Btwin or Boardman for £500

[smokeysmoo]

I like the btwin for the triple chain ring up front

IMO you don't need a triple on a road bike, based purely on never had owned a triple road bike but having owned compacts.

The general consensus seems to boil down to personal preference. There are a gazillion articles/discussions/arguments etc online, just Google compact v triple to find results like THIS.

Personally I don't like the look of a triple on a road bike, others do, horses for courses innit.

The only way to know is to test ride both bikes and see what you think.

And the sora gears.

Seriously, don't get hung up on badge snobbery. If/when you ride the two bikes, (assuming both are set up properly), you won't notice a difference between them in terms of shifting performance.

 

[vickster]

Chipwrapper lol

If you go for the Boardman, join British Cycling, get 10% off at Halfords for a year and other indispensable benefits

 

[wonderloaf]

How about this:
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-rivelin-2-0-road-bike-p383864
Complete Shimano Tiagra groupset, Shimano RS501 wheels, FSA finishing kit all for £499!
I've got an older Calibre model and still enjoy using it, although it has now been relegated to the winter bike (cough).

 

[Trigger369]

How about this:
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-rivelin-2-0-road-bike-p383864
Complete Shimano Tiagra groupset, Shimano RS501 wheels, FSA finishing kit all for £499!
I've got an older Calibre model and still enjoy using it, although it has now been relegated to the winter bike (cough).

Tbh I was looking at this bike a few weeks ago but counted it out as I will only have a £500 budget . Think I will have a closer look now . Cheers

 

[cyberknight]

Depends if you know what size to buy, if in doubt go for a bike you can try to see how it fits .

 

[beachy]

I would spend £500 on a higher spec 2nd hand bike. I picked up a specialized allez comp for 240. Few years old but very pleased with