boardman fs pro vs giant anthem x4 / x5
Discussion
looking at getting my first mountain bike and have narrowed it down to these 2 (or 3) models.
does anyone have specific experience of them and can offer an informed opinion as to which to go for. they are both the same sort of prices.
i currently have a giant defy advanced 3 roadbike, and want the 'equivalent' in mtb for use riding round the chilterns (specifically off road - only on road to get to the places i'm going to offroad).
please don't offer any '... but have you not considered a trek / specialised / orange etc etc' response!!!!
does anyone have specific experience of them and can offer an informed opinion as to which to go for. they are both the same sort of prices.
i currently have a giant defy advanced 3 roadbike, and want the 'equivalent' in mtb for use riding round the chilterns (specifically off road - only on road to get to the places i'm going to offroad).
please don't offer any '... but have you not considered a trek / specialised / orange etc etc' response!!!!
I know you specifically said you didn't want any other brand suggestions but this:
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
is getting great reviews, is stonking value and much better specced than the X5.
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
is getting great reviews, is stonking value and much better specced than the X5.
I have a 2010 FS Pro.
It is incredibly light at 12kg, the suspension redefines 'plush', the gears changes are silky smooth and the brakes are outstanding. The geometry is good and it loves being pushed hard on fast twisty XC trails, which is exactly the riding I do. It climbs effortlessly and I often ride up trails that my mates have to get off and walk up. I have had it a year now and it has soaked up everything I have thrown at it.
I don't ride it enough but love it, every time I do ride it.
I looked around a lot before I bought mine and nothing sub approx £2k came close.
The 2011 model looks at least as good, may be better, but is more expensive.
It is incredibly light at 12kg, the suspension redefines 'plush', the gears changes are silky smooth and the brakes are outstanding. The geometry is good and it loves being pushed hard on fast twisty XC trails, which is exactly the riding I do. It climbs effortlessly and I often ride up trails that my mates have to get off and walk up. I have had it a year now and it has soaked up everything I have thrown at it.
I don't ride it enough but love it, every time I do ride it.
I looked around a lot before I bought mine and nothing sub approx £2k came close.
The 2011 model looks at least as good, may be better, but is more expensive.
This years Boardman has a different rear suspension system than the 2010. Singletrack magazine, if you can find it, has a test on it which is very enthusiastic and worth a look. Their conclusion is why spend £500 more on the next model up when you can get this much bike for £1k. Only thing that puts me off the Boardman is buying it from Halfords but you could ask to assemble it yourself.....
On their mountain bikes, all the Halfords stores do is straighten the bars and tighten them. The gears are indexed, the brakes are bled etc at the factory. My Halfords store have been excellent and I use them to service my bike. The stores seem either very good or very bad, so shop around if your local store is bad.
I have also heard that Boardman mtbs are made at Giant's factory but there is no proof of this. The frames are excellent quality finish, so this is quite believable. The question would be why settle for a Giant bike with Deore/SLX, Fox F100RL, M445 brakes and Giant own brand wheels, when you can have the Boardman and top spec everything. You could not buy the 2010 FS Pro fittings for the cost of the bike. At its current discounted price, this bike is the deal of the decade.
I have also heard that Boardman mtbs are made at Giant's factory but there is no proof of this. The frames are excellent quality finish, so this is quite believable. The question would be why settle for a Giant bike with Deore/SLX, Fox F100RL, M445 brakes and Giant own brand wheels, when you can have the Boardman and top spec everything. You could not buy the 2010 FS Pro fittings for the cost of the bike. At its current discounted price, this bike is the deal of the decade.
Raven Flyer said:
I have also heard that Boardman mtbs are made at Giant's factory but there is no proof of this. .
http://allanti.com/articles/where-was-my-bike-made-pg328.htmEven specialised are made in Giants factory - this isnt a bad thing it just seems to my mind that you are cutting out a middle man by going to Giant. This does circumvent the logic that you should alway choose your bike on quality of the ride over all other considerations.
Spesh are 51% owned by Merida and Merida make all Spesh frames, some in Giant's factory which they own shares in. They also make great bikes under their own name, but most people would run a mile from the Merida name.
It's quite funny really as some people love to diss certain brands but it is very likely that these brands are made in the very same Taiwan factor, by the very same craftsmen, as the bikes that they worship.
It's quite funny really as some people love to diss certain brands but it is very likely that these brands are made in the very same Taiwan factor, by the very same craftsmen, as the bikes that they worship.
Edited by Raven Flyer on Thursday 5th May 14:35
I can concur that despute all the bandwagon knockers, Halfords cannot screw up a bike build!. I purchased a Boardman road bike in the Christmas sale. I took it home in the box as didnt want to use it until the sun shone. So I had to fit the front wheel/ saddle/ bars. rear wheel already on/gears already set up! If Boardman is best dont let Halfords put you off!
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