Pinnacle, Fuji or Boardman

[simonsimon]

Hi all,

I've recently applied for the C2W scheme and chose the £500 voucher as [a] I had my eye on the Carerra Vanquish and my company caps the scheme at £500. Oh, and I should mention that we have to use Halfords.

However, Halfords have recently ramped the price of the Vanquish up by 10% [!!!] so it's now out of the running. After much time browsing I've come up with three alternatives but can't choose between them and hoped you guys could help me out

My choices are the the Pinnacle Sentinal 1.0, the Fuji Newest 3.0 and the Boardman Hybrid Comp. Does anyone have any strong opinions on any of these models [preferably from personal experience] or even other suggestions ?

TIA for any help,

Simon

 

[N1ck]

If you have to buy from Halfords, you won't be able to get a Pinnacle as they are only sold at Evans.

 

[simonsimon]

Ah, thanks Nick. Well, that narrows it down a bit then

 

[RedBike]

I was under the impression that Halfords could order most bikes (within reason) in.

 

[simonsimon]

All bets are off...

Thought I'd better give Halfords a ring to clear up a few points and, as it turns out, they can't source Pinnacle as they're Evans only and they don't source Fuji for reasons unknown.

The guy on the C2W was friendly and helpful and suggested that I scope out the Merida 880 and Raleigh Airlite so I've got some more 'homework' for the weekend.

 

[grhm]

Yep, our work use Halfords for the C2W scheme. They claim to be able to get any bike as long as there's a UK import they can source it from. A number of guys here have states that some importers/brands that HalfordsC2W used to be able to get 2-3 years ago are no longer available as they won't deal with Halfords.

Worth ring up the Halford C2W people and asking - contact details at www.halfordsc2w.co.uk

EDIT - took too long typing - I see you've already rung..

 

[amnesia]

You can't get Bianchi through Halfords either... which is a bummer as I really had my heart set on the Nirone this year

 

[rjkc600]

Cant you pay the 10% and get the Vanquish?

 

[simonsimon]

Cant you pay the 10% and get the Vanquish?

Unfortunately, no

 

[Cubist]

Simon

After much agonising I have just ordered one of the Boardman hybrids. The Comp looks tasty enough, with good finishing kit, and I reckon is pretty good value for money. It's pretty light too, at 23.8lb.

 

[simonsimon]

Simon

After much agonising I have just ordered one of the Boardman hybrids. The Comp looks tasty enough, with good finishing kit, and I reckon is pretty good value for money. It's pretty light too, at 23.8lb.

Nice one What do you think of it ?

 

[Cubist]

My thoughts are that the Boardman bikes look to be very good kit for the price tag. I think the "hybrid" label doesn't actually do these bikes justice, as the majority of the hybrids I have seen so far appear to be MTBs with rigid forks, or low end suspension forks with narrow tyres.

The Boardman hybrids appear to be more closely related to road bikes. They have 700c wheels, compact chainsets with MTB cassettes, and therefore MTB style mechs. I actually think of them as flat bar road bikes rather than some sort of MTB compromise.

I intend to use mine for commuting, social riding, fitness and a bit of touring. I think that the set-up fits the bill very well. I live in a very hilly area, and think that the gear ratios on the bikes will be ideal.

I ordered the hybrid Pro on the C2w scheme, with a delivery date at the end of the month.

My only reservation for the Comp is the mechanical disc brakes, but you can always upgrade to hydraulic if the fancy takes you!

 

[Cubist]

Cancel what I said about the mech disc brakes. Apparently the Avid BB5s are very good.

 

[Plax]

Boardmans seem to get very good reviews, I'd certainly consider one. Well I have, but I'm trying to resist the urge, there is nothing wrong with the bikes I have now!

 

[Garz]

I actually think of them as flat bar road bikes rather than some sort of MTB compromise.

Agreed, I actually think they are a great bit of kit but plumped for the road bike after reading up some more.