Newbie Looking for First Road Bike on Cycle2Work – Advice on These Options?

[Big John]

How far are you planning to commute ?
I prefer a bike with clearance for mudgaurds and mounting points for a pannier rack so i dont have to have a backpack , i know plenty who do use them but i dont like a sweaty back .It might be worth looking for a second hand bike for commuting and keep your nice bike for leisure rides as it would be a shame if some scote took a fancy to your nice bike . I tend to leave my locks at work but if thats not possible then its something else you have to carry .

Sound advice. All of those bikes look very nickable and not ideal commute bikes considering the shite weather we get. You get a big bang for your buck these days on the second hand market.

 

[QuietIron]

How far are you planning to commute ?
I prefer a bike with clearance for mudgaurds and mounting points for a pannier rack so i dont have to have a backpack , i know plenty who do use them but i dont like a sweaty back .It might be worth looking for a second hand bike for commuting and keep your nice bike for leisure rides as it would be a shame if some scote took a fancy to your nice bike . I tend to leave my locks at work but if thats not possible then its something else you have to carry .

cyberknight, thank you.

Commuting wise, will be 4/5 miles initially as will have the bike on a rack and travel with Mrs QI's office and then from there to my work location.

I have the fortunate ability to store a bike inside the building only accessible once past onsite security so thats a plus.

QuietIron

 

[DCLane]

If it's just that distance I'd suggest picking the one which fits you best and you prefer.

For me it's the Boardman SLR 9.0 as it has Shimano 105 and a carbon frame. As posted above Halfords mechanics can vary in quality from excellent to hopeless so it's worth making sure everything is working fine on collection.

The only weak point on the bike appears to be the fairly basic wheel set. There I'd suggest having a future upgrade planned if you start riding a lot more, keeping the supplied wheels as backup.

Shimano are about to phase out 10 speed Tiagra so the group set on the other Boardman is now a bit outdated.

 

[QuietIron]

If it's just that distance I'd suggest picking the one which fits you best and you prefer.

For me it's the Boardman SLR 9.0 as it has Shimano 105 and a carbon frame. As posted above Halfords mechanics can vary in quality from excellent to hopeless so it's worth making sure everything is working fine on collection.

The only weak point on the bike appears to be the fairly basic wheel set. There I'd suggest having a future upgrade planned if you start riding a lot more, keeping the supplied wheels as backup.

Shimano are about to phase out 10 speed Tiagra so the group set on the other Boardman is now a bit outdated.

DCLane,

Thanks for the info.

Ultimately it will be for a part commute and also for longer rides on the week.

I do have upto £3k on the cycle2work scheme with my employer so always welcome people's steer if there are better quality bikes within the full budget for my requirements. Ideally I am after something that is commutable but also that I can hopefully join up on rides with people/or if I join a club.

Many Thanks
QuietIron