Boardman Hybrid Performance Comp vs Team

[htid]

Hi all,

I've decided to start riding to work so after a bit of research, it looks like I'll get most for my money by going with a Boardman. I think I've narrowed it down to the Boardman Hybrid Performance Comp or Boardman Hybrid Performance Team but just want some info to see if I should buy the Team as opposed to the Comp.

My company is giving me £500 towards a bike so I could get the Comp from Halfords without having to put any money towards it, but the Team is £749 (I'd ask them to come down a bit, I won't pay that) so I'd would have to add the extra. The commute is 10 miles each way along roads but I would also plan to use it to ride for fun too (would like to ride from where I live in South London down to the South coast etc. which is about 50 miles). Is the extra cost justified (as far as I can see, the Team is lighter which would be good as I live on the 3rd floor and will have to carry it upstairs each day, has hydraulic brakes which I assume be better and is probably a smoother more comfortable ride)?

Any advice greatly appreciated as I haven't really got a clue what to look for.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[vickster]

If you join British Cycling for under £30 (Ride membership), you can get 10% off all Halfords purchases (apart from some web specials) for a year plus other benefits

Hydraulic discs = better stopping, especially in wet, not other specific benefits, maybe less rim wear

 

[htid]

Thanks for the info.

Just to mention, I'm not wed to either of these bikes, it's just I was told by a friend of a friend that knows about bikes that Boardman would offer most bang for your buck. If there are other bikes out there for between £500 - £750, I'm willing to look at them too. Just that I've read the usual negative things about Halfords and would prefer to buy from a local shop where the staff may be more knowledgeable, I just don't want to get ripped off as I know nothing about the subject.

 

[ultraviolet]

if your riding to work every day even in the rain i would go for the comp; the parts will be cheaper to replace when they wear out, and they will if your riding in all weathers. the comp comes with Avid BB5 cable disk brakes while not being Avid's top of the range if they are well setup they will stop you just fine

plus, you CAN NOT add money to the C2W voucher to get a higher priced bike

 

[vickster]

I am not sure the OP is using C2W - doesn't read that way, as the company doesn't actually give you the money, you have to pay it back

 

[ultraviolet]

I am not sure the OP is using C2W - doesn't read that way, as the company doesn't actually give you the money, you have to pay it back

true, it just read that way to me

 

[htid]

Yeah sorry I didn't even know about that scheme. It's just from my boss as a 'gift' so I can do what I want with it.

I went to Halfords today and the guys seemed like school kids who don't know much if anything about bikes. Are other models/brands from a local shop worth looking at or not?

 

[ultraviolet]

Yeah sorry I didn't even know about that scheme. It's just from my boss as a 'gift' so I can do what I want with it.

I went to Halfords today and the guys seemed like school kids who don't know much if anything about bikes. Are other models/brands from a local shop worth looking at or not?

well, Boardman's do get some very good reviews all through the range realy. you might want to try the Specialized Sirrus range or the very popular Cannondale Bad Boy's for the same kind of bikes. but, saying that, all big brands have there own 'urban' range

 

[Sweeney]

I have the Comp and commute every day and it does exactly what it says. Great bike, fairly light considering the size and it's quick.

Not sure the Team is worth and extra £250 to be honest but someone more techy than me may advise you differently.

I asked a few of my friends and their friends etc to get the best feeback on what store to use when getting mine due to build quality issues and fortunately I haven't had any problems in 18 months since picking it up, so if you know anyone that has used Halfords bike building services before, seek their advice on what they thought it was like.

 

[htid]

My main concern was the fact that I read hydraulic discs work better in the rain and are more weatherproof compared to the mechanical ones. Since I'd be riding in the rain, I thought the better brakes would maybe be worth the extra. Apart from them, I don't really understand what the difference is between the two :/ If I did buy it from Halfords, I'm pretty sure I'd get it built elsewhere.

 

[vickster]

What is the fork made of for the two models and what group set is used - also what is the gearing like? What is your commute terrain like

Maybe copy an paste the two specs in for folks to compare

 

[SquareDaff]

I'm not the OP - but there are the links to the official site:
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.html
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_team.html

 

[SquareDaff]

You get a carbon fork and some higher SRAM groupset on the Team - plus a slightly better wheelset and as you mentioned, hydraulic brakes.
I used to ride the Hybrid Pro and now ride the CX.

From my observations: on the Boardmans the hydraulic brakes are better than the Avid mechanicals (and mine are well set up and I've changed the pads for decent ones!). For commuting duties having a carbon fork will take a lot of the road vibration out of the ride and make it more comfortable, especially if you're considering doing 50 miles at some point.

I'll ask the question some others may ask - does it have to be a hybrid? Many people find commuting on drop bar bikes just as enjoyable. I started down the hybrid route when I 1st got back into cycling and about 18 months later switched to drop bars. They're certainly more comfortable for the longer distances.

The only other advice I'd give is, if you intend to ride all year round, then fit some mudguards. This can be quite an "interesting" job on Boardmans with disc brakes but there are plenty of us on here that can tell you how to do it. Just feel free to ask. It is worth the bother as it protects both you and the bike from all the road crud that gets kicked up in winter.

 

[htid]

To be honest I don't know if it has to be a hybrid (I assume a drop bar is a proper race bike?). As I mentioned, I asked a friend of a friend and he suggested that I look at boardmans hybrids. I'm open to any suggestions, but I was under the impression that by spending £500 on a hybrid I'd be getting a decent bike, whereas spending £500 on a road bike, I'd be right at the bottom end and not get as much for my money. Is that not the case? As with most people, I want the best I can get for my money and the only other criteria are that it's a) light so I can carry it daily up 3 flights of stairs and b) I can use it on my commute.

So to sum up, suggest away, I'm open to any type of bike

 

[michaelcycle]

My main concern was the fact that I read hydraulic discs work better in the rain and are more weatherproof compared to the mechanical ones. Since I'd be riding in the rain, I thought the better brakes would maybe be worth the extra. Apart from them, I don't really understand what the difference is between the two :/ If I did buy it from Halfords, I'm pretty sure I'd get it built elsewhere.

If that is your determining factor then I would probably go for the Comp. Hydraulic disc brakes do allow you a greater degree of finesse to control your braking in my experience but mechanicals do work rather well (and can be superior in some instances - a good quality set will be better than a bog standard hydraulic set for example). For a principally commuter bike they will more than enough even in the wet.

It is arguable that hydraulics are less hassle in the long term as the unit is sealed which prevents grime and dirt messing around with their functionality and do not rely on cables which needed adjusting more often.

If you are getting an interest free loan from your boss then you are not tied to Halfords. I would look for a good deal from your LBS or independent retailer - something like the Whyte Portebello if it is on sale or the Revolution Courier Race Disc (which is currently only £300 and is as quick as a whippet.)