LBS Prices ***UPDATED***

[WozzaTT]

Quick question to those in the know please - how do the prices in bike shops compare to Halfords, for example? I'm well aware of the general moans and groans and dire warnings about Halfords.

For example, the Boardman Road Sport Limited (nice entry level road bike with carbon forks) is available today for £400 (20% off) - is a LBS likely to have comparable bikes in terms of both quality and price??

I'm also considering the Boardman Comp Bike (£560 today) and Boardman Road Team Carbon (£800 today), although I'm starting to think a full carbon bike is overkill for a complete beginner, especially as I need to buy all the clobber as well (technical term).

Any final advice appreciated - starting to get fed up of researching now and just want to get a bike before the winter sets in . Would probably take a Boardman to the LBS to get them to check it's set up properly, in any event.

 

[vickster]

Boardman bikes are usually very good value compared to the rrp of the big global brands especially. And more so with 20% off. If you like the bike, it fits you and has the desired spec, go for it

 

[Big Nick]

If you want a Boardman why not buy it boxed and get an LBS to build/set it up (get a quote first though!)

While you're there see what else they've got!!

 

[Pale Rider]

My LBS is more than happy to build any boxed bike for £15 or £20.

The proprietor sees it as a good chance to sell some accessories and get a new customer for service work in future.

 

[WozzaTT]

Thanks both!

vickster - yes, I have to say the £400 Boardman does seem a lot of bike for the money, even given my miniscule amount of knowledge. Out of stock at the moment, in all but the smallest frame size, but will see if they are due to get more in.

Nick - good idea to get the LBS to build it! Bit wary of venturing in there as if I'm given even more choice I may have a breakdown. Also - they could tell me anything and I wouldn't know any different.

 

[WozzaTT]

My LBS is more than happy to build any boxed bike for £15 or £20.

The proprietor sees it as a good chance to sell some accessories and get a new customer for service work in future.

Nice one - thank you. I'd be more than happy with £15 or £20 and, as you say, I do need to buy some basic kit to get me going.

 

[Big Nick]

My LBS is more than happy to build any boxed bike for £15 or £20.

The proprietor sees it as a good chance to sell some accessories and get a new customer for service work in future.

That's my experience as well

 

[WozzaTT]

Well, as I thought might happen, I've been seduced by the carbon fibre loveliness (by loveliness I mean lightness) of the Team Carbon. I can get the 20% off today plus a further 10% (confirmed by Halfords) by joining British Cycling so I'm looking at a £1,000 bike for £720. No-brainer?

The Road Sport Limited is out of stock in the size I need anyway, and discontinued, so I thought I'd bypass the Road Comp (as it didn't seem to add much more to the Road Sport for another £200) and go for the Team Carbon. Oh - plus another £30 for some 'standard' pedals for now.

They've advised a size 53 frame - I'm 5'11" and thought the next size up would be my one but it did feel big so I'm hoping the Halford lad knows what he's talking about. Very helpful, friendly and knowledgable lot up there I have to say so hopefully I've been lucky and my local store is a good 'un.

Anyway, I haven't pressed the button yet as I've come home to join British Cycling (hopefully they provide some immediate evidence of membership) so unless I calm down in the next couple of hours and decide I'm being stupid I'll go back up there at about 6pm and buy it. I can have it by Wednesday.

Feel free to tell me I'm being foolish (i.e. a completely unfit beginner buying a carbon bike) - you'll save me a few quid .

 

[vickster]

Boardman do measure their bikes differently to other manufacturers, I think their 53cm is more like a 56-58cm from other companies, which should be right for your height, assuming your legs and torso are in proportion!

Go for it, you'd only want to upgrade in 6 months anyway and take a hit selling your bike on (unless you were to keep it). I think with BC you should get an email/reference or something to print out. May even have access to the Halfords voucher print out area

(that said, you'll be wanting a winter N+1 soon enough)

 

[WozzaTT]

Boardman do measure their bikes differently to other manufacturers, I think their 53cm is more like a 56-58cm from other companies, which should be right for your height, assuming your legs and torso are in proportion!

Go for it, you'd only want to upgrade in 6 months anyway and take a hit selling your bike on (unless you were to keep it). I think with BC you should get an email/reference or something to print out. May even have access to the Halfords voucher print out area

(that said, you'll be wanting a winter N+1 soon enough)

Thank you! Funnily enough I've just been reading the reviews of the bike on the Halfords website itself and one chap says he's 5'11" and the 53cm was perfect for him so hopefully all will be well.

If a winter N+1 means spending even more money I don't want to know what it is! I haven't even bought a bell and a basket for the front of this one yet .

 

[vickster]

Thank you! Funnily enough I've just been reading the reviews of the bike on the Halfords website itself and one chap says he's 5'11" and the 53cm was perfect for him so hopefully all will be well.

If a winter N+1 means spending even more money I don't want to know what it is! I haven't even bought a bell and a basket for the front of this one yet .

A bike that will take proper mudguards, a pannier rack and won't melt when it gets wet (i.e. not made of carbon )

The Boardman saddles look awful IMO, you may wish to put the basket on hold and budget for something decent. I would actually say a bell is useful if ever riding on shared paths with pedestrians

 

[WozzaTT]

A bike that will take proper mudguards, a pannier rack and won't melt when it gets wet (i.e. not made of carbon )

The Boardman saddles look awful IMO, you may wish to put the basket on hold and budget for something decent. I would actually say a bell is useful if ever riding on shared paths with pedestrians

Well I only sat on it in the shop for about 60 seconds and it was painful so I think you might be right! Think I'll get a huge air horn rather than a bell.

No worries about the bike getting wet - I probably won't even take it out for the first week or so. I'll just look at it, polish it, stroke it. Probably sniff it a bit.

 

[Jenkins]

Well, as I thought might happen, I've been seduced by the carbon fibre loveliness (by loveliness I mean lightness) of the Team Carbon....

They've advised a size 53 frame - I'm 5'11" and thought the next size up would be my one but it did feel big so I'm hoping the Halford lad knows what he's talking about. Very helpful, friendly and knowledgable lot up there I have to say so hopefully I've been lucky and my local store is a good 'un.

Feel free to tell me I'm being foolish (i.e. a completely unfit beginner buying a carbon bike) - you'll save me a few quid .

What a good choice at that price.

I'm about the same height as you and I have one of the earlier Team Carbons in size Large and fits me perfectly - I'm guessing the 53 is a medium so it may be worth giving the next size up (55.5 according to the Halford's website) another try. Their height guide also suggests the 55.5cm size.

You are not being foolish - although not a complete beginner, I jumped straight in with a carbon bike and I've never regretted a penny of the money spent.

 

[WozzaTT]

What a good choice at that price.

I'm about the same height as you and I have one of the earlier Team Carbons in size Large and fits me perfectly - I'm guessing the 53 is a medium so it may be worth giving the next size up (55.5 according to the Halford's website) another try. Their height guide also suggests the 55.5cm size.

You are not being foolish - although not a complete beginner, I jumped straight in with a carbon bike and I've never regretted a penny of the money spent.

Thank you - I'm pleased with the choice I made.

Yes, the frame size is a slight concern but, having said that, the 55.5cm meant that when I was on the bike, but off the seat, I could barely stand - only right on tip toes anyway. It certainly felt too big. Maybe I've got short legs!

 

[Big Nick]

Good choice Sir!

At that price even if you end up getting rid as you never use it you'll recoup most of your money so an ideal choice

Happy riding!