bike just ordered from halfords. need advice

[Globalti]

Over the last 20 years I have known several good bike mechanics who have fallen out with their shop owner and ended up working behind the bike counter at Halfords. If you come across one of these characters when he is still in the first bloom of corporate enthusiasm you will get fantastic service. However most become disillusioned and one day you walk in to find they've moved on. Sometimes they end up starting their own small shop, which you try to support despite the high prices.

 

[Crankarm]

Over the last 20 years I have known several good bike mechanics who have fallen out with their shop owner and ended up working behind the bike counter at Halfords. If you come across one of these characters when he is still in the first bloom of corporate enthusiasm you will get fantastic service. However most become disillusioned and one day you walk in to find they've moved on. Sometimes they end up starting their own small shop, which you try to support despite the high prices.

I think many wouldn't mind paying a little bit more in prices to a decent LBS with decent mechanics. The problem arises when you get arrogant people with an inflated ego and altogether bad attitude who seem take pleasure in patronising, ripping off or ignoring customers who are either new or established. At the end of the day it is their loss as they lose business.

On the other hand some customers expect bike shops to turn there heap of crap bike into an uptodate Tour road bike for nothing . And I mean a bike that is a genuine heap of crap bought for £60 15 years ago that has not been maintained properly. But nothwithstanding this if you go into a bike shop with a grand burning a hole in your pocket to buy a bike you expect their full attention .

 

[GrumpyGregry]

One thing I would recommend is changing the pedals on the comp as they are shocking... clipless is the way to go

so many bikes of similar spec / price point are sold WITHOUT pedals on the basis that discerning cyclists will have their own preferences. I assume Boardmans only have pedals so you can ride them home

 

[nickhuds]

id just like to say a big thanks to all you guys that have taken the time to give me advice and help, in particular grumpygreg and crankarm thanks very much, it must of taken a fair amount of your time to write your replies, and im very gratefull for your help.
i shall keep you all up to date & let you now how i get on.
once again many thanks.
nick

 

[Garz]

Heres my boardman after I rode it back from my parents house after I gave it an inspection from the store:

Might upgrade to clipless pedals but I want to get used to the bike first and also im not captain cash!

 

[nickhuds]

looking good garz .
roll on tomorrow, i cant wait im getting all excited like a small child
i hear most people change the pedals, i cant say im expecting much in the way of pedals, the display bikes diddnt have any fitted so i havnt seen them yet, still if thats all thats wrong with the bike i shall be very happy indeed

 

[scotty1982]

build the bike yourself or get someone to check
it over

 

[amnesia]

so many bikes of similar spec / price point are sold WITHOUT pedals on the basis that discerning cyclists will have their own preferences. I assume Boardmans only have pedals so you can ride them home

The Team (and all models above it) come 'sans pedales' but the Comp has these really weird triangular, single sided pedals with toeclips that are almost impossible to get your feet into.

The rest of the equipment is faultless, so far B)

 

[ianrauk]

nickhuds, remember to put some pics up in the photo section when you get the bike.

and hey Garz, that goes for you too

 

[Garz]

nickhuds, remember to put some pics up in the photo section when you get the bike.

and hey Garz, that goes for you too

Wha.. ?

 

[nickhuds]

hi guys, picked up my boardman comp earlier and have been out riding all afternoon. i have to say i love it, and credit where its due Stuart from basildon halfords done a fantastic job of setting up the bike, he adjusted the seat and bars for my liking once i was there and answered all my question. he also said i could pop in at any time if i needed any advice or help, you cant ask for more than that. ive covered around 20 miles on it and nothings come loose, gears change smoothly so a BIG thanks to halfords at basildon retail park and in particular thanks to stuart.
i have to say the only thing i have to change is the pedals, god there awful ive already cut some of the plastic away as it was just to difficult to get your feet in and out safely. but thats it everything else is fantastic. im one happy bunny, il be posting a pick on the appropriate section shortly if anyone fancies a look.
thanks guys
nick

 

[Garz]

Glad you like it my boardman comp brudda!

 

[amnesia]

i have to say the only thing i have to change is the pedals, god there awful...

One thing I would recommend is changing the pedals on the comp as they are shocking... clipless is the way to go

Told ya

Happy riding !!

Daniel.