Its Friday, time for a What bike?

[2DDav]

So I'm currently on the edge of finally going for a road bike. Up until now my riding has all been on MTB's with one old hardtail running some semi-slickisj tyres. However a) its heavy and b) its never had any real maintenance, and as such it will need a few quid putting into it. So Im now thinking this is the time to look at a road bike, eespecially as the winters coming in I'll be looking to do more road work as well as allowing some variation.

So with that, Ive been looking at the Boardmans, particuarly the Team Carbon:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/b...

Now I'm not budgeting a huge amount given it will be run through winter etc. and if I do get more into the road side I;ll probably look at upgrading at a later date.

Any thoughts/opinions on this? Anything else I should be looking at, would the likes of the road comp be just as good an option?

Other question was regarding wheels. See a lot of threads on here with people recommending wheel upgrades to stronger wheels, is this really a big issue and worth looking at? Worth noting that I'm 115kg.
I dont mind spending extra on wheels given they could be swapped to another bike at a later date.

[BeerMonster1]

2DDav said:

So I'm currently on the edge of finally going for a road bike. Up until now my riding has all been on MTB's with one old hardtail running some semi-slickisj tyres. However a) its heavy and b) its never had any real maintenance, and as such it will need a few quid putting into it. So I'm now thinking this is the time to look at a road bike, especially as the winters coming in I'll be looking to do more road work as well as allowing some variation.

So with that, I've been looking at the Boardmans, particularly the Team Carbon:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/b...

Now I'm not budgeting a huge amount given it will be run through winter etc. and if I do get more into the road side I;ll probably look at upgrading at a later date.

I would honestly go 2nd hand first if your going to "dip a toe in". The bike in question you could probably pick up for £600-£700 on eBay brand new (people seem to get them on C2W and then sell them for cash). A quick once over at the LBS and bobs your uncle.

Any thoughts/opinions on this? Anything else I should be looking at, would the likes of the road comp be just as good an option?

Vitus (chain reaction cycles own brand) is worth a look for value. Or even Planet X (customer service is somewhat hit or miss) or Ribble. Again 2nd hand for a great deal as new bikes tend to lose around half their value in 1st and 2nd year.

Other question was regarding wheels. See a lot of threads on here with people recommending wheel upgrades to stronger wheels, is this really a big issue and worth looking at? Worth noting that I'm 115kg.
I don't mind spending extra on wheels given they could be swapped to another bike at a later date.

Wheels are something that you could possibly look at when upgrading but I would recommend checking the wheel model and spec (go onto wheel website and check for weight recommendations). However, standard should be fine if you make sure the tyres and nice and hard (115 psi ish for your weight on a 23C tyre).

Hope that helps

[TwistingMyMelon]

Good bike, have you tried one for size

Wheels are worth upgrading if you feel the standard ones are inadequate (often they are) , see how you get on at first tbh

A grand is still a great budget for a first road bike.

[Deanno1dad]

Check out the spec on a Giant Defy 1 carbon...for a little bit more it's far superior to the Boardman.

[2DDav]

Cheers for the feedback, local bike shop are a Giant dealer so will pop in there and check the Defy out. Need to try both for size etc.

[Matt_N]

This is a better buy for £929 with 11 speed Shimano 105:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/...

[2DDav]

Fired up to the local bike shop at lunchtime and ended up buying a Giant Defy 1 2015. We did discuss going to the carbon model which was £300 more however they later suggested that as it will be ridden right through winter it was probably not the best idea. Regardless its me that needs to loose weight not the bike so a non-issue really.
Going in Monday for a fitment

[anonymous-user]

2DDav said:

Fired up to the local bike shop at lunchtime and ended up buying a Giant Defy 1 2015. We did discuss going to the carbon model which was £300 more however they later suggested that as it will be ridden right through winter it was probably not the best idea.

nice bike but seriously, did they give an explanation?!?

[bakerstreet]

pablo said:

nice bike but seriously, did they give an explanation?!?

This is PH. We all know that carbon bikes will melt in the depths of winter

OP: Good choice on the Giant. My first road bike was a Giant and its been pretty good

[mikees]

At 300 extra I'd go for the carbon. Even though there is the risk it might dissolve in rain, crack in the cold or evaporate if coming into contact with leaves.






Mike

[richardxjr]

ALu can / Carbon can't take full guards perhaps? Anyhoo, nice choice.