Thinking of getting a Boardman but Halfords don't offer test rides :(

[Harv]

I've sat on one in the shop but I couldn't get a good feel for it.

I asked for a test ride to which they said they don't offer. They wouldn't even adjust the seat for me to try out.

What gives? If your after a bike you think they'd let you test drive it.

 

[moo]

Insurance against theft - you need competent members of staff to take proof of identity. I doubt any company would insure Halfords on this
Insurance against injury - being a large company they would get many people trying it on for a quick payout.

The Distance Selling Regulations allow you to return any product within 7 working days of delivery if not satisfied. So if you really wanted a Boardman, buy it online.

 

[nappadang]

Their loss, go to a decent shop.

 

[cyberknight]

Sounds like right numpties, when i tried a boardman they adjusted the seat height etc s0 i could try it for size .

 

[youngoldbloke]

Ludicrous! Walk away - after telling them why you will be spending your money elsewhere.

 

[Big Nick]

I got to ride it round the shop and raised a few eyebrows when I skidded the back wheel to a stop at the end!

 

[Flying Dodo]

Bizarre. Any normal bike shop will take a nominal deposit on your credit card, as well as an amount "on hold" for the bike itself, in case you do a runner.

 

[Pale Rider]

Boardman Elite Series bikes are available from proper bike shops:

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/buy/index.html

 

[BrynCP]

Halfords told me if I click and collected (sometimes it's cheaper this way) then when I arrived they would adjust to size and if it was wrong I could then just order an alternative size. Still no test ride though (and DSR wouldn't apply to this method as it wouldn't be concluded at distance).

That's CS though, based in an office somewhere, how happy the store would be if they had spent time hammering assembling the bike, not sure.

 

[2pies]

Very surprised they wouldn't adjust the bike for you. When I went in they adjusted the saddle, pressure in the fork (MTB), height of bar and even fitted a different stem for me. Pretty much whatever I asked for.

 

[Harv]

Very surprised they wouldn't adjust the bike for you. When I went in they adjusted the saddle, pressure in the fork (MTB), height of bar and even fitted a different stem for me. Pretty much whatever I asked for.

Maybe different stores have different policies.

I'd be happy to pay a deposit in case they thought I was going to run off.

Not even changing the seat height for me isn't very good though. But gutted as I really liked the Boardman but I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

Might try another Halfords to see if they'll adjust the seat for me to try out.

 

[2pies]

Maybe different stores have different policies.

I'd be happy to pay a deposit in case they thought I was going to run off.

Not even changing the seat height for me isn't very good though. But gutted as I really liked the Boardman but I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

Might try another Halfords to see if they'll adjust the seat for me to try out.

Yes, best to. The one I went to said it was a "Boardman" store and held much more stock than others. If you use their Store Location function on their site, look for a Store that has "Bike Build" services

 

[Harv]

I popped in to another shop today and saw a Specialized Allez Sport for £750.

What do you guys think. Any good?

 

[Harv]

Ok. Have done.

 

[scouserinlondon]

I'm thinking of a boardman too, road comp carbon. I too am worried about the test ride thing, may scour the forums/internets for somebody who has one in my size and have a blast on theirs.