Boardman Comp for commuting? Newbie questions!

[nick s]

Hi guys,

Just reserved a Boardman Comp as Halfords have a good deal on at the moment. 440 quid.
Anyway, I run 3 times a week and do spinning twice a week and am into keeping fit etc, so was after a decent, fast hybrid for my 7 mile each way commute to work.
I have a normal cheapo bike i use at the moment when the weather is nice, but it's not great at all. The other half is now trying to talk me out of picking this up tonight saying it's a waste of money. What does everyone think? yay or nay!? How much better/faster is this going to be over a normal no brand 100 quid hybrid?

Also, i think i'm going to need some decent lights and a mudguard. Can anyone recommend anywhere? My mates are saying dealextreme are good for lights?

[Chris993C4]

Definate "yay" - right tool for the job, and all that.

The DX lights are very bright, and certainly good value - however, they don't have much in the way of beam pattern (not a problem off-road, but on-road you might not be very popular...)

[nick s]

ahh that's good then. It seemed the best thing for the job. I don't want anything too serious yet. Just something quick and decent for work and for rides round Windsor Great park in the evenigns etc!
I thought that. Are the DX lights goign to blind/p*ss off motorists then? Prob not the best idea!

[anonymous-user]

with lights you really have two options, to see or be seen.

if your commute is on unlit roads, you basically need to spend a fair bit on something powerful to light your way. if its on lit roads, then you dont need to spend quite as much. i use a £50 cateye set from wiggle as my route is all on lit paths or roads. i also have two little leds that are probably for emergencies so i run one solid and one flashing front and rear. add to this a reflective rucksack cover, reflective jacket etc...

[nick s]

thanks for the advice. My commute is mainly lit roads, but a few through trees. I think i'll need to get somethign fairly decent as it's not all main roads. I'll check out wiggle then!!

Just thinking. I'm doubting myself now. I'm 6"1 with a 34 inside leg. I've reserved the large model (21 inch frame) Is this the right one for me?

[anonymous-user]

Size sounds right to me..

[Gizmo!]

Jimboka said:

Size sounds right to me..

Sounds a touch big to me?

There's a sizing tool on the H website iirc.

[nick s]

Gizmo! said:

Sounds a touch big to me?

There's a sizing tool on the H website iirc.

They all quote different things! You'd think they would all give the same info really.
My legs are pretty long, so think i'd be a bit too big for the medium. I guess it's too late now though!