C2W - Boardman hybrid comp...

[Sleeper]

Good morning all!
I hope someone can advise me... and I can get the benefit of your opinions on my upcoming decision....
I've just applied for theCycle2Work scheme run by my work, and I'm all set to get a Boardman Hybrid Comp. Looks great, feels great, and I'm dealing with a highly recommended Halfords bike department and capable mechanic. All looking good :-)
Question is though, up to this point I've been looking at the 2010 comp model, with its lighter weight and outsourced componentry, principally from Ritchey. The 2011 model had just been released and has more in-house components fitted, and a slight spec change (wheels, minor frame design, maybe more I don't know), which I've just been looking at through the comparison feature on the Halfords website.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd
In your opinion, do you think I am better going ahead with a 2010 (and maybe driving a better deal ;-) or hanging on a little longer for the 2011?
Looking forward to your advice!!
Many thanks, Ben.

 

[som3blok3]

I'm not sure about the 2011 model as I've yet to see it in the flesh so can't comment.

I can however rave on about how good the 2010 model is/was as I have owned one for the last 6 months and have so far done 2000 miles on it. It's had sun, wind, rain and even the two big bouts of snow thrown at it and is still as good as new.

If you go for the 2010 model then you'll be needing a new set of tyres and a new sadle (stock ones are pony), apart from that though, bl00dy great bike, get it, especially if you can get it cheaper!!

 

[som3blok3]

Just bounced over to the Halfrauds website to check the spec of the 2011 model, oh dear!

What happened to all the Ritchey kit?!

And it's a kilo heavier?! You'd have thought it would be lighter?!

And it's white?!


Glad I bought when I did, not liking the new model........

 

[Sleeper]

thanks Bloke, I'll go for a 2010! :-)

 

[som3blok3]

Good call, let us know how it goes .....

 

[Cubist]

Just bounced over to the Halfrauds website to check the spec of the 2011 model, oh dear!

What happened to all the Ritchey kit?!

And it's a kilo heavier?! You'd have thought it would be lighter?!

And it's white?!


Glad I bought when I did, not liking the new model........

Building to a price rather than an improvement in spec.

 

[Sleeper]

a little update - just seen the two side-by-side and got the opinion of a (personally recommended, although halfrauds) tech mech.
Thought I'd highlight the differences in the new model for you as I've seen:

- much chunkier frame; new alloy (6061), bigger sections (I guess this is the most of the additional 1kg?)
- revised seatstay(?) design; now 'wishbone' style, rather than A-frame & x-brace and new profile to accommodate bigger section tubing
- considerably larger toptube section
- triple-butting rather than double-butting(?)
- Ritchey gear now rebranded CBoardman
- 'Alex' rims rather than ACME
- vittoria tyres rather than maxxis
- microshift front mech not SRAM
- better crank (sorry, detail eludes me here)
- white paint!

On balance I actually prefer the new model, although I haven't ridden either yet but have been promised being able to do so side-by-side :-)

*edited for my spelling-goof ;-) *