H*lf*rds is a lottery, especially if you don't know which local staff are any good or can do your own mechanical checks.What's wrong with the Boardman?
This is the bike I currently have, and I must say, I'm underwhelmed. This may be more to do with the Halfords service though. The brakes have been crap since I got the bike. Have taken the bike back 3 times but still the brakes squeak like mad. Other components on the bike seem to be deteriorating quickly too. Really disappointing when you pay £1000 for a bike.If you're comfortable on the Boardman you have, get another.
e.g. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/boardman-hybrid-bike-pro-2014
Try this: www.bikesheduk.com/specialized-secteur-elite-disc-2014
It has slightly wider tyres for extra comfort, easily fits mudguards - a godsend when commuting in the wet - and has disc brakes.
Under £700 for a £1200 bike.
Well, a drivetrain on that sort of bike is easily £70 retail, so £1000 won't go a long way once you've got big-box-chain overheads. Have you tried replacing the pads with something cheap-but-OK (Lifeline/Ashima?) and setting the brakes up yourself? It's a bit mucky and tedious but not that difficult (plenty of instructions online - I'd look for ones that tell you about winding the cable adjuster in while positioning them - EDIT: ignore that, I forgot it's hydraulicThis is the bike I currently have, and I must say, I'm underwhelmed. This may be more to do with the Halfords service though. The brakes have been crap since I got the bike. Have taken the bike back 3 times but still the brakes squeak like mad. Other components on the bike seem to be deteriorating quickly too. Really disappointing when you pay £1000 for a bike.
Something cute from a more designer-y maker?So what should my next bike be?
It's what you think that's important. However, Specialized bikes do tend to be under specced components wise compared to the competition (although owners rave about the frames). Oh and your review is for a different bike to the one linkedDoesn't appear to be too well reviewed: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-specialized-secteur-elite-12-45863/
Well, a drivetrain on that sort of bike is easily £70 retail, so £1000 won't go a long way once you've got big-box-chain overheads. Have you tried replacing the pads with something cheap-but-OK (Lifeline/Ashima?) and setting the brakes up yourself? It's a bit mucky and tedious but not that difficult (plenty of instructions online - I'd look for ones that tell you about winding the cable adjuster in while positioning them) and it doesn't sound like you can make more of a mess of it than they have!
Something cute from a more designer-y maker?![]()