Choice of two bikes

[grumpyoldwoman]

I'm going to buy a new bike come payday (thursday)

I've narrowed it down to two at the minute and would like opinions please.
It's going to be used for commuting and some off road,but no mountain climbing/descending!

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-womens-fi-bike-2014

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-womens-mountain-bike-2015

 

[Brandane]

I'm going to buy a new bike come payday (thursday)

I've narrowed it down to two at the minute and would like opinions please.
It's going to be used for commuting and some off road,but no mountain climbing/descending!

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-womens-fi-bike-2014

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-womens-mountain-bike-2015

Purely from the above information, I would cast my vote for the Boardman. Nice looking bike, and unless you are into off road riding the suspension on the Carrera is just adding weight. The Boardman has 32mm width tyres which should be fine for light off road.

 

[Drago]

Depends on the "offroading" you have in mind. The Vengeance is actually a very capable, if weighty, mud plugger. However, if 95% of your riding will be on the road then the Boardie will handle minor off roading well enough for the other 5% of the time.

 

[Mrs M]

I'm going to buy a new bike come payday (thursday)

I've narrowed it down to two at the minute and would like opinions please.
It's going to be used for commuting and some off road,but no mountain climbing/descending!

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/boardman-hybrid-womens-fi-bike-2014

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/carrera-vengeance-womens-mountain-bike-2015

On paper I'd go with the Boardman, but try them out and you'll know which one is right .

 

[mustang1]

+1 to ask of above.

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

Depends on the "offroading" you have in mind. The Vengeance is actually a very capable, if weighty, mud plugger. However, if 95% of your riding will be on the road then the Boardie will handle minor off roading well enough for the other 5% of the time.

There's not a lot of difference between them,weightwise,they're both a lot lighter than my Raleigh.
I've tried the Boardman,just need to try the Carrera - was going to do that today but the store was busy and couldn't get anyone to drop the saddle on it for me to try it - will try again before I buy.
The most off roading I'll do is up through the woods and maybe up on the Mendips,otherwise it'll be routes like the Two Tunnels/Bristol to Bath cycle path,the Bridgwater/Taunton canal path kinda thing

 

[13 rider]

Another vote for the Boardman unless you are going to do serious off roadin the Boardman will handle it and the tyres on the carrera will drag on the road . not sur about he stated weights the carrera must weigh more than the Boardman due to front suspension . I ride a hybrid with front suspension which 95%of the time is locked so I am carring excess weight for nothing only on proper trails do I need the suspension

 

[Lilliburlero]

There's not a lot of difference between them,weightwise

Noooooo way does that Carrera weigh in at 11.7 kg ....more like 15+ kg, suited and booted.

 

[vickster]

I'd go for the Boardman unless off roading. You mention this but what exactly will that look like?

Join British cycling for 10% off at halfords and more importantly legal and third party cover

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

I'd go for the Boardman unless off roading. You mention this but what exactly will that look like?

Join British cycling for 10% off at halfords and more importantly legal and third party cover

Already mentioned - through Weston woods possibly,maybe up on the Mendips in the summer,Two Tunnels,Bristol to Bath cycle path,and probably also the Strawberry Line from Yatton to Cheddar.

 

[vickster]

Are those proper mucky off road or paved, or gravelly paths?

 

[mjr]

Weston woods and the mendip tops can be proper mucky in winter. The others are a mix of stonedust (sometimes lumpy or porridge) and tarmac.

It depends what mix you'll do. If mostly smoother tracks, BoardmanIMO but I'd go to the shops near the railway station if they're still going, or SJS in Bridgwater or Taunton's Cycle King, rather than half odds but both of those bikes are store brands so if you're set on them half odds is the only one :shrug:

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

Weston woods and the mendip tops can be proper mucky in winter. The others are a mix of stonedust (sometimes lumpy or porridge) and tarmac.

It depends what mix you'll do. If mostly smoother tracks, BoardmanIMO but I'd go to the shops near the railway station if they're still going, or SJS in Bridgwater or Taunton's Cycle King, rather than half odds but both of those bikes are store brands so if you're set on them half odds is the only one :shrug:

No other bike shops in Weston and not having a car any more,it's a bit of a faff going looking for bikes elsewhere,hence Halfords.I was under the impression they were pretty decent brands.

 

[NorthernDave]

Another vote for the Boardman unless you really must have mud plugging ability.
The Boardman will be significantly faster and better riding on the road.

 

[13 rider]

No other bike shops in Weston and not having a car any more,it's a bit of a faff going looking for bikes elsewhere,hence Halfords.I was under the impression they were pretty decent brands.

Yes they are reasonable brands . People has issues with Halfords service standards and build quality it varies massively from store to store .
If you buying from halfords can I suggest you look at the 13 range the female version of my 13 see avatar is on offer £100 off ( 13 intuative lambda )May be not stocked by local branch but can be ordered in no commitment to buy sorry for confusing the issue