Dilemma - potential new bike...

[NorthernDave]

If you were in the market for a new carbon road bike from a well known store, would you choose this, the latest model, which is in stock at my local store (at £799, reduced from £999): http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-bike

Or would you choose this run out model (apparently ex-display), which might be available in a store a forty minute drive away instead (at £599, reduced from £999 AND with £100 worth of accessories chucked in): http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/end-of-line-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-bike-2014 ?

While the saving in spends would be nice, it isn't the driving factor in making the decision
Oh, and I'm a British cycling member so I'd get another 10% off...

 

[vickster]

Neither due to Shimano shifters
And the colour

 

[steve50]

i own the aluminium version of the second bike (my sig pic) and can vouch for the build quality and comfortable ride (once I got the saddle right) great bike , good price @ £599 + 10% + £100 of goodies, I personally like the colour scheme.

 

[doog]

Neither due to Shimano shifters
And the colour

What's up with Shimano shifters ?

 

[Jenkins]

What's up with Shimano shifters ?

Some people prefer the shape and sizing of SRAM.

 

[vickster]

What's up with Shimano shifters ?

They don't fit my hands, I can't brake effectively. Shape of SRAM ones far more comfortable

 

[Jenkins]

Of the two, I'd spend the extra and have the newer one, mainly because it has the latest version of Tiagra (almost the old 105 I think) with the under bar cabling, but either will be a good purchase at the price - assuming the Halfords stock control isn't lying about the availability of the old model.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Run-out at that price/deal seems a no-brainer unless you want the latest model to have bragging rights for a few months.

 

[GlenBen]

Got to be the 2nd one for me, cant knock that price difference. Plus if its not there after the drive, get the 1st, then your decision is made for you. Win win.

Apart from it being ex display, hopefully its still in nice condition.

 

[die_aufopferung]

The old R.T.C. is an incredible bargain with the extra money off and the free accessories - I'm amazed any branch actually has any left. Personally although I'm not a superstitious man, riding any bike called an R.T.C is just tempting fate too much but I'd go for the old one unless you really want the new Tiagra shifters. I wouldn't worry too much about the "ex display" thing, Halfords don't allow actual test rides and a minuscule percentage of customers are interested in them so it'll have been sat on a few times and might have a scratch or two at most.

When they say "might" have one though - not sure how they do things where you live but around here under those circumstances local store would ring store-that-might-have-one and get someone to have a look to confirm it's there, then it'd be set to one side reserved for you. There's usually no "maybe" about it. Best to actually go into your local store (or directly phone the shop that might have one) and get them to confirm it rather than leaving it to the website's stock checker.

 

[NorthernDave]

Well, I spent an hour on the phone yesterday ringing every branch in a 60 mile radius that was showing stock of the 'old' model and none of them actually had one.
So, I'm going to call in to my local branch and have a look at the 'new' one this week.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

You realise that you will now hanker after the missed deal, don't you!

 

[NorthernDave]

You realise that you will now hanker after the missed deal, don't you!

From the conversations I had with the stores, it seems that they haven't had stock for weeks. One even commented that they don't know why they're on the list as they hadn't had one for over a month...

So it seems there was never one to be had, at least round here. C'est la vie!

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I've noticed that with them before - deal advertised on their site, but you try finding one! I presume that they can demonstrate legal compliance as it was available somewhere, but it does smack of sharp practice.

 

[NorthernDave]

You could always say you want the new one plus a £100 worth of free accessories to get over the disappointment of not getting the old one. I once nearly got a new Tricross in the sale for £570 but the shop didnt have my size and they didnt have one at the supplier. I said that I would have a new one then at £570 and they said they couldnt do that but could give me like £100 worh of accessories. I declinded as I've got everything I want, but it shows you that shops dont like to loose a sale and are open to suggestions.

Good point, there is always a deal to be done.