HELP! with new bike purchase

[Dave Carey]

I am going to finally treat myself to a new bike shortly on the cycle to work scheme but am unsure what to get. I've narrowed it down to a few Specialized & Boardman's. From what I hear I wouldnt normally trust anything from Halfords though I have heard good things about the Boardmans and I doublt you can go wrong with Specialized? I've only ever had cheap mountain bikes before and want a bike to use for a mix of commuting and weekend rides. Will also look to start training for a few charity rides etc...

Here are the links for the bikes I have been looking at;

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?category=Bikes&product=Allez 16 Red/White - 2012 Road Bike
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?category=Bikes&product=Allez 24 - 2012 Road Bike
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?category=Bikes&product=Allez Sport - 2012 Road Bike
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_789247_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[lordloveaduck]

Sorry your top 3 links do not work.

 

[Dave Carey]

Sorry about that not sure why the links dont work!

The bikes are Specialized Allez 16 Red/White - 2012 Road Bike, Specialized Allez 24- 2012 Road Bike & Specialized Allez Comp- 2012 road bike

The Boardmans are Boardman Road Race bike 2011/12 & Boardman Road comp bike 2011/12

Hopefully this is enough information for everyone to know what bikes I am refering to.

Is there anything in particular I should look out for i.e. Gears etc...?

 

[Cyclist33]

Why don't you just get the one you both like most and are willing to pay for.

Stu

 

[The Jogger]

Boardman usually are top for value / spec at the price.................

 

[cyberknight]

Boardman usually are top for value / spec at the price.................

Assuming its C2W through halfords they can get you other bikes but they will be full rrp , i looked into cannondales and specilaized and in the end settled for a boardman comp and its a great bike for the money .
You will see the same wheels on more expensive bikes, the weight for the price is comparable to other bikes up to 1k and the sram apex gears are great offering you the range of gears to get up any hill or keep up with the club when the hammer goes down ( legs and lungs permitting ).
Boardmans always get very high ratings from the cycle press and if your really worried about set up you can always take it to a local bike shop and let them check it over.

 

[HovR]

Personally I'd go for the Boardman Comp over an Allez.. Get the best you can afford.

 

[Dave Carey]

Thanks for all the advise really appreciated.
Stu- In terms of which bike I narrowed it down to these based on my max price of £800, what they looked like and the reviews ive read.

I just want to make sure I can get the best for my money, at the moment looking at bike specs is like reading Chinese.

Does anyone know In terms of set up etc... what the Halfords bike guys are like? If Im spending a lot of money I want to be able to trust they know what they are doing! (Although I imagine it varies store to store)

 

[HovR]

Does anyone know In terms of set up etc... what the Halfords bike guys are like? If Im spending a lot of money I want to be able to trust they know what they are doing! (Although I imagine it varies store to store)

They're a bit hit-and-miss.. Varies from store to store. Your local branch could have some decent mechanics, or not. You could always get it built by Halfords then checked over by your local bike shop, or just buy it boxed from Halfords and get your LBS to build it.

 

[Dave Carey]

Thanks HovR
If I do go to Halfords I think I will give them the benefit of the doubt intially and if I need to, take it to my LBS.