Boardman Team 2013 vs Giant TCR SL 2 (help please)

[Mobi8]

Hi, I'm about to purchase my first proper road bike and would like a little advice. I was dead set on buying the Boardman Team as it is the preferred bike in all the £1000 road bike comparisons. However recently I have been told that i would be better off going for the Giant TCR SL 2 which is about £250 more. here is a link to the specs of both bikes:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tcr.sl.2/14419/65275/

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team.html

They both ave Ali frames and Shimano 105's i just want to know what the extra £250 is for if anything?

I really appreciate any advice given thanks for reading!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Much of a muchness really. Both are sportier orientated road bikes aimed at the speed matters market with the potential rider wanting to spend a moderate amount of money on a bike.

Is that what you want and/or really need? If so just go try them and get someone with some knowledge to fit the thing to you. The latter being more likely with a good LBS as opposed to the chains you have linked to.

Just because the Boardman does well in bike mag' tests does not mean it will be a great bike for you.

What was the rationale behind the advice you were given? Was it component and shiny-ness based or was your specific use, physiology etc taken into account?

Do you know what you really want/need? Sounds to me you are easily deflected if one comment casts so much doubt. If so, go and talk to a knowledgable LBS who will steer you in the right direction.

The both look sexy btw - I wouldn't buy either though as they would not suit my older body, the rough roads I ride on and my occasional scooting along forest trails etc.

 

[Louch]

Hi mobi

Just to help, how did you get to these two bikes? Also do you have in your budget for pedals, saddle bag, trip computer, clothing etc? If not the 250 difference could make a big difference.

 

[Milzy]

Boardman all the way for me. I was going to start on that bike but lowered my budget in case I didn't get on with been a roadie.

 

[Louch]

Fine choice you made tho Milzy

 

[Mobi8]

Thanks for the replys guys

I came to the conclusion if the Boardman because of the highly recieved reviews online, and it is within the price bracket of what I wanted to be spending (900-1300 £).

It was suggested by a good friend that the giant was a better choice. He is an expearenced cyclists and it is "what he would buy in my position".

My main aim is to start doing some big miles, improve fitness and enter sportive's. Thanks again

 

[smokeysmoo]

Buy the bike that fits, and bear in mind that may be neither of the two you've linked too.

If not you simply won't ride it as much/at all IME.

I don't mean to be blunt but it is that simple, if you're comfortable and the bike fits you well you will enjoy riding it, grow in confidence and develop as a cyclist, if it doesn't you won't.

The only other nugget I'll throw up for you is to buy the very best frame your budget will allow, everything else can be easily upgraded if you want to.


PS: as you're looking at alu frame race geometry bikes try and find yourself a CAAD10 to have a go on, it's the best alu frame in the world* It might stretch your budget a bit more, but there's usually always a deal to be done and the sales will be starting soon anyway

*yes I own one and yes I'm biased, but I also tell the truth

 

[Powely]

I would say Giant seem to have the better reputation for their frames. Have you decided on Alu or would you consider carbon?