Boardman Or Carrera

[Gavman]

Hey all

I've just signed up to the cycle to work scheme and I'm thinking of getting either one of these two.

Carrera vituoso
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165710&productId=1246438&storeId=10001

Boardman Road Sport
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=165710&productId=1173778&storeId=10001

From what I can see they both have the same equipment only the boardman has a carbon fork and the welds are neater. If anyone has ridden/owned both please what are they like?

 

[Doobiesis]

I'd always go for a Boardman over a Carrera.

Carrera is a budget make by Halfords and the Boardman will be a better build by far.

 

[gavroche]

Boardman anytime: better built and lighter.

 

[Cycleops]

You could also consider one of these:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-road-bike-red-id_8377759.html
Although the Boardman would still get my vote, just that the triple front ring would help if you lived somewhere hilly.

BTW welcome to the forum.

 

[MichaelW2]

How is the tyre clearance and mudguard eyelet provision for these two bikes?

 

[adamhearn]

Not ridden either but the comparison isn't apples to apples. This one more closely matches the spec of the Boardman - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-vanquish-road-bike-white

As others have said above, the Carrera range is lower than the Boardman though that may no longer the case since Boardman was bought by Halfords a while back and this model may blur the boundaries of 'next step up'. Are the smooth welds, colour scheme and badge on the Boardman worth £75? Probably

Do they have one in your size and have you a trustworthy branch nearby to build it for you?

 

[cyberknight]

Boardman anytime: better built and lighter.

You could also consider one of these:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-road-bike-red-id_8377759.html
Although the Boardman would still get my vote, just that the triple front ring would help if you lived somewhere hilly.

BTW welcome to the forum.

I have had Carrera s and Boardman s,Boardman wins all day long.Better frame and wheels from the get go.
If the c2w scheme is halfords then decathlon don't take the voucher,I asked as I recently got a bike on the scheme too.

 

[cyberknight]

I think @guitarpete247 has that spec Boardman except it's red ?

 

[cyberknight]

How is the tyre clearance and mudguard eyelet provision for these two bikes?

I fitted cruds on my old road comp and changed the seat post clamp to one with a bracket to mount a rack, depends if @Gavman wants to commute on it or is it a c2w bike that will never see the park gates?
This is how I got my old one set up
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-new-commuter.219867/

 

[LonesomeWanderer]

Whichever one feels most comfortable.

 

[MichaelW2]

I fitted cruds on my old road comp and changed the seat post clamp to one with a bracket to mount a rack, depends if @Gavman wants to commute on it or is it a c2w bike that will never see the park gates?
This is how I got my old one set up
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-new-commuter.219867/

It is odd that roadbikes that will never see actual racing competition and are purchased almost always for the daily commute lack essential commuting features, forcing users to use hack solutions.

 

[Low Gear Guy]

It is odd that roadbikes that will never see actual racing competition and are purchased almost always for the daily commute lack essential commuting features, forcing users to use hack solutions.

My Boardman Sport has thread holes for mounting mudguards etc. They don't come with the bike as this would put the price up and not everyone wants them.

 

[BurningLegs]

Congratulations on taking the plunge on the C2W - choosing a bike can be exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting when there are so many different brands to choose from and so many different components. You've come to the right place for a helping hand, though!

When people ask me about the bikes available in Halford's, I generally offer them this advice:

Apollo - budget frames, wheels, and components. Will probably put you off cycling, especially if you are planning to use the bike regularly. Avoid at all costs.
Carrera - some better options, but you need to be careful. There are some good bikes and some bad bikes in the range. Generally basic but serviceable machines.
Boardman - the best that Halford's have to offer, and a solid performer. Good frames and components with styling to match. Solid and reliable machines that will ride well for years. Definitely the pick of the bunch

You're right in that they both have the same gears, but Claris is dependable. Yes, the Boardman does have a lighter fork and the welds are smoother but it also has much better wheels.

Overall, the Boardman is definitely worth the extra in my opinion.

 

[cyberknight]

It is odd that roadbikes that will never see actual racing competition and are purchased almost always for the daily commute lack essential commuting features, forcing users to use hack solutions.

It was used for club rides and sportives till i bought a new bike , this set up replaces my old bike that i used for commuting with eyelets that was mis sold second hand to me but too big, had to botch it with small stem and compromised fit till the boss aka the wife said i could have a new bike.
When the weathers realy bad i switch too....
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/mtb-drop-bar-conversion.197717/

 

[Gavman]

I fitted cruds on my old road comp and changed the seat post clamp to one with a bracket to mount a rack, depends if @Gavman wants to commute on it or is it a c2w bike that will never see the park gates?
This is how I got my old one set up
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-new-commuter.219867/

Hey I'm planning to use the bike as both my commuting bike and for leisure rides. Really just want something that will be practical and fun to ride.