Hybrid. Boardman or Specialized?

[JonBris]

I was very close to ordering a Specialized Hybrid for 400 pounds until a guy from Evans Cycles recommended the Elite Specialized Hybrid which is on sale was 650 reduced to 580. But now my friend is saying that the Boardman Hybrid (£500) is much better than the Specialized Elite. Is this true? And also can Halfords be trusted as I once purchased a bike from them that kept having problems but it was an Apollo so is that just the manufacturers fault or Halfords?

 

[Broadside]

Elite refers to the spec level on the Specialized, what model was it? Sirrus, Crosstrail or something else?

 

[JonBris]

Oh yeah woops. Sirrus.

 

[Wafer]

Looking at the Evans site I'm assuming it's the non-disc Sirrus Elite, then it's a bit of swings and roundabouts. The Sirrus has a carbon fork while the Boardman Comp (again, assuming this is the version you're on about as it's £500) has Alloy, so Sirrus should be more comfortable over bumpy roads and stuff. Sirrus also has 3 chainrings at the front whereas Boardman has 2, so Sirrus has more gears, whether you need them or not is another matter. If my learning about gearing is working, the Sirrus has some lower gears for the hills but the Boardman will go a little higher for the faster bits

The Boardman has disc brakes though, which can be nice. Some people don't think there's a point to them on certain types of bikes (i.e. those who stay on the road) but should have better braking in the wet. The type of disc brakes on the Boardman seem to be ok, if not great, judging by what I've read of other peoples opinions. I've just got a road bike with disc brakes, been fiddling with them to get them setup ok, but I like them.

I don't know enough about the rest to even comment, but I'd go for a carbon fork if possible.

Boardman bikes have a good rep round here, Halfords service can be variable. I certainly wouldn't say that Boardman was loads better than that Specialized, I'd go for the Sirrus but you might feel differently sitting on them both.

 

[JonBris]

Thanks! You are right in the bikes I mean. What my friend was saying about the boardman is the disc brakes and the crankset as the reasons why it is better than the sirrus and sirrus elite.

 

[damocool]

Have you looked at the Crosstrail sport disc?

 

[Wafer]

I've had a base Sirrus for a few years, main thing I have to say against it is the alloy forks, the gearing has been fine. Now got a carbon forked road bike with disc brakes and it's the comfort of the ride, partly because of the fork, that makes the bigger difference to me (I kinda like having discs as well though).

 

[JonBris]

No I have not looked at the Specialized crosstrail sports disc. Just looked it up. Would you recommend that over the sirrus and Boardman?

 

[vickster]

The cross trail has suspension forks. Are you going to be spending a fair amount of time off road?

You can't compare Apollo which are rubbish to boardmans which aren't. Also join British cycling for £32, get 10% off at halfords and other indispensible benefits

 

[damocool]

No I have not looked at the Specialized crosstrail sports disc. Just looked it up. Would you recommend that over the sirrus and Boardman?

Does depend what you want to do. Has lockout front suspension giving you options of off road as well.

I eventually would like a road bike but this suits perfectly for now as a good all rounder.

 

[JonBris]

I will generally be cycling two 3 mile trips a day to and from work so I guess that will not be right for me. I may occasionally cycle two 13 mile trips on a weekend day but doubt I will go much further than that.

On the Boardman hybrid, I have just found out that Halfords do not even let you test ride their bikes which makes me wonder how they sell any! So not even thinking about a Boardman anymore and only concentrating on a Specialized. And now I realise that the Bristol store do interest free credit I am looking at the Sirrus Elite 2015 which they already have in store as they have no 2014s in stock and they said they will sell to me for 800 which is the same price as 2014. Hardly any difference between the two apparently. This is surely an ideal bike for what I need it for?

If I purchase this then I am looking at asking the shop to fit All condition Armadillo elite tyres so I will hardly ever get punctures. Not sure if they slow the bike up much though?

 

[vickster]

800 sounds a lot to spring on a bike for that commute but it's your cash. Just make sure you buy some good locks, will cost you about £70-100 and insure it properly if buying on finance especially. Sirruses are thief magnets, I think they are among the most nicked bikes. I know this from experience! Assume they'll let you have a proper test ride. Specialised stock tyres aren't bad for punctures from my experience

 

[JonBris]

Yes they have said I can test ride it out the back. I am so clueless about bikes though and never ridden anything better than the most basic so will probably be impressed whether it is the right one for me or not. Yes looked into insuring it and it is only about 6 quid a month so I guess that means the bike or parts getting nicked will be covered. Plus it will be locked up outside work inside the grounds of work which is quite safe.

Have not ruled out getting sirrus, sirrus sport or sirrus elite yet. Will choose between the 4 tomorrow when I go in the shop.

 

[Steppylud]

<- that is a base 2013 Sirrus and I adore it. I would imagine the Elite is a delight.

 

[damocool]

Have you gone to the concept store in Bristol?

Tok mine for a service yesterday and was so in love with all the bikes. Want another already!