Help buying first proper MTB please

ShanksLFC
ShanksLFC Posts: 6
edited April 2013 in MTB buying advice
Hi everyone

Having not touched my cheap mountain bike since getting my driving license 10 years ago (really bad I know :oops: ) I'm looking to pick up a new proper MTB to get back in to it - living in Norfolk, usage will be fairly light but I'd like something which will handle rougher terrain on holiday.

I was all set on the Voodoo Hoodoo but stock seems scarce, neither of the stores I've been to had it in 18". Anyway, I also really like the look of the Boardman Comp, so having spent many an hour scouring these boards I now have a fairly good idea of how to grade the spec, but I'd love some advise on the following as I really can't decide.

Boardman Comp @ £650: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

Cannondale Trial SL1 (2012) @ £680: http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... b65s2p4346

I don't know if it's subconscious brand snobbery (may just be in my head, I've heard of Cannondale but not Boardman until recently) but I keep thinking why get the Boardman when the Cannondale is the same price

The kicker is that I've got £450 of Halfords gift vouchers :? any help much appreciated.

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Any store can order in an 18", no store can carry every size of every bike!

    On balance the 'dale just edges the Boardman slightly better fork and drivetrain, but the fork is 1.5" steerer which will make replacing it in the future a bit less conveniant.

    The £450 sounds like a compelling reason to get the Boardman!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • ShanksLFC
    ShanksLFC Posts: 6
    I believe the current HooDoo is due to be replaced shortly which is why there aren't many left. One store advised the 20" was fine for me (it wasn't!) and there were 10 available to order, the other store said to definitely go for the 18" but when he checked the system there weren't any left. I'm heading back to the first store when I go to lunch so will double check, the Boardman looks like a decent plan B though.
  • ShanksLFC
    ShanksLFC Posts: 6
    Oh yeah I forgot to mention, Cannondale VS Boardman - I got the vouchers through work (8% off) and have a British cycling membership (10% discount in store) so I'd actually get a further £100 or so off the Boardman (or HooDoo for that matter).
  • unquestioned
    unquestioned Posts: 172
    Personally I'd go for the cannondale.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    My local 3 stores all have an 18"" Hoodoo, so nothing to stop your store cross ordering (can be checked on the website if you click the 'check stock in local stores' tab) - have you considered the Boardman Pro....better than the 'dale.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • ShanksLFC
    ShanksLFC Posts: 6
    Thanks for the advise guys, just been back but the HooDoo is out of stock in all the local stores (only display models left which aren't currently for sale) and they also aren't available to order from head office

    I did look at the Boardman Pro, but it is a bit out of my budget unfortunately. Low and behold though, I've just got back and went on the Halfords website to look at the comp and they're now doing £60 off £600 on bikes. £590 for the Boardman comp, so about £480 with the discount I've got - the £200 saving over the Cannondale was enough for me to reserve the Boardman :D

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