Boardman or 13 hybrid?

[RubySoho]

So, my beloved Boardman comp hybrid got stolen on Friday night, gutted, but luckily insurance is paying out. Considering just getting the same again, as I loved everything about that bike, used for road commuting, I like a fast, nippy and light bike, basically a road bike with flat bars. Quite interested in the 13 range, but don't know much about technical stuff, so any advice would be much appreciated.
Contenders are
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165534&productId=1173772&storeId=10001
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165534&productId=1044025&storeId=10001
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165534&productId=1044008&storeId=10001
So, I already love the Boardman, but would like to know how the 13 stacks up against it and also if its worth the extra cash for the beta as opposed to the alpha.
Also, have checked the geometry of the Boardman v 13, small size (I'm 5'4.5), abd theyre almost identical, except Boardman is a 45cm, and the 13 is a 43cm, only difference I can see is seat tube length is 450 on Boardman and 430 on the 13, I guess this means its ok?
Apologies for lengthy post, but would really appreciate comments/advice, thanks in advance! :-)

 

[Supersuperleeds]

@13 rider has a 13, he should be able to give you some info

 

[13 rider]

Yes I have a 13 and really rate the brand . I have the initiative alpha with front suspension which is now my commuter and run about . Youre probably better looking at the range without front suspension .I believe the 13 are better spec than the Boardman but I am bias . Also 13 are certainly more exclusive you don't see many about . As halfords sell both you can try both to compare which suits you best otherwise theres not much in it and it will come down to personal choice .
Edit
Just looked at the choices the implicit beta looks a very good deal with £150 off

 

[RubySoho]

Yes I have a 13 and really rate the brand . I have the initiative alpha with front suspension which is now my commuter and run about . Youre probably better looking at the range without front suspension .I believe the 13 are better spec than the Boardman but I am bias . Also 13 are certainly more exclusive you don't see many about . As halfords sell both you can try both to compare which suits you best otherwise theres not much in it and it will come down to personal choice .
Edit
Just looked at the choices the implicit beta looks a very good deal with £150 off

Yes I have a 13 and really rate the brand . I have the initiative alpha with front suspension which is now my commuter and run about . Youre probably better looking at the range without front suspension .I believe the 13 are better spec than the Boardman but I am bias . Also 13 are certainly more exclusive you don't see many about . As halfords sell both you can try both to compare which suits you best otherwise theres not much in it and it will come down to personal choice .
Edit
Just looked at the choices the implicit beta looks a very good deal with £150 off

Thanks, am definitely leaning towards the 13, unfortunately halfords dont do test rides so really good to get positive reviews for the unknown option!

 

[vickster]

Are there any reviews from purchasers for the bikes on the Halfords site

FYI, if you join British cycling for £35 you can get 10% off at halfords for a year, and other retailers, plus more importantly 3rd party indemnity and legal support cover
This assumes you are getting the cash from halfords to buy and it's not the insurers sourcing the bike for you?

 

[13 rider]

I have had my 13 for 18 months done over 3000 miles other than treating it to a new chain I have had no mechanical faults and still on the original tyres . Had a few gear issues early on but I think was that down to me not the bike and Leicester Halfords have been good fixing any niggles . Like I said earlier I rate the brand highly

 

[vickster]

This might be of interest, positive feedback of one of the Edinburgh branches

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/in-praise-of-halfords.199858/

 

[RubySoho]

Are there any reviews from purchasers for the bikes on the Halfords site

FYI, if you join British cycling for £35 you can get 10% off at halfords for a year, and other retailers, plus more importantly 3rd party indemnity and legal support cover
This assumes you are getting the cash from halfords to buy and it's not the insurers sourcing the bike for you?

Yep, already got the British cycling tip, plus voucher code from HUKDEALS, will get the settlement from insurers tomorrow, should be cash, planning ahead as I don't have a back up bike and I HATE buses! Reviews on halfords site are excellent for 13, but not as many as for Boardman obviously, but I already know that's a great bike, but there is the option to upgrade for £50 or pay less on the 13.

 

[RubySoho]

This might be of interest, positive feedback of one of the Edinburgh branches

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/in-praise-of-halfords.199858/

Haha, I complained to them about the setup of my last Boardman about 2 years ago(loose gear cable, snapped shifter and cable while riding), they were very apologetic, fixed it for free, but took aaaaages

 

[vickster]

Probably got different staff by now

 

[J1888]

Thanks, am definitely leaning towards the 13, unfortunately halfords dont do test rides so really good to get positive reviews for the unknown option!

Where are you based? Halfords Cycle Republic stores do test rides and the stores I've been in have been fantastic.

 

[RubySoho]

Where are you based? Halfords Cycle Republic stores do test rides and the stores I've been in have been fantastic.

Edinburgh, unfortunately insurance company would only let me get a new bike from Wheelies, so have gone for Merida Speeder 100 flat bar, not getting it till next week though as out of stock! Really hoping I'll like it, I miss my Boardman!
http://mobile.wheelies.co.uk/merida-speeder-100-flat-bar-2016-road-bike/p81852/

 

[J1888]

Edinburgh, unfortunately insurance company would only let me get a new bike from Wheelies, so have gone for Merida Speeder 100 flat bar, not getting it till next week though as out of stock! Really hoping I'll like it, I miss my Boardman!
http://mobile.wheelies.co.uk/merida-speeder-100-flat-bar-2016-road-bike/p81852/

Looks a nice bike

 

[RubySoho]

Looks a nice bike

Is it wrong that I'm so happy it's red? :-)