Weight: Mekk vs Boardman

alfone

Hi, I'm about to buy my first, properly said, road bike. I've been riding an hybrid bike for last 4 years.

Due to low budget I'm considering these two bikes:

Mekk Pinerolo 1.0: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-pinerolo-al-10-sora/

Boardman Comp: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/boardman-comp-sora/

I'm quite confused about the weight. The boardman is specced as 9.98 kg, almost 0.8 kg more than the Mekk , that is 9.2 kg. Moreover the boardman could weight even more since I know that other bike of that brand are heavier than the 'official' weight. On the other side, I've owned a Mekk (for just one week) and the weight was quite close to what claimed by manufacturer.
My question is, since both have similar components (identical drivetrain) could the difference of weight be due to the frame? I mean, which frame do you think is the best?

Opininon about the bikes?

Anonymous

Its not as simple as the frame weight and the gears etc. The wheels, bars, stem, seatpost can all add up if they are cheap and heavy as a result.

To answer the frame qurstion. I would go for the Boardman

Also in your price range is a Decathlon BTwin Triban. Very good by all accounts from those who own them

crikey

0.8 kg = 800 grammes = 800 mls.

ie, you are worrying about the weight of a full water bottle and a gel.

It's really not that important.

Matthewfalle

Boardman then buy my 105 off me and upgrade .....

alfone

I don't like the triban. I don't like how it looks and I find the triple chainset meaningless with a 12-25 cassette.

I would go for the Boardman

Is there any specific reason or is it just matter of brand name, hype...etc?

Boardman then buy my 105 off me and upgrade .....

Sorry, I'm in Italy (and i m italian). Buying on wiggle is already enough of an hustle

ai_1

I agree with Maglia Rosa above.
It's not all about weight, although a light bike is nice, it's not the only, or the most important factor in choosing a frame.
Fit and position are most important IMO although it's tough to deal with them accurately if buying online and without prior road bike experience to compare to.
However, on the subject of weight: A the weight of a 9-10kg complete bike is not just the sum of the groupset and frame. They are probably responsible for something like 45% of the weight. The wheels, tubes and tyres are probably another 35% or more. Wheels and tyres are usually where manaufacturers skimp most. Then all the lighter components like handlebars, stem, seatpost, saddle add up too.
I doubt you'll notice the difference between a 9.2kg bike and a 9.98kg bike but you will notice the difference between a comfortable bike and an uncomfortable one or one with suitable gear ratios and one with inappropriate ranges.

If you're happy they're both going to be a good fit then take your pick. I'd probably favour the Boardman but I reckon either would be fine.

Regarding triples and 12-25. If you'll be in the hills a triple and 12-25 cay be a very welcome combo. In fact I've often used a 50/39/30 triple with 12-27 in the hills and found it a great set-up capable of getting me up any hill I can find. However both these bikes have compact doubles (50/34).
Bearing that in mind you may well want a larger cassette than the Mekk comes with if you plan to use it in the hills. Many people would find the 11-25 cassette hard work on steep slopes.

alfone

Ai_1 wrote:

Regarding triples and 12-25. If you'll be in the hills a triple and 12-25 cay be a very welcome combo. In fact I've often used a 50/39/30 triple with 12-27 in the hills and found it a great set-up capable of getting me up any hill I can find.

I agree, but 34/28 is nearly the same gear ratio as 30/25. I guess your 12-27 is much more usefull

alfone

I forgot to say that I could add some money to the budget. Something around 550 pound is the limit.

Every advice is welcome!

Matthewfalle

alfone wrote:

I don't like the triban. I don't like how it looks and I find the triple chainset meaningless with a 12-25 cassette.

I would go for the Boardman

Is there any specific reason or is it just matter of brand name, hype...etc?

Boardman then buy my 105 off me and upgrade .....

Sorry, I'm in Italy (and i m italian). Buying on wiggle is already enough of an hustle

I'm Italian and can meet you in Rome, Pescara or L'Aquila with the parts ......