Getting a darn bike

[DaveB]

Not interested in second hand...

Called Halfords and nothing in stock at any store locally. They said it's worse than Christmas x 10. Literally no bikes left.

I managed to find one 50 miles away in Preston for £1,000. My initial budget was £500-£600 but I figured with the tax benefits I might as well.

You'll get a decent bike for that money, rather than just a bike shaped object. Boardman's are actually good value for the money, don't let the Halfords name put you off.

[rik sherman]

Personally wouldn't buy a Boardman now especially the cheaper bikes in the range (aka <£2k). The quality has gone downhill since Chris was bought out by Halfords.

The Evans own brand, Pinnacle, is generally better quality and around the same price.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

You'll get a decent bike for that money, rather than just a bike shaped object. Boardman's are actually good value for the money, don't let the Halfords name put you off.

I would have.... if there was one available. Got burnt slightly with the price but you only live once and I should get my money's worth during lockdown. Lot's of cycling planned now.

[DaveB]

Personally wouldn't buy a Boardman now especially the cheaper bikes in the range (aka <£2k). The quality has gone downhill since Chris was bought out by Halfords.

The Evans own brand, Pinnacle, is generally better quality and around the same price.

Chris is still CEO and head of design for the Boardman operation. Halfords were the exclusive outlet for the performance range and rather than carry on paying to buy them from Boardman's they bought the company and continue to sell the bikes Boardman produce but they get better pricing on them as they are effectively made in house, there is no profit margin needed between Boardman and Halfords. Boardman's elite range are also still sold only in independent bike shops and ONE Pro cycling ride them professionally. they are far from just the Halfords "own brand" bikes.

BTW the Evans Pinnacles are good as well. I've got a 4 year old Arkose 3 that is my do it all bike and it's been great. Currently got 40mm tyres on it and using it for gravel bashing and off road stuff.

[Whorty]

Chris is still CEO and head of design for the Boardman operation. Halfords were the exclusive outlet for the performance range and rather than carry on paying to buy them from Boardman's they bought the company and continue to sell the bikes Boardman produce but they get better pricing on them as they are effectively made in house, there is no profit margin needed between Boardman and Halfords. Boardman's elite range are also still sold only in independent bike shops and ONE Pro cycling ride them professionally. they are far from just the Halfords "own brand" bikes.

BTW the Evans Pinnacles are good as well. I've got a 4 year old Arkose 3 that is my do it all bike and it's been great. Currently got 40mm tyres on it and using it for gravel bashing and off road stuff.

I have a 2015 Boardman Comp on my turbo trainer - this was my road bike until I got my 2020 Specialized Expert Roubaix Di2 (which is going nowhere near the turbo!!).

The Boardman was a nice bike to ride. Components not the best, but for the price point a decent bike. I've done some long sportives on it and it's handled very well. If I was in the market for a sub £1k bike they'd be worth a look, especially as Halfords have always given me good customer service.

[quackhandle]

Plenty for sale second hand on ebay.

Or head down to your local bike shop (or halfords) and see what they have in stock.

There's some cracking Santa Cruz downhill MBs on eBay that I am having trouble stopping myself from pull the trigger on.

Dangerous being on the bench.

qh

[DaveB]

There's some cracking Santa Cruz downhill MBs on eBay that I am having trouble stopping myself from pull the trigger on.

Dangerous being on the bench.

qh

i keep having to remind myself that I'm not going to be racing this year and don't need to buy new bits and pieces for the TT or Enduro bikes

[quackhandle]

i keep having to remind myself that I'm not going to be racing this year and don't need to buy new bits and pieces for the TT or Enduro bikes

I was salivating at the SC bikes on there. Never done any downhill racing in my life but I'd love to do it however I know I would also break many bones doing this.

Best I stick to Chess.

qh

[Old Greg]

I was salivating at the SC bikes on there. Never done any downhill racing in my life but I'd love to do it however I know I would also break many bones doing this.

Best I stick to Chess.

qh

We must talk about chess some time.

[DaveB]

I was salivating at the SC bikes on there. Never done any downhill racing in my life but I'd love to do it however I know I would also break many bones doing this.

Best I stick to Chess.

qh

Nah, Red Bull Rampage, straight in. You'll be fine