Best Value (% reduction) XC / Trail bike.....

[Gachet]

If you are fairly short (as it's a fairly small frame) and want something longer travel, this looks like a bargain as Fox 36's are about £700 worth:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/22203/Lapierre-Spicy...

These are fantastic quality frames, with great forks and finishing kit:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rocky-mountain...

Edited by Gachet on Friday 18th March 22:41

[Gachet]

el stovey said:

Gachet said:

The Boardman isn't that good a frame and the head angle is too steep for any more adventurous riding that the Lapierre excells at. People are just buying into the hype from What Mountain Bike and MBR if they honestly think Boardman bikes are that good.

What's wrong with the Boardman frame?

Why shouldn't anyone believe good reviews from MBR and what mountain bike?

It's a budget frame with not the most up to date geometry and a cheap shock, there are plenty of better frames from other mainstream manufacturers that use more advanced production and tube manipulation techniques.

The reviews are influenced by advertising revenue, free gifts to the journalists and all expenses paid product launches in great locations, not just the performance of the product.

[Raven Flyer]

Gachet said:

It's a budget frame with not the most up to date geometry and a cheap shock, there are plenty of better frames from other mainstream manufacturers that use more advanced production and tube manipulation techniques.

The reviews are influenced by advertising revenue, free gifts to the journalists and all expenses paid product launches in great locations, not just the performance of the product.

Jeez, such a load of crap.

I've been riding mtbs for over 20 years and the bike is the nuts. It's a fast XC bike and the geometry works perfectly. It's at least 2lb lighter (that'll be the decent groupset) than anything else in it's price range and whilst other bikes have a big name on the down tube and bargain basement components, the Boardman comes up with a great frame and great components.

And as for journos being bribed with advertising revenue I think you will find that every manufacturer in all of the annual tests advertises in these magazines. Boardman spend a lot less on advertising than the likes of Spesh, Trek and Giant.

The big difference is that Boardman were working on very small margins to get the brand established. Because most LBS add 50% to what a bike costs them and the UK importer/distributor has a 30% add on, a bike costing £800 doubles to £1600 by the time it gets to a shop. By using Halfords distribution and by keeping sales high and margins low, a Boardman that cost £800 to make sells for £1200.

Because people couldn't fathom how the bikes could be so cheap, they wrongly assumed saving had been made in the frame. Boardman frames will be made in a far east factory that also makes [insert name of internationally well known and respected bike company]'s frames.

Boardman's have become less well specc'd at the lower end and have become more expensive, this year. That is because they are now an established brand. Also, the Elite range moves them into top flight competition and wins will improve the cachet of the brand.

Either way, the 2010 bikes represent remarkable quality and remarkable value.

[anonymous-user]

If Boardman bikes were 50% more expensive and only sold online or from a shed in yorkshire, everyone would be raving about them.

Because they are sold and distributed through Halfords people think Halfords actually make them and they must be rubbish. Now the elite range will be more expensive and sold through other shops, I wonder if this will change people's views about inferior frames.

Today on bikeradar

bikeradar said:

Boardman bikes are always good value, with spec levels that can make rivals look ordinary by comparison. That’s because they’re sold solely through UK motoring and leisure chain Halfords, which relieves the pressure of dealer margins and means more money in the budget for, say, a groupset one tier higher.

Edited by el stovey on Friday 18th March 17:57

[phil-sti]

boardman are quite good, nothing wrong with them at all but why the slx hating?

[Gachet]

Raven Flyer said:

Gachet said:

It's a budget frame with not the most up to date geometry and a cheap shock, there are plenty of better frames from other mainstream manufacturers that use more advanced production and tube manipulation techniques.

The reviews are influenced by advertising revenue, free gifts to the journalists and all expenses paid product launches in great locations, not just the performance of the product.

Jeez, such a load of crap.

I've been riding mtbs for over 20 years and the bike is the nuts. It's a fast XC bike and the geometry works perfectly. It's at least 2lb lighter (that'll be the decent groupset) than anything else in it's price range and whilst other bikes have a big name on the down tube and bargain basement components, the Boardman comes up with a great frame and great components.

