Replacement of Theft Advice.

[ddtaus]

I've recently had my 'Reid Falco Sport' road bike stolen from my garage and thankfully insurance covers for it.
http://www.reidcycles.com.au/reid-falco-sport-road-bike.html

Being insurance companies being companies, they've finally offered me a replacement bike.
My first option is the Boardman Road Comp Bike: http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_comp.html

Or the second option is to accept the payout amount and purchase the 2012 Centurion Hyperdrive 2000: http://99bikes.com.au/centurion-hyperdrive-2000-2012

Should I accept the replacement offer or go with my gut instincts of the second option?
- I'm a bit skeptic about the Sora groupset as I've always rode with Tiagra (14months)
- my daily routes are 2x23mile with mixtures of 1to5% and -2to-4% gradient hills.
- I ride for leisure, fitness and occasionally competition, main mode of transport
- The terrain are 90% city roads (often smooth, occasionally cracked roads)
- frankly, the centurion is very appealing but I'm telling myself to look at the specifications rather than the looks

Comparing the parts of the Boardman and Centurion, which would be better for the value of price in terms of performance?

 

[subaqua]

I take it you are in Australia based on the links given.

the centurion would do it for me over the Boardman for many reasons. mainly the groupset.

can you talk to a LBS and discuss what you could get for the money ?

I just noticed Boardman used the word Holistic in the blurb. Thats enough for me to NOT buy a bike for the ad agency obbliox LOL

 

[ColinJ]

(Don't know about the bikes.)

One thing to think about is that the thief knows you keep bikes in your garage and might just make a return visit to pinch the replacement! I heard of several cases where this happened. * Beef up your security *

 

[ddtaus]

I take it you are in Australia based on the links given.

the centurion would do it for me over the Boardman for many reasons. mainly the groupset.

can you talk to a LBS and discuss what you could get for the money ?

I just noticed Boardman used the word Holistic in the blurb. Thats enough for me to NOT buy a bike for the ad agency obbliox LOL

thankyou, I'll be speaking to a LBS rep later on today.

(Don't know about the bikes.)

haha yes, welcome to the land down under. I'm visitng a LBS shortly.

One thing to think about is that the thief knows you keep bikes in your garage and might just make a return visit to pinch the replacement! I heard of several cases where this happened. * Beef up your security *

mmhmm I thought about this, its now stored in my spare bedroom - retrofitted my spare bedroom into a small bike storage hub.

 

[ColinJ]

mmhmm I thought about this, its now stored in my spare bedroom - retrofitted my spare bedroom into a small bike storage hub.

Good thinking.

I have a room dedicated to bikes, tools and fitness gear. I wouldn't have the space if I had a partner but I don't have one so I do have it!

 

[Drago]

Take the cash, buy what you want to, not what they can supply at a discount to minimise their loss.

 

[SteCenturion]

Take the cash, buy what you want to, not what they can supply at a discount to minimise their loss.

Agreed, cash is king & all that jazz.

I don't know these brands either & I don't know if you are in Aus or NZ, I would go for a trusted brand with good after sales service etc.

FWIW Boardman are a trusted brand in Great Britain (the balloons who put them together at Halfords, not so trusted) although the guys in my Halfords seem o.k.

Do you have the big names such as Giant, Trek, Specialized Cannondale available to you ?

If so, it might be worth adding a little/lot ? to your insurance $$$