Which one would you pick?

[Winston]

I have a voucher for C2W scheme for £900 and looking for a hybrid.
Originally, I wanted the Boardman Hybrid but a couple of people suggested other types which Halfords cannot get for one reason or another.

I am thinking about the Boardman again as they can this fairly quick and they are able to source a Gary Fisher Montare 2009 Hybrid Bike.

I want to get ordered asap.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/montare-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017195?query=Gary


http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_502555_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[yello]

Much of a muchness in my book. Who'll throw in the more freebies?

If I had to pick, I'd go with Evans and the Gary Fisher. Only because there's a better chance that Evans will build it properly and be able to give it a decent 1st (free) service.

 

[TechMech]

I voted for the Boardman as I have a hybrid comp 08 and I love it

See my blog below for more info

 

[Winston]

I voted for the Boardman as I have a hybrid comp 08 and I love it

See my blog below for more info

Thanks for that TechMech.

I see you did not like the 35c tyres on it - how are the 28c for canal paths etc.

Winston

 

[TechMech]

Thanks for that TechMech.

I see you did not like the 35c tyres on it - how are the 28c for canal paths etc.

Winston

The 28's are comfy enough tbh and I've ridden some fairly rough tracks with them and they handled it just fine. Although I would definately say the Conti Gatorskins are miles better than the Maxxis Detonators that came on the bike as they just grip alot better. The 35's were just too slow and heavy for me and the front tyre started rubbing the underside of the front forks!

I've still got the Schwalbe Marathon's in the shed, so if you still want to go down that route, I would offer them to you for a good price

The only down side of the bike I can think of is the brakes. I've tried several times to try and get them sitting right, but they still rub slightly when riding. The front keeps doing a weird judder from time to time as well. These are the Tektro brakes on the 08 version though, they changed them to the Avid BB5's on the 09 model which are supposed to be excellent judging by the reviews on ChainReactionCycles.com.

 

[Winston]

The 28's are comfy enough tbh and I've ridden some fairly rough tracks with them and they handled it just fine. Although I would definately say the Conti Gatorskins are miles better than the Maxxis Detonators that came on the bike as they just grip alot better. The 35's were just too slow and heavy for me and the front tyre started rubbing the underside of the front forks!

I've still got the Schwalbe Marathon's in the shed, so if you still want to go down that route, I would offer them to you for a good price

The only down side of the bike I can think of is the brakes. I've tried several times to try and get them sitting right, but they still rub slightly when riding. The front keeps doing a weird judder from time to time as well. These are the Tektro brakes on the 08 version though, they changed them to the Avid BB5's on the 09 model which are supposed to be excellent judging by the reviews on ChainReactionCycles.com.

Thanks for the help there, TechMech, much appreciated.

Re: the tyres, I will have a think about this.

Winston

 

[Garz]

As I have not seen or tested the GF montare I would go for the Boardman (where I did get to do this).

 

[redjedi]

I have a voucher for C2W scheme for £900 and looking for a hybrid.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_502555_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Do you already have the voucher? If so which company is it for?
Evans do their own scheme and don't accept any others. I think Halfords are the same. If you company are on the CycleScheme, then you will have to find a different shop.

If you do have the choice between those 2, I would go for the GF from Evans. Not much between them, but your likely to get better service from Evans (depending on store)

 

[Winston]

Do you already have the voucher? If so which company is it for?
Evans do their own scheme and don't accept any others. I think Halfords are the same. If you company are on the CycleScheme, then you will have to find a different shop.

If you do have the choice between those 2, I would go for the GF from Evans. Not much between them, but your likely to get better service from Evans (depending on store)

The voucher is for Halfords however they have said they will source any bike for you.

Already asked about a Scott, a couple of GTs but they were unable to get them.

They have said that at the moment it is little more difficult due to 2010 stock - whether this is true, I do not know.

The service so far from Halfords has not been great. I am a complete novice but know myself the two guys I have spoken to about the Boardman, do not know the procuct although he said he had been "trained up". He obviously was not. A few straight forward questions I asked (which I already knew the answer to) he was unable to answer straight off.

It looks like it is going to be the Boardman.

 

[redjedi]

If you have to use Halfords, I would go for the Boardman. Since this is their own brand you'll probably be able to get replacement parts (if needed) quicker and easier. You'll also get better/faster service from other Halfords branches with a Boardman as well.

 

[mad al]

My oh my, Boardman by 8-1

 

[redjedi]

That one was mine , as I'm not a fan of dealing with Halfords.

But if you have no choice, Boardman it would be. Make it 9-0

 

[HJ]

The Boardman is the better bike...

 

[Harbornite]

I have a Pro - great bike.

Halfords have been a shambles, sadly thats expected

Recommend the Boardman

 

[simon_brooke]

I have a voucher for C2W scheme for £900 and looking for a hybrid.
Originally, I wanted the Boardman Hybrid but a couple of people suggested other types which Halfords cannot get for one reason or another.

I am thinking about the Boardman again as they can this fairly quick and they are able to source a Gary Fisher Montare 2009 Hybrid Bike.

I want to get ordered asap.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/montare-2009-hybrid-bike-ec017195?query=Gary

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_502555_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

The Boardman is definitely the better buy. Suspension forks add weight and complexity; fat tyres add weight and sluggishness. The Gary Fisher is intended to look a bit like a cross country mountain bike and is fundamentally a fashion victim. One of the guys I rode the Exmouth Exodus with this year was on exactly that model of Boardman and it was a really nice bike.