycling Plus review has thrown a spanner in the works, the Giant Defy 1 gets a really good write up - so much so that I might have to consider giving up the 15% worth of accessories from Halfords and going elsewhere!
Decisions ... decisions

I can verify that the Defy 1 is a very nice bike http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=12829306



The Boardman should offer a racier geometry and ride though which is worth considering.

tferino

Final update - I went for the Boardman in the end. The Giant Defy 1 must be really popular as the LBS (that are on the approved C2W list for my company) couldn't get one in for about 3 months. The Carrera looked good but the Boardman felt comfier (for me), so taking into account the better reviews that came out top.
Thanks for replies/advice.

alphacharlie

The Boardman in on my shortlist so interested to find out how you settle in with it.
Cheers
AC

desweller

I suppose it's a bit late to mention that you should also budget for suitable clothes, lighting, basic tools etc. etc....

tferino

DW - this is my second bike so I've already got (most) of the basics. Will get mudguards and possibly lights with the accessories voucher though. Thanks

essjaydee

Good choice 8)

Enjoy