Help please - What not to get?

[tjw_78]

That might be true of the lower end stuff but carrera and boardmans are well respected bikes, couple of guys at my local club have them and they really rave about them so i will be getting the Boardman road comp next.

£799
Sram apex gives you the abilty to run up to a 32 rear cassette so you will get up any hill and the quality of apex according to what i have read is between tiagra and 105.
Full tapered carbon fork
mudgaurd clearance...

http://www.boardmanb.../road_comp.html

I've read that the Boardman is good. Is correct that only Halfords stock them?

To be honest I like the idea of buying from a LBS, not only from the point of view of supporting small enterprise, but also the value that can come of cultivating a relationship. I'll have two bike to service after all plus all the required aftermarket purchases.

On that note (and I can go off topic, since it's my own topic, right?!) can anyone reccomend a LBS near Winnersh/Wokingham? I don't live there yet, but have just bought a house there so hopefully will be there by July.

 

[cyberknight]

Yes only Halfords sell them.

You could always buy it and always let the LBS service it.

Maybe i am too mercenary as i do 99 % of my own servicing and tend to go to the LBS as a last resort but i will always try to buy from them first for parts , i do not mind paying a bit more for service but i will always price compare them to see how much extra they are charging.

 

[tjw_78]

Yes only Halfords sell them.

You could always buy it and always let the LBS service it.

Maybe i am too mercenary as i do 99 % of my own servicing and tend to go to the LBS as a last resort but i will always try to buy from them first for parts , i do not mind paying a bit more for service but i will always price compare them to see how much extra they are charging.

I don't yet have the knowledge base to do my own servicing. I hope to change that

 

[cyberknight]

I don't yet have the knowledge base to do my own servicing. I hope to change that

http://www.parktool....log/repair-help

A basic tool kit can be bought for around £30 , i used my kit to change a bottom bracket the other week.

 

[tjw_78]

http://www.parktool....log/repair-help

A basic tool kit can be bought for around £30 , i used my kit to change a bottom bracket the other week.

Thanks!

 

[tjw_78]

Furthering my research (this is what comes from not being able to buy the bike just now - I just spend all my time looking into it), I am starting to wonder if a Sportive might be a better option. I want the bike to keep fit, and although I do have a tendancy to push myself when training, and although might enter a the odd sprint tri-athalon for fun, I've got no aspirations to go and win anything, and might the sportive be a better investment long term - e.g. charity bike rides, mutli-day rides with the lads etc...?

 

[tjw_78]

Took me a few months to get around to it, but finally got a Giant Defy 2. Main reasoning? Availability!!!

 

[Arjimlad]

Good choice - I hope to get one of those shortly !

 

[PaulSecteur]

but finally got a Giant Defy 2.

No one believes you untill we see photos!!!

 

[tjw_78]

Photos when I get my hands on it. Awaiting certificate from c2w (lbs have put mine aside, so know one will swipe it).

In the meantime, awaiting a baby...

 

[tjw_78]

Finally!