Cyclocross help

[cyril Snear]

Hi, last week i had my Boardman Cyclocross stolen. Luckily it was insured. I got my original bike as part of the cycle to work scheme so it pretty much had to be bought at Halfords. I had the CX since about Feb and other than a few teething problems never really had any trouble with it and really enjoyed the bike.
I will soon be recieving money for a new bike so now im not limited to Halfords. I was just wondering for the same price bracket £950 give or take a small amount either side. Would i be better going elsewhere? Ive had a look at Evans and Leisure lakes and theres quite a few Cyclocrosses around that mark, but when it comes to the spec im useless. I have no problem getting another Boardman but it was my 1st non Mountain bike so i know no better. The bike will be used for my daily commute to work, around 11 miles each way. Mainly on road with minor off road. I want to stick with a cyclocross and dont want a road bike.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710

Thats the original

Also it was stolen as i quickly went in to a shop in the city centre. I now know the combination lock i had wasnt of much use. I wont be doing that again. Are D-Locks the way forward?. Not that i'll be leaving this one!

Thanks for any help.

 

[vickster]

Yes d locks. Either the abus granit x or the kryptonite fahgettaboutit. Each about £60-70

Have a look at the whyte cx bikes, as well as the offerings from the US big boys, cannondale, giant, specialized, trek

If you do go for a boardman again, join British cycling, to get 10% off at halfords and other benefits including 3rd party insurance. Can get ride membership for as little as £21 for 1st year with voucher code

 

[Venod]

I have a Kinesis Pro 6 & am very pleased with it.

The five t is in your price range but is Tiagra with Calliper not Disc brakes equipped, as opposed to 105 on the Pro 6 with discs.

http://www.kinesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/crosslight/five-t

 

[SquareDaff]

I think it's generally agreed that Boardmans do offer excellent value for money. I'd be surprised if you could get a bike as well specc'd for that price. Then again, it is end of season so there could be bargains out there.

As @vickster says - if you do go down the Halfords route again then join BC and get 10% off. That'll pay for your lock. Halfords do stock some Gold standard ones for around £45.

I was in the same boat as you about 6 months ago (i.e. had my bike stolen) and managed to replace the bike and all of the accessories with some frugal deal doing!

 

[cyril Snear]

Thanks for the advice people, its much appreciated.
If i decide to get another Boardman i will definitely join BC, thanks for that. That kinesis looks like a beast, i really like that. Had a look at the Cannondale, Whyte etc but when it gets to the specs im lost. Theres a few on the leisure lakes and Evans websites ive been looking at in a similar price range.
Im really spoilt for choice here just wish i was a bit more clued up.

I will definitely be spending a bit more on one of them locks.

Thanks again

 

[vickster]

For a grand you'll be looking at the whyte charing cross http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-charing-cross-13

Where in the country are you?

 

[cyril Snear]

Manchester

 

[cyril Snear]

I really really like that Whyte bike. Do you think overall its a better bike that the Boardman?

 

[musa]

ridley

 

[vickster]

I really really like that Whyte bike. Do you think overall its a better bike that the Boardman?

Go to EBC and have a try. I like the whyte bikes because you won't see many more. I don't think I have ever seen another Cambridge rider, but I've seen plenty of boardmans, treks and of course about a million specializeds

You might be able to get ebc to price match as they claim and save a few quid. Have a hunt online for the best prices

I found this http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte c...s/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/45708 at £200 off.

On balance I'd choose ebc to buy from, although my giant from cs has been fine. Depends what size you need

Cs are in didsbury http://www.cyclesurgery.com/store-manchester/content/fcp-content

 

[cyril Snear]

Thanks. Yeah I found that site lastnight, they also have the Whyte Saxon model in price range. Any thoughts on that one?

 

[Norry1]

Not ridden any others so can't compare, but my Cannondale CaadX 105 is ace.

 

[vickster]

Thanks. Yeah I found that site lastnight, they also have the Whyte Saxon model in price range. Any thoughts on that one?

The Saxon looks better, more colour, has SRAM double tap rather than tiagra. I have two bikes, one with each group set and on balance I prefer the tiagra. I can be a bit cack handed with the SRAM but then I am less used to it as is in e best bike rather than the commuter.

Try to look at and ride both. I assume the Saxon has better components like wheels, but use the whyte site to compare specs

The Saxon has better brakes and fatter tyres, so more hardcore for off roading

 

[cyril Snear]

Ill try and get in to EBC this weekend and have a look. Thanks again

 

[VamP]

I really really like that Whyte bike. Do you think overall its a better bike that the Boardman?

Whyte have come to the party from the MTB side, and it shows in their geometry. They all have a really slack head angle giving that slightly odd look and extra long wheelbase. Some love and some hate the way they ride.

Kinesis is the true cyclocross pedigree bike that really can do it all, whether it be touring, commuting or sunday cyclocross league. Very very good frames.

The Boardman is not really suited to off-road that much, and has zero racing credentials. I gather it's a competent commuter though...