Cyclocross Advice

[Timestamp]

I'm looking for some advice on two bikes I've found if anyone can help

Norco Threshold A3 2014 Cyclocross Bike (£650) - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/threshold-a3-2014-cyclocross-bike-ec053834
or
Boardman CX Comp Bike 2014 (£540)- http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-comp-bike-2014

These seem to be the best value bikes I've found so far sub £700.

Is the Norco worth the extra £110 over the boardman? (They seem similar in spec but I'm probably missing something).

Thanks!

 

[evo456]

Long thread on the CX Comp here: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/boardman-cx-comp.140085/

Not much between them apart from the bottom bracket and the chain ring setup. The Norco is the nicer looking one but the wielding is ungainly especially against the smooth lines of the Boardman. Norco has internal cabling -which I personally find desirable, but no eyelet for front mud guards , but that can be easily sorted with p-clips

 

[evo456]

If you're quick enough today (4th) from 12 - 2 pm extra 10% off at Halfords, in conjunction with the 'road bike' offer.. you can get 20% off list.. making the purchase price £486. Lot of bike for that kind of money, throw £100 on it for decent brakes and it's a competent commuter bike.

 

[saul]

throw £100 on it for decent brakes and it's a competent commuter bike.

Hi sorry to Hijack OP thread, I am also interested in purchasing this bike, was wondering why the brakes would need changing.

Thanks

Saul.

 

[Nathan AV]

The Tektro Lyras that come standard on the boardman are not that great. Constantly need adjusting and even then ive been on longer rides in the rain and by the end of the ride the braking is non existent. I've never had a problem adjusting brakes or any other parts of bikes but these need constant attention.
This is all just me experience and i'm sure there are people who agree and others that have used these brakes and never even had to look at them.
My advice would be get the bike (The rest of the bike is great value for the money) but leave a bit of cash aside for a break upgrade to something like Avid BB7's if you don't get on with the Tekro's.

 

[saul]

The Tektro Lyras that come standard on the boardman are not that great. Constantly need adjusting and even then ive been on longer rides in the rain and by the end of the ride the braking is non existent. I've never had a problem adjusting brakes or any other parts of bikes but these need constant attention.
This is all just me experience and i'm sure there are people who agree and others that have used these brakes and never even had to look at them.
My advice would be get the bike (The rest of the bike is great value for the money) but leave a bit of cash aside for a break upgrade to something like Avid BB7's if you don't get on with the Tekro's.

Thank you for the advise, is this what I should be looking for? and do i need to buy the pads to go with?

 

[Nathan AV]

You want bb7 road like these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/avid-bb7-road-disc-brake/rp-prod67750
Have a look around for price. Pads generally come with the calipers and you will need to check if the rotors are included too. The rotors that come with the boardman will be fine anyway.

 

[Timestamp]

Thanks for all the advice, Just have to wait for them to restock the larger size so I can order.

 

[evo456]

To comment on the stock brakes - Tektro Lyra that comes with the Comp CX, I think it's largely from my own experience depends on what kind of riding and placement of the calipers this in turns affect longevity and reliability. I still have the stock lyra brakes at the front and they have performed as expected from brakes at that level. They have been reliable and consistent (not the strongest), requiring no re-alignment other than adjusting pads for wear - a year on and I'm still on the stock pads.

The rear was completely the opposite, requiring constant attention to alignment and burning through 2 sets of pads within the first 3 months, ultimately it failed on me when the bearing 'jumped' from the bearing ramp in the torque arm assembly. My thoughts are really around where the caliper is mounted on the rear (chain stay) where it picked up a lot of grit and mud quickly and can easily get knocked out of alignment if you leaned the bike on that side - I ride muddy tracks and rutted tow paths which in turns probably wore down the pads and eventually worked it's way in to the bearing ramp. Stripping the caliper and giving it a good clean and re-lub seem to restore normal service. But not wanting to take risks I changed the rear for a BB7 and i've not had the same issues with the lyra since. So for someone who is using the Comp on light trails and roads... it may be perfectly fine.