Specialized Rockhopper Vs Boardman Comp
Discussion
I have had my eye on a Rockhopper for a while (I have a Specialized road bike and am really impressed with the brand) but due to recent comments, mainly on here, I am drawn towards the Boardman Comp. Both are coming in at similar money but I can't find a shop that stocks both brands to get some impartial advise. Anyone have any experiences that they could share?
Only insofar as I have a Rockhopper - got it about a month ago - and absolutely love it. Does what it says on the tin and has been faultless so far, except for having to replace the gash pedals, so would have no hesitation in recommending one. My shortlist at the time was the Spec, a Trek 4900 and a Cube Acid - the Spec just won out in the end, it seemed better nailed together than the Cube, plus my LBS did me a great deal on that and an Allez triple roadie for me lad, so that's what won it for me.
As for the Boardman, I have no experience of these at all, suffice to say one was never on my list as experience of the staff at my local Halfords wasn't one of confidence so I didn't consider them in the end.
As for the Boardman, I have no experience of these at all, suffice to say one was never on my list as experience of the staff at my local Halfords wasn't one of confidence so I didn't consider them in the end.
I'm on my second Rockhopper ... both have been superb and really well built. My 'old' one is about 8 years old and still OK - I just passed it on to the wife.
I have no idea on the other bike but would simply suggest you try them both and see which feels better. It is no good getting a superb bike if it is sized wrongly or just doesn't feel right
I have no idea on the other bike but would simply suggest you try them both and see which feels better. It is no good getting a superb bike if it is sized wrongly or just doesn't feel right
If you'd rather pay more for a bike with worse specification and worse reviews then definitely go for the Rockhopper.
If you like the specialized stickers you can get a whole bike set for £10, rather than buy an under spec'd bike with the specialized stickers already on which will cost you around £200 extra comparted with comparable spec'd bikes...
The Halfords argument is floored too.... Yes the staff in some shops may not be great but no bike offers you free bike services for life after you buy a bike from them... you can take your bike to the shop that you like/trust the most if anything goes wrong that you can't handle and use all the money saved on buying a better spec'd bike on those services.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...
Touch paper lit, stand back and watch all the Ford Focus driving Specialized Rockhopper owners jump to its defence
If you like the specialized stickers you can get a whole bike set for £10, rather than buy an under spec'd bike with the specialized stickers already on which will cost you around £200 extra comparted with comparable spec'd bikes...
The Halfords argument is floored too.... Yes the staff in some shops may not be great but no bike offers you free bike services for life after you buy a bike from them... you can take your bike to the shop that you like/trust the most if anything goes wrong that you can't handle and use all the money saved on buying a better spec'd bike on those services.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...
Touch paper lit, stand back and watch all the Ford Focus driving Specialized Rockhopper owners jump to its defence
Happy Rockhopper owner here too. Had it for a month or so now. Does its job in a no-fuss way. The red colour scheme may not be to everyones taste (I went for the black/grey!). My last bike was stolen so I had to choose a bike of same value from a particular website & that was the best in my budget.
But given the choice I would have been torn between the Rockhopper & the Boardman but my 1st choice would have been Carrera Fury (but I couldnt buy from Halfords). I guess I could always look for someone who wants to do a swap!!
But given the choice I would have been torn between the Rockhopper & the Boardman but my 1st choice would have been Carrera Fury (but I couldnt buy from Halfords). I guess I could always look for someone who wants to do a swap!!
I've got the Boardman HT Pro and it's a fantastic bike, I really can't fault it. I liked the Boardman so much that when I was looking for a road bike, I also bought a Boardman, the Road Comp.
Both bikes are well specc'ed and have had no problems whatsoever. For peace of mind after buying the bikes, I had a local mobile bike mechanic come round and have a check of the bikes. He adjusted the gears properly and gave them a once over for all for about £20. This was still cheaper than it would be to get it checked at the LBS.
Both bikes are well specc'ed and have had no problems whatsoever. For peace of mind after buying the bikes, I had a local mobile bike mechanic come round and have a check of the bikes. He adjusted the gears properly and gave them a once over for all for about £20. This was still cheaper than it would be to get it checked at the LBS.
I did the same. I liked my FS Pro so much that I went back two months later and bought my Team Carbon.
Both are excellent bikes and cost much less than similarly specc'd rivals.
From the new Elite stuff, it looks like it will soon be a brand to be seen on too. I thought they always were but the latest top level bikes should have the brand snobs re-thinking.
Both are excellent bikes and cost much less than similarly specc'd rivals.
From the new Elite stuff, it looks like it will soon be a brand to be seen on too. I thought they always were but the latest top level bikes should have the brand snobs re-thinking.
ParanoidAndroid said:
Vey, very pleased with my FS Pro. Bought online from Halfords, shipped straight to my house, attached pedals and took to LBS for check/setup.
That seems to be a very common theme with the Boardmans!I wonder how much the Halfords connection actually affects Boardman bike sales?
Probably not really much at all.
For those without prior knowledge, who just want a new bike, then Halfords is probably quite an approachable and cheap option. The free service should catch issues, so they might even think they are being done a favour.
Those who know about these things and want a good value bike, can probably fix a bike enough to negate the alleged 'Halfords effect'.
When these two parties meet, you get the clash of views seen on forums. But in real life, most people just read reviews in the mainstream media and go and buy a bike.
For those without prior knowledge, who just want a new bike, then Halfords is probably quite an approachable and cheap option. The free service should catch issues, so they might even think they are being done a favour.
Those who know about these things and want a good value bike, can probably fix a bike enough to negate the alleged 'Halfords effect'.
When these two parties meet, you get the clash of views seen on forums. But in real life, most people just read reviews in the mainstream media and go and buy a bike.
I am leaning heavily towards the Boardman but the jokers in Halfords don't make it easy. Went in 2 stores today and the first soap dodger I spoke to had no knowledge whatsoever - initially told me that the Comp only came in hybrid and not MTB. The second store had their "display model" in a box out the back! I think I might just bite the bullet and buy one online without seeing in the flesh based on all the excellent feedback I have received.
Despite their apparently limited knowledge, couldn't you get a test ride from of the Halford's stores anyway? Whichever way you end up going, you really ought to try one out before buying - they're not all the same size and shape with the only difference being the spec and the price. Do the same with the Rockhopper too.
When I was looking I was really leaning towards a Cube Acid until riding one and comparing it to the Rockhopper - well that and the deal I got, but that's another story.
When I was looking I was really leaning towards a Cube Acid until riding one and comparing it to the Rockhopper - well that and the deal I got, but that's another story.
neenaw said:
That seems to be a very common theme with the Boardmans!
I wonder how much the Halfords connection actually affects Boardman bike sales?
The Halfords connection is positive in my experience. Helpful staff, local, and open long hours. If you want something exclusive & to talk bikes for hours then use independent. But if you want top value bike like Boardman or Carrera Fury etc , which both punch above their price according to independent Bikeradar reviews, then go to Halfords where they cut out the middleman. Take it home in the box uf you dont trust someone else to screw in the pedals / seat / bars. Thats all you have to do, gears etc already indexed in factory. Worth considering Decathlon.co.uk also, if there is one your way. Great bikes at that pricepoint..I wonder how much the Halfords connection actually affects Boardman bike sales?
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