Which one is a better?

alire

Evans: https://www.evanscycles.com/kona-jake-2 ... e-EV291528

Halfords: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/r ... -comp-bike

I showed it to an employee in Halfords and he said they're both practically the same; insisting that Evans are just overpriced. He insisted it was his honest opinion.

Please note that the one from Halfords is around £570 in my local Halfords.

It's also worth noting that the Halfords one actually has two pairs of brake handles. One on the dropped handlebars and the other on the flat bar. I like this feature. Though I'm curious to know if choosing the Halfords one based on that is unwise?

Moonbiker

Why only thoose 2 i don't think either is a paticular bargin, the kona has tiagra over sora so 10 speed v 9 speed is main difference.

This but has no disc brakes?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Raleigh-RX-Elit ... 0wod-ygH5g

Also wouldn't by a bike based on the chcicken lvr brake feature, unless its very important to you.

alire

Moonbiker wrote:

Why only thoose 2 i don't think either is a paticular bargin, the kona has tiagra over sora so 10 speed v 9 speed is main difference.

This but has no disc brakes?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Raleigh-RX-Elit ... 0wod-ygH5g

Also wouldn't by a bike based on the chcicken lvr brake feature, unless its very important to you.

I just realised I didn't give any context on myself.

The last I cycled was back in school, year 7 or something so that's about 10 years ago. I will first be riding off road for a bit until I can pick it all up and then will be riding to and from work on most days, mostly on roads (their condition is bad hence why I'm not going for a standard road bike). The bike journey is about 30-40 minutes, maybe more since I won't be going too fast. I will also be riding a little off road, on mud (not that often) and will be riding along canal paths.

So I am not an experienced cyclist by any means but want a cyclocross for commuting. My expectations are not that high. I want a bike that I will be satisfied with in handling, speed and braking. As for specific features of the bike, I wouldn't really know which is best until I ride them for a long time and 'learn' bikes. It's a bit like building a PC. You don't know where to really spend your money until months after you have spent and gotten used to them.

What do you mean by 10 and 9 speed? I am a newbie here in unfamiliar territory.

That bike you linked does seem pretty good minus the lack of disc brakes. I want disc brakes because of poor weather in the UK.

I was thinking of buying from Halfords or Evans, mostly so it's easier for me. I understand I could probably get a better bike online. But I have local stores near me so if something happens to the bike, I can get an easy repair or service.

Do you think I would be better off buying online and getting the bike custom fit for me locally?

I don't mind paying extra to Halfords or Evans if the bike I find online is actually worth it

Would there be any difference in any extra services I get? I was hoping for insurance on the bike, on road? Evans offer an insurance where you get covered if you cause harm or damage and get sued.
I was also looking for free services from the local stores I'd be buying from.

As I currently understand, a bike needs to be serviced every several months/ couple of years. Wouldn't this process be easier and cheaper if a bike is bought locally?

I am under the impression buying locally causes less hassle. If a part breaks, I'd need to have it sent off, right?

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Moonbiker

Finding a bargin online depends on how tall you are as often bargins are only in certain size frame. Have a look at the manufacturers size guides online.

If getting a bike online get the right frame size for your height, & then you can adjust the fit yourself. I wouldn't trust halfords or evans to sell a bike the right size for you though it might well fit fine.

Personally I avoid LBS as they can be pretty random quality of service, & are too expensive for me, but other people use them alot.

Its worth learning to do basic maintainace at home.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/rale ... lsrc=aw.ds

^This imo is pretty good abit heavy though

Or this looks nice:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-balun-c ... 60716566uk

Semi Hydraulic disc brakes are higher spec than mechanical disc

9 & 10 speed are the number of sprokets on the rear cassete:

Either speed is fine but as the number goes up you pay more & the groupset is lighter.

Claris 8 speed
Sora 9
Tiagra 10
105 11

Same for the other manufactures like SRAM or Campag.

tsarouxaz

alire wrote:

Evans: https://www.evanscycles.com/kona-jake-2 ... e-EV291528

Halfords: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/r ... -comp-bike

I showed it to an employee in Halfords and he said they're both practically the same; insisting that Evans are just overpriced. He insisted it was his honest opinion.

Please note that the one from Halfords is around £570 in my local Halfords.

It's also worth noting that the Halfords one actually has two pairs of brake handles. One on the dropped handlebars and the other on the flat bar. I like this feature. Though I'm curious to know if choosing the Halfords one based on that is unwise?

the jake!!, the boardman has low end components.