C2W Halfords, mountain bike <£800 advice

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MrMister111

Über Member
Thinking of C2W scheme and was (in another thread) thinking was going to go for a hybrid but had a very quick look in Halfords and now think prefer mountain bike instead.

My use will be starting out again on bikes, never done proper mountain biking, what I want for is basic commuting and coastline hills and tracks. No forests etc, very basic use out and about around the doors as such.

Budget is <£800 and Halfords doing 15% trade in as well which will help with price. So I was edging towards Boardman MHT 8.6/8.8, but open to suggestions please.

Thanks
 

vickster

Legendary Member
Thinking of C2W scheme and was (in another thread) thinking was going to go for a hybrid but had a very quick look in Halfords and now think prefer mountain bike instead.

My use will be starting out again on bikes, never done proper mountain biking, what I want for is basic commuting and coastline hills and tracks. No forests etc, very basic use out and about around the doors as such.

Budget is <£800 and Halfords doing 15% trade in as well which will help with price. So I was edging towards Boardman MHT 8.6/8.8, but open to suggestions please.

Thanks
You'll need to confirm the trade in can be used against C2W often you can't combine (e.g. With British Cycling)

Do you have to use Halfords, as there are plenty of LBS which will take the vouchers against other brands

If you like that one, go to Cycle Republic and have a test ride

MTBs are maybe less versatile as commuters due to the inability to take a proper pair of fixed full length mudguards and pannier rack
 
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MrMister111

Über Member
Thanks. As Halfords is near to me, I don't know much about bikes, it's probably easier for me that's all.

I wouldn't know a good make from a bad tbh, so just heard of the Boardman's and they seem to be decent although in flip side seems to be a bit brand snobbery because they are now owned by Halfords.

Looking at the parts compared to other bikes around and priced more, though seem to use the same (again I don't know what is good or bad!)
 
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vickster

Legendary Member
Thanks. As Halfords is near to me, I don't k ow anything about bikes, it's probably easier for me that's all.

I wouldn't know a good make from a bad tbh, so just heard of the Boardman's and they seem to be decent although in flip side seems to be a bit brand snobbery because they are now owned by Halfords.

Looking at the parts compared to other bikes around and priced more, though seem to use the same (again I don't know what is good or bad!)
If you really don’t know anything about bikes, I’d go to a dedicated bike shop and not Halfords. The staff can be very hit and miss on bike knowledge, from lots to zero. Bike shop staff are familiar with bikes. Halfords staff might only be familiar with car oil and wiper blades.

Where do you live?
 
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MrMister111

Über Member
True, there is a cycle Republic not too far, I know that they are Halfords bike shop, but I presume all bikes in there so maybe more knowledge.
 
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MrMister111

Über Member
Yes and you can take the bikes out for a test ride so far better
So cycle Republic ok for advice then as more specialised. I could order from them as not too far.

So any advice on bikes should look at <£800 please just so I have some info.
 

derrick

The Glue that binds us together.
Thanks. As Halfords is near to me, I don't k ow anything about bikes, it's probably easier for me that's all.

I wouldn't know a good make from a bad tbh, so just heard of the Boardman's and they seem to be decent although in flip side seems to be a bit brand snobbery because they are now owned by Halfords.

Looking at the parts compared to other bikes around and priced more, though seem to use the same (again I don't know what is good or bad!)

Niether do Halfords. :laugh:
 
I have the Boardman 8.8 ,,so far so good bud.

Wasn't impressed with brakes when picked up from Halfords as I like brakes really sharp,so adjusted them myself, apart from that ,they built it well. And got 10% off.

Not had bike long enough to see any problems yet. The couple times I have been out ,iam happy with bike
 

Sixmile

Veteran
Location
N Ireland
It's also worth considering that Halfords are able to order in bikes from the following brands...

IMG_20190607_175246.jpg


Therefore, you're not limited to what they have in store.
 

Threevok

Growing old disgracefully
Location
South Wales
For your riding - get yourself a hard-tail with forks that can be locked out

For your needs - stay away from full suspension

The GT Avalanche expert is a good buy at £764 (at cycle republic) or if you can stretch to £840 (at cycle republic) have a look at the Marin Pine Mountain 1 27.5+
 

Sixmile

Veteran
Location
N Ireland
Just don't let them put it together.

I did... and there's a large scrape on the top tube of the bike where the handlebars have spun around and marked the paint. They are unable to source another apparently so I'm left in limbo of accepting it or ordering an entirely different bike.
 
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