What new bike...??

[SilverPhoenix]

As much as I love my trusty commuter hybrid, I'm looking into getting a new bike to try and take my cycling up a notch.

So far I've got these three in mind, you'll notice I've decided to stick with flat bars for now;

Planet X London Road - http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRDAPEXFB/plane...

Boardman Hybrid Team Bike - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes...

Btwin Triban 540 - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-flat-bar-roa...

Has anyone got any experience or reviews with any of them? Is there anything else I should look at?

[scrwright]

Done the same recently, included a Cube SL Race SL in my list too, ended up buying the Planet X with hydraulic brakes, had to wait a couple of weeks for all the bits to come in as its was a none standard build. Only been out for a couple of short rides so far but I like it alot

[ClassicMercs]

Just bought the Boardman last week for one of our employees on our self admin C2W scheme - he hasn't ridden in 30 years so I picked it up and cycled back to work, then took off the toe straps so he doesn't break his neck. Last week they had an offer - £60 off - shame that has now ended but I reckon another offer may come along soon.
Plenty of quality kit - hydraulic discs - full carbon fork and steerer - the reviews put the tyres as the weakest link. So we fitted wider mudguards so that he can swap for something different later. Currently 28's but would wear 32 really well and add extra comfort for his new commute.
Only thing I noticed was the rear seemed a little slow to shift gear when asked. But it may loosen with a few miles use / adjustment at the 6 week service.

The PlanetX in green does look hot - but with 35 tyres may be a bit slower. And I guess for you a remote transaction whereas Halfords is probably somewhere near.
I would look at where you currently ride and where you intend to develop - route - distance - pace. That may affect your choice. Having ridden four different bikes this week and the same extended 40 mile route home its given me an appreciation of the different specs (and quite a lot of earache from MrsMercs).

[MC Bodge]

Go for drop bars, you won't regret it.

I have a flat bar and drops on my road bikes. The drop bars are far more comfortable and I've tried various combinations of height, reach and bar ends on the flat bar.

If it is a fast route, go for a proper road bike on 23-25mm tyres. If it is rough, bumpy and covered in glass or you need to carry panniers then a cyclocross style or touring bike on puncture-resistant 28-32mm tyres might be better.

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 24th July 15:07

[SilverPhoenix]

I've been and had a good look at both the B'Twin and the Boardman.

Although, I was impressed with the B'Twin - I think the Boardman slightly edged it for me, especially with the hydraulic disc brakes.

As I live on the south coast, the Planet X will be tricky to view, although I might try and get up to Triathlon Zone in St. Albans. Generally, I've been impressed with the Planet X bikes I've seen. I love the London Road in zesty lime, as above!

I guess the next step is to speak to my boss about C2W schemes.

[ClassicMercs]

SilverPhoenix said:

I guess the next step is to speak to my boss about C2W schemes.

Do you not already have something in place for other colleagues ? If not the best option is to Self Administer. There is plenty of paperwork on the web that you just need to copy and change as appropriate. Then the boss buys the bike direct cutting out the middle man and the fees that are charged to the retailer / you - although I think Halfords may be their own.
We had a push on the scheme and once I took my credit card down to the local retailer and paid about £12k for various bikes for our employees. It saved the retailer over a grand in C2W fees which was mostly passed on the us, except for the credit card fees they incurred.

Its also self financing for the employer - as they save employers NIC and that pays for the time spent doing the paperwork and the financing cost - assuming there is free cash available / the overdraft rate isn't too bad.

Oh - and I said before that Halfords would be having more offers on at some time - its now 15% off all Boardmans - which beats the £60 we got two weeks ago on the last offer. Time to act now and get the bosses card out !! Ends Sunday (until the next one).

Edited by ClassicMercs on Wednesday 29th July 22:09

[AC43]

Hy BIL has a Boardman similar to that and loves it. Amongst other things he goes on cycling holidays on it - he's half way through a tour of Germany on it right now.

If you like flats go for it. I much prefer them myself. I grew up on drops but would never go back.

[bigdom]

I offer you this years Croix De Fer 20, now being discounted. It's on drop bars, you would get used to them and for longer rides provide far more positions which becomes a real bonus.

http://www.freeborn.co.uk/genesis-croix-de-fer-20-...

[MC Bodge]

AC43 said:

Hy BIL has a Boardman similar to that and loves it. Amongst other things he goes on cycling holidays on it - he's half way through a tour of Germany on it right now.

If you like flats go for it. I much prefer them myself. I grew up on drops but would never go back.

Modern drop bars and levers are far superior to the old ones

[juliengaonach]

Hi SilverPhoenix,

So which bike did you buy at the end?
I have the same decision to make;
Planet X London road SRAM 11
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIV/planet-x-l...
or
Triban 540
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-road-bike-1...

[stevesuk]

Lower in the Decathlon price range, I went for a Triban 500 SE (road bike with triple chainring and carbon fork) last summer, as a return to cycling after a 20 year break I didn't want to spend any more as I wasn't sure I was going to get properly back in to riding, so didn't want an expensive lump of carbon/metal sat in the garage gathering dust.

The Decathlon bikes seem to have a good reputation, and I've not had any problems so far. Comfortable to ride, and quick but fairly forgiving.

Edited by stevesuk on Saturday 18th February 17:43