Which Halfords?

[Simontm]

So taking the plunge and decided to get the Boardman CX Comp.
Since it's been known for actual bike mechanics to be employed there, does anyone know the rep of shops round SW London/N Surrey- Kingston, Wimbledon, Sutton?

Cheers

 

[Big Nick]

If you're worried about the build (and you should be!) buy the bike still boxed and get a local bike shop to set it up, should only cost you £20 ish

 

[Cycleops]

Good advise from Big Nick, takes any chance out of it.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Yup, buy it boxed, then better still assemble it yourself

 

[Cuchilo]

I use the one in Isleworth but the staff seem to change like the wind in there . Having said that I have never felt like the staff didn't know about bikes .

 

[Cycleops]

By the way, nice bike!

 

[Cycrow]

I got my Boardman Pro Carbon from the Kingston store, and it was generally setup well.

 

[Venod]

Get Halford's to build the bike, but check it over before you ride it. I understand your concerns but they sell bikes so should be able to build them, if its a crap build complain its the only way they will improve, our local Halford's seem to employ a competent mechanic, but it hasn't always been the case.

 

[zizou]

Despite the poor reputation most of their stores will be alright, setting up a bike is not difficult. If you are unlucky enough for there to be an issue then its going to be better that Halfords did the initial set up and 6 week service.

One thing to watch for is a lack of grease in the bb, headset (etc). This is a problem from the manufacturer and can be remedied by asking them to sort it while setting up - you would have to tell most LBS to do this too i suspect.

 

[Rustybucket]

Make sure you get it checked out before you ride it - my chain snapped halfway into a 100 mile ride! It was a long walk to the nearest bike shop & had to wait for it to open! I always carry a chain tool now & spare links!!

 

[Simontm]

By the way, nice bike!

Hope so.
I decided that a cyclocross was the way to go but didn't have too much cash to spend alas so it was really that or the 13 as far as I could tell from reviews..and being nostalgic for cross bar brakes on racers