Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp v Specialized Crosstrail Disc

[Ruislip_Gooner]

Im currently looking at these two hybrids with a view to using it to commute the 10 miles each way to work, on road, cycle path and towpath.
Can anyone give any advice on either bike, and would you recommend I buy new or look second hand ?
Thanks

 

[Cubist]

I have experience of the Boardman, 2009 /10 vintage. A very light, well built, well equipped fast commuter. Agile, good great brakes, stiff frame, great value. Equipped with 28mm tyres originally, I put 25s on mine and thrashed it on roads. Others put 35mm cushions on theirs and rode them on towpaths and paths. What's more, it is bought by people on C2W schemes and they use it a few times and sell them on eBay a lot, so there are loads out there, but they do tend to hold their money. For that reason, although you're getting a great bike for the money new, they are good value secondhand, with the usual pitfalls to buying. You can find the one that's been in the garage since last August, or you might find the one that's been ridden to death!

I have no experience of the Spesh, but loads of folk on here have them and recommend them, so there must be something in that! The Crosstrail has a suspension fork which will add weight, but increase range off road. Pop along to Evans and have a look. Equipment levels won't rival Boardman, but you're buying into a "Ford Mondeo" style brand so won't go far wrong.

Sit on both back to back if you can. Bikehut is unlikely to let you go further than the water bottle display on a test ride, but at least you'll get a feel for the weight etc.

 

[Uppy89]

I've had my Boardman Hybrid Comp for about a year now also doing about 10 miles each way when I commute on it. It's so lightweight, well put together and seems really stable on the standard tyres when the roads get a little soggy. I am probably biased but I think it looks good too!

 

[Raging Squirrel]

The Boardman is a great bike, fast and looks good, and quite well equipped. I wish I had the room to keep mine but I need to sell it.....if I had the space id deffo keep it

 

[Mallory]

Can I add a spanner to the works. I know others will disagree but these are my experiences.

I too have the Boardman and TBH I HATE IT.

I used to own a hybrid many years ago (Ridgeback Flight) and that was the dogs danglies. I sold it as I switched to a full carbon road bike. Since my work moved further away I went for the Boardman Hybrid because of the rave reviews, what a mistake.

The brakes BB5 are a PITA as well as the wheels which weigh a bomb.

The SRAM front mech is a sod to keep sweet. Always get chain rub no matter how well it's been adjusted.

Being in a more upright position is a nightmare in windy conditions. This bike is a right handful to control when windy and downright dangerous with crosswinds. I am a light rider and have had a safer ride on 50mm rims on my road bike than I have on the boardman.

Also the white paint chips off really easily.

I would look at a CX bike for commuting and if possible steer away from Halfauds as they cannot set up a bike to save their life.

I'm already considering upgrading to a CX come Xmas

 

[Raging Squirrel]

To be fair, going from a full carbon road bike to a boardman hybrid you're bound to hate it, thats like going from a sports car to a hot hatch.

The brakes on mine have been brilliant, even at my weight, never had brake fade or anything, and after some fine tuning the gears have been fine too.

Never had a dangerous ride on it either due to cross winds even with my larger surface area which woukd act like a tall ships sail.

 

[Mallory]

True v the carbon road but its worse than the ridgeback which was a delight to ride in all conditions.

Maybe mine is possessed

 

[Ruislip_Gooner]

Thank you all, your advice was invaluable. I bought a 2 year old Boardman on Saturday, and took it out for a quick spin yesterday. To be honest, it rides like a dream so I hope it stays that way. Mind you, after riding a 20 year old mountain bike, I guess anything would have felt easier !