Basic Boardman or higher end Carrera?

[Black Sheep]

Howdo'

I've been wanting to get out on the bike a bit more but my road bike (the old Carlton) has a lack of gear ratios making it hard work to get going on it around here, it's also getting to the point of needing to be re-built again so I'm wondering about replacing it.

been in Halfords today in my lunch break and comparing these two:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_875977_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810675_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

I like the look of the Boardman but not sure I can justify the extra cash, it's also heavier.

I'm wanting to start cycling to get to places around and about instead of driving and possibly get as far as entering a triathlon.

anyone willing to go near either with a barge pole?

 

[KneesUp]

Halfords website has the Boardman at 10.9kg and the Carrera at 11.2kg.

Might be worth a scoot around the M60 to have a look at Decathlon too?

 

[Pauluk]

Agree with KneesUp, Boardman spec is lighter but only slightly. I'd concentrate on the equipment that each bike comes with (gears and wheels mainly), then ask if you can justify £170 extra if you feel the Boardman is better equipped.

You could also watch Halford's prices while your making up your mind, because they often play around with them. You may find they knock off £100 one weekend.

I think both bikes will be pretty good for that sort of money.

Good luck

 

[cyberknight]

Halfords website has the Boardman at 10.9kg and the Carrera at 11.2kg.

Might be worth a scoot around the M60 to have a look at Decathlon too?

You can get the triban 500 se from decathlon for £379, i belive it is 10.7 kg with carbon fork , triple 8 speed microshift .The only thing to budget for would be new wheels when the old nes are toast as they are basic , a set of r501`s can be had for £70
The virtuoso is not a higher end , they have a vanquish which has 9 speed sora but still a alloy fork , if you can only buy from halfords then get the boardman as the frame and wheels are worth the extra .
Both bikes are very good and i used a virtuoso for years commuting and a sportive/ club runs and i only just sold it to build a bike with alloy frame and a carbon fork .I also have a boardman that had the same stock wheels that the one the OP looked at and they are good "entry level" wheels that run smooth and are pretty bomb proof
The Boardman has been on a long term test in cycling active doing sportives etc and it gets rave reviews .
Push come to shove both bikes are good value for money but the boardman wins on frame and kit so get whichever one you can afford but this takes some beating ......
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-359113-road-bikes#
or even better for £429
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5...l#anchor_ComponentProductTechnicalInformation
again budget for the wheels which is the only down on lower end tribans

 

[User16625]

Howdo'

I've been wanting to get out on the bike a bit more but my road bike (the old Carlton) has a lack of gear ratios making it hard work to get going on it around here, it's also getting to the point of needing to be re-built again so I'm wondering about replacing it.

been in Halfords today in my lunch break and comparing these two:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_875977_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810675_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

I like the look of the Boardman but not sure I can justify the extra cash, it's also heavier.

I'm wanting to start cycling to get to places around and about instead of driving and possibly get as far as entering a triathlon.

anyone willing to go near either with a barge pole?

Buying a bike from Halfords is like paying someone to defaecate on your face. Go to a proper bike shop. I cant understand why people buy from Halfords given their rep.

 

[vernon]

Buying a bike from Halfords is like paying someone to defaecate on your face. Go to a proper bike shop. I cant understand why people buy from Halfords given their rep.

Spouting a received wisdom does an injustice to Halfords. Remember that very few people trumpet positive news about a purchasing/servicing experience because it's the expected norm and a non event. Negative experiences are the ones' that get broadcast.

FWIW I've bought Carrera bikes from three different Halfords in the Leeds area and found the bikes and the subsequent post sales experiences beyond reproach.

 

[Black Sheep]

Buying a bike from Halfords is like paying someone to defaecate on your face. Go to a proper bike shop. I cant understand why people buy from Halfords given their rep.

10 years ago I'd have agreed with you, intact, 5 years ago I would however having spoken to staff in a few halfords of late, they know what they're doing. Halfords appear to by trying to shake off the reputation. Besides, it's irrelevant about the fact I'm buying from Halfords

I'll probably collect the bike still in it's box, I'm only buying a new bike as I've decided tracking down parts for a 50 year old Carlton is too expensive, time consuming and not suitable for my use. (Shame, my 7 year old hand built 27 inch wheels are still straight and true)

So, back on topic, is a fair summary that Carrera are good but get the best you can afford unless you can stretch to the basic Boardman but make sure you have a glance at what other places are offering?
I'd prefer steel but settling for alu - don't want carbon
Where is Decathlon in Manchester? I spend most of my time in Trafford park so my only bike shops are Evans (expensive) and Halfords.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

REGARDING the 'Old' Carlton, just send it's details over to the Vintage part of the forum in the 'special interests' bit.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell you how to rebuild it or what they want you to sell it to them them for!!

F**k the Boardman.... Err, I mean GO BOARDMAN!!
I could so easily take your old Carlton off your hands if you want!!

 

[SteCenturion]

There's a Decathlon in Bolton @Black Sheep

You could do Bolton in 30 mins from Rammy no sweat. It's on the retail park next to TKMaxx & Sainsbury's etc.

Another idea is to go for a 2013 or even 2012 bike from somewhere like www.paulscycles.co.uk or www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk - it might bag you an even better bike with a little searching.

 

[nickyboy]

Decathlon also in Stockport which is closer still from Trafford Park. Just off the motorway at the "glass pyramid" if you know it

 

[SteCenturion]

Decathlon also in Stockport which is closer still from Trafford Park. Just off the motorway at the "glass pyramid" if you know it

The OP is from Rammsbottom though nickyboy (I think). Might be one in Bury ?

 

[swee'pea99]

Have to say I'm still baffled by the OP. 'A lack of gear ratios'? Easily sorted. 'Needing to be rebuilt again'? Eh? Why does it need 'rebuilding', whatever that means? You say you'd prefer to get a steel bike, though you'd settle for alu, when all the time you have a steel bike - and a pretty nice one, I'd guess: Carlton didn't make rubbish. If you didn't like it, that would be one thing. But to dump a bike you know, you know you like, you know fits you, seems odd to me. And I still don't understand this rebuilding lark. I've never rebuilt a bike, and my daily steeds are generally upwards of 30 years old.

 

[SquareDaff]

I've had a Carrera (Virago) and a couple of Boardmans (CX, Hybrid, MB). When I bought the Virago I test rode the equivlalent priced Boardman. The specs were close but I went for the Carrera as it just felt a better ride (to me). There is no arguing that any of the Boardmans aren't nice pieces of kit though.

 

[Black Sheep]

I live in rammy but work in Trafford park so able to pop into places in my lunch break if not too far

The Carlton can only run rear gears which didn't used to matter when using if every day and maintaining a decent level of fitness. The lack of fitness and number of hills is the issue.

The whole bike creeks in use which is unnerving on a bike that I removed the rust from and re-built after it had spent 20 years in a damp shed.

The poor quality paint job needs re-doing as its wearing off in places.

Guess I'm after a quick fix to get me on the road again as I don't have much time on my hands for a project.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Buying a bike from Halfords is like paying someone to defaecate on your face. Go to a proper bike shop. I cant understand why people buy from Halfords given their rep.

borls.