Boardman Hybrid Performance Comp vs Team

[SquareDaff]

One other thing to bear in mind is that winter is approaching. You'll need to factor in costs for at least a good pair of gloves and waterproofs and, if you're storing it outside, a decent lock.

Many people on here use Triban 3's for commutting duties and love them. I believe the old 3's offer excellent value for money (rather than the new 3a's) and are usually snapped up very quickly. They're a relative bargain at £300.

 

[SquareDaff]

Btw: There's a Triban 3 Owners thread on here - might be worth finding it and reading some of the comments.

 

[vickster]

+1 for Whyte. I got my nearly new Cambridge for £450 on eBay...half RRP

 

[htid]

Hmmm Cycle Surgery local to me have Whyte Portobello at £599, I will go in this evening and have a look. Though to be honest, I'm not even sure what I'm looking for...need to do some more research during lunch. This has definitely given me something to think about though (which is exactly what I was hoping for, so thanks!).

To be clear, the £500 from my company isn't a loan, it's just them giving me £500 to get a bike so up to that amount, price is no object if it means I can get something better. I'm prepared to put some more towards it, if it will give me a better bike (it's a long term investment after all, and I'll be saving £100 a month on train fare).

 

[vickster]

Where are you based? There is a company called discount cycles that often has good deals on older Whyte models, e.g. the Cambridge for a bit over £600 (they only really change the colour year to year, not the spec)

 

[htid]

South Croydon, pretty near to you if you really are in Sutton.

 

[vickster]

I am...well actually I am in Epsom at the moment at work! If you want to try my Whyte out, you would be very welcome, depending on how tall you are

 

[ultraviolet]

Boardman's new range is coming out in the coming weeks, might be worth the wait

 

[michaelcycle]

South Croydon, pretty near to you if you really are in Sutton.

If you fancy trekking over to Wimbledon try the Evans on Gladstone Road - it's the biggest in the country I believe and they have lots of bikes on display. You can also test ride bikes as well and have them shipped into the store to do so if they are not on the shop floor. Then try cycling up Wimbledon Hill Road (and not getting way laid by a cheeky buritto at Chipotle...)

You don't necessarily have to buy from them but can get a good idea of what is out there.

 

[vickster]

Give Pearsons a go in Sutton too and also Fudges in Epsom (who currently have a sale on Cannondale roadbikes)

There are also a couple of bike shops in South Croydon

Mortimer Street Evans is bigger than Wimbledon I'd say (and probably the Gatwick original)

 

[htid]

I actually work in Wimbledon and am here now so I'll be able to pop in at some point. My main concern is I want at least some direction as to what to look for so I don't get ripped off if the Boardmans are much better value for the money. If I walk into Evans and there are 100s bikes I'll not have a clue what to look for really and the guys there are obviously trying to sell you what they have rather than advise you what would be best even if it's sold elsewhere. The good thing is, if there are a few options in different stores, I can probably use that to my advantage and knock a few quid off.

 

[vickster]

Action bikes on Wimbledon Broadway often have some deals too

Sit on a few bikes and then come back and ask about the ones you like

I think Boardmans look dull myself and the Halfords staff indifference (in my loacal stores anyhow) puts me off

 

[michaelcycle]

My main concern is I want at least some direction as to what to look for so I don't get ripped off if the Boardmans are much better value for the money.

Put the wallet down! Step away from the wallet...

You obviously don't have to buy anything. Go in and ask them for recommendations for 5 commuter bikes in the £500 range (they will probably recommend their Pinnacle Lithium range and something by Specialized I suspect) which preferably have disc drakes. Get them to give you a list of them so you can compare the spec at your leisure.

Personally, I think you can drive yourself nuts trying to maximise components for your money. Get on some bikes, ride them, go with the one you like riding the most.

Some good recommendations by Vickster as well and I think she is right about the Evans Wimbledon not being the largest in the country. I think it is probably one of the bigger one rather than the biggest.

 

[vickster]

For £500 I'd want a carbon fork on either a flat bar or road bike. For £750, I'd want the carbon fork and discs on a flat bar. Carbon fork and Tiagra/SRAM gearing on a road bike

Gearing gets a bit more tricky on flatbars. I got on fine with Alivio, but Deore never worked well for me (not that I had it checked). SRAM on the Whyte is good.
All a bit depends on how big hills you want to tackle - I don't think there are any to speak of between Croydon and Wimbledon!

 

[htid]

Nope no hills at all!

Went into Cycle Surgery last night and the guy recommended Giant Rapid 4, Specialized Sirrus (not sure the model) and Cube SL Cross. They had the Whyte Portobello and I have to say, personally I think it looks beautiful and I mentioned to the guy about it and he suggested the other bikes I just mentioned as "you don't need those extras such as disc brakes for commuting or trips to the coast etc." He said that in his opinion the shape of the Whyte (with the forks leaning backwards..not sure on the terminology!) isn't suited to commuting as you don't get control. Vickster, what do you think about that, considering you've got the Cambridge and I assume have used it in an urban environment (I assume the Cambridge is the same type of ride even if it's not the same bike?)? I haven't tried or even sat on any of the bikes yet (just nipped in to look on my way home from work) but will hopefully do that this weekend.

I made a spreadsheet last night to compare all the things that matter on the bikes in the running. Not including feel, the Whyte is coming out on top as it's the lightest, has hydraulic discs, looks amazing and the reviews seem good. The only thing that's making me question it is the lack of full carbon forks, which I'd prefer. The guy in Cycle Surgery said the Giant has alloys but they can put carbons on for £100 extra..can you do that with all bikes including the Whyte (I forgot to ask him at the time).