Advice on new bike

mattdanielc

Hi guys

I'm struggling between 3 bikes so would appreciate some advice. I can afford the most expensive - but is it worth it? i.e. are the parts on the bike worth the extra money it costs?

I commute to work every day. I'll be fitting mudguards and a pannier rack. My bike ride is around 25 minutes, 5 miles (twice a day obviously).

The 3 bikes are:

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/pro ... -grey.html
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/pro ... b-8.8.html
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/pro ... b-8.9.html

The bike I am replacing is:

https://www.thebikelist.co.uk/boardman/hybrid-comp-2014 (and this is my only bike)

So you can see these new bikes have better components - although is the 8.6 much of an upgrade over my current bike? Forgive me I'm not really good with specs. The 8.9 has carbon forks and it looks to me like it has the best parts?

I am looking for a bike with as little maintenance as possible as I'm not clued up on bikes.

Would appreciate any advice (and please don't offer alternatives - it's just from this choice of 3 for various reasons).

joe_totale-2

The 8.8 looks pretty capable to me, the 8.9 looks like you're paying £200 for another gear.
Assuming you're buying this on C2W you could use the rest of the money on the mudguards, rack and other bits and bobs.

mattdanielc

Joe Totale wrote:

The 8.8 looks pretty capable to me, the 8.9 looks like you're paying £200 for another gear.
Assuming you're buying this on C2W you could use the rest of the money on the mudguards, rack and other bits and bobs.

I definitely think the 8.8 is the best deal. I think for an extra £200 you get another gear yes, plus a different groupset (better quality). Not going to lie though the 8.9 is prettier In all seriousness though I presume a single gear might be quite important if I'm running a single chain ring?

oxoman wrote:

Personally I'd go for the 8.9 as better spec than the others. Carbon forks take a bit of the sting out of the potholes compared to alloy. You will need a pannier rack to suit disc brakes. Single chain ring up front will make servicing easier than 2x9

Yep the single chain ring is appealing - easier to wash the bike too

daniel_b

I'd go 8.9 as well, and in fact I think I have last years model, but by a different model name - though I bagged mine in the sales.

The 8.8 will suffice, but for me, the extra spec on the 8.9 would swing it.

slowbike

Maintenance on bikes ...

for 10 miles a day - 50 miles a week - 48 weeks a year = 2400 miles.
From my perspective - you should expect to have to replace the chain once in the year. The disk brake pads will last a good few years (assuming no contamination) - as will the bearings in the wheelset & headset.

TBH - any of those bikes would be fine - the 8.9 arguably the "best" - but I'm not sure I'd pay the extra £400 over the 8.6 for a commute bike - but then I have other bikes to ride. I'd be more interested in getting a bike that has components that are compatible with my current bikes (or ones I intend to purchase in the near future) - but as this is your only bike and you're not intending to get any more then I'd forget that.

So - my advice, if you are just using it as transport then the 8.6 would work out the cheapest - but the 8.9 would be a nicer ride and as you're asking on here then you've got more than just a transport interest (even if you haven't realised it yet) - so I'd go for the 8.9

Rygar

Doesnt the 8.8 have single chain ring and 10 gears ?

Im looking at this bike.. anyone own it, whats it like ?

mattdanielc

Rygar wrote:

Doesnt the 8.8 have single chain ring and 10 gears ?

Im looking at this bike.. anyone own it, whats it like ?

I bought the 8.9 in the end - loving it

slowbike

mattdanielc wrote:

Rygar wrote:

Doesnt the 8.8 have single chain ring and 10 gears ?

Im looking at this bike.. anyone own it, whats it like ?

I bought the 8.9 in the end - loving it

Glad you took my advice