Boardman or Giant??

[olly hazell]

I am looking to get a flat bar road bike for commuting. I have decided to up my spending money to around £500.

I have been looking at the Boardman Comp from Halfords as a possible option...

Or maybe a Giant Escape...

And also have seen and like the look of the Merida Speeder T2-D.

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

 

[helston90]

Before I distract myself from work too much it's worth remembering that Giant offer a life time warranty on their frames- not sure what the others offer?
Someone will be along in a bit to offer real advice.

 

[HLaB]

You can probably test ride the Giant and Merida and they should be better customer service from a shop than Hellfrauds so that would be my choice but they are all good bikes; the boardman's are supposed to offer great spec for money but the aftercare might not (although it might) be the best.

 

[vickster]

Get 10% off at halfords with British cycling ride membership and a host of other benefits

Should be able to find an older model escape at a discount so could up spec

E.g. http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-2-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-3-2013

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-4-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

 

[Cycleops]

You can be sure that Boardman will offer a pretty good warranty. Both bikes look good and have received good reviews. You will just have to decide which one suits you best. Try to haves sit on and if poss a ride. Whichever you go for I am sure you won't be disappointed.

 

[olly hazell]

Get 10% off at halfords with British cycling ride membership and a host of other benefits

Should be able to find an older model escape at a discount so could up spec

E.g. http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-2-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-3-2013

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-rapid-4-2012-15percent-worth-of-free-goods

Thanks, do you know much about the Merida speeder t2-D is it a good make, as that appeals to me as it has disc brakes...

 

[vickster]

Merida are one of the biggest bike companies in the world and make frames for others like Specialized. I don't know the bike personally. Disc brakes good if wet, better hydraulic than mechanical. I like a carbon fork too and would choose over discs. Go ride it, always good to support local shop if you can as well

 

[cyberknight]

Try them all and see what feels the best , above a certain price point your not going to get a duff bike but each brand has its own take on what feels right so its best to sit on them and see what suits you.

 

[olly hazell]

Try them all and see what feels the best , above a certain price point your not going to get a duff bike but each brand has its own take on what feels right so its best to sit on them and see what suits you.

I will do thanks

 

[olly hazell]

Merida are one of the biggest bike companies in the world and make frames for others like Specialized. I don't know the bike personally. Disc brakes good if wet, better hydraulic than mechanical. I like a carbon fork too and would choose over discs. Go ride it, always good to support local shop if you can as well

Ahh that's great to know, Im going to go look at them this weekend! Thanks for your help