And as for journos being bribed with advertising revenue I think you will find that every manufacturer in all of the annual tests advertises in these magazines. Boardman spend a lot less on advertising than the likes of Spesh, Trek and Giant.

The big difference is that Boardman were working on very small margins to get the brand established. Because most LBS add 50% to what a bike costs them and the UK importer/distributor has a 30% add on, a bike costing £800 doubles to £1600 by the time it gets to a shop. By using Halfords distribution and by keeping sales high and margins low, a Boardman that cost £800 to make sells for £1200.

Because people couldn't fathom how the bikes could be so cheap, they wrongly assumed saving had been made in the frame. Boardman frames will be made in a far east factory that also makes [insert name of internationally well known and respected bike company]'s frames.

Boardman's have become less well specc'd at the lower end and have become more expensive, this year. That is because they are now an established brand. Also, the Elite range moves them into top flight competition and wins will improve the cachet of the brand.

Either way, the 2010 bikes represent remarkable quality and remarkable value.

Just because I have an opinion that you don't like, everything I say is a load of crap is it?

There are plenty of people that would rather have a modern frame design, rather than something that looks like a rip off of a 15 year old Turner design. If the frame is remarkable quality, where's the hydroforming and tube manipulation to increase stiffness in key areas. I surpose the tubing Boardman use is stiffer and ligher than Easton?

If this is the best bike you've had in 20 years, I'd be interested to know what else you've owned.

I've worked in the bike industry and have friends that still do and if you honestly think a bike shop puts that sort of margin on you don't know what you're talking about.

Just because you've bought something and are trying to justify the purchase in your mind, doesn't make it the best. If you compare it to cars, do people buy something because it is cheap and has a good specification or do they go with their heart and buy something that they drawn to the design off and feel good about owning despite it having an inferior specification? The Boardman is functional, but it's not highly desireable whatever you might think....

[Lord Pikey]

hora said:

Does it have to be a full-suss

Yes, i already have a orange crush with is FS. I think a step into the world of full suss is needed after being a hardcore hardtail guy since 1997

[shalmaneser]

Gachet said:

Just because I have an opinion that you don't like, everything I say is a load of crap is it?

There are plenty of people that would rather have a modern frame design, rather than something that looks like a rip off of a 15 year old Turner design. If the frame is remarkable quality, where's the hydroforming and tube manipulation to increase stiffness in key areas. I surpose the tubing Boardman use is stiffer and ligher than Easton?

If this is the best bike you've had in 20 years, I'd be interested to know what else you've owned.

I've worked in the bike industry and have friends that still do and if you honestly think a bike shop puts that sort of margin on you don't know what you're talking about.

Just because you've bought something and are trying to justify the purchase in your mind, doesn't make it the best. If you compare it to cars, do people buy something because it is cheap and has a good specification or do they go with their heart and buy something that they drawn to the design off and feel good about owning despite it having an inferior specification? The Boardman is functional, but it's not highly desireable whatever you might think....

I agree.

The Boardman back end is too flexy and the geometry is antiquated. The Monarch shock is dead feeling compared to the fox on the Lapierre. The Zesty does have weaknesses in the spec (fork and cranks) but it's stuff people will want to upgrade in their own time. As a long term value proposition the Zesty wins hands down.

[STURBO]

How about this:

2011 Commencal Meta 55 Pro. RRP £2199

http://www.realcycles.com/products.php?plid=m1b0s1...

£1660 if you don't need finance.

Great bike, nice spec.

[With these feet]

http://www.certini.co.uk/view_product.php?c_id=142...

Bought mine in November, great bit of kit. Looks like they still have small and medium available.

[Crippo]

Raven Flyer said:

Jeez, such a load of crap.

I've been riding mtbs for over 20 years and the bike is the nuts. It's a fast XC bike and the geometry works perfectly. It's at least 2lb lighter (that'll be the decent groupset) than anything else in it's price range and whilst other bikes have a big name on the down tube and bargain basement components, the Boardman comes up with a great frame and great components.

And as for journos being bribed with advertising revenue I think you will find that every manufacturer in all of the annual tests advertises in these magazines. Boardman spend a lot less on advertising than the likes of Spesh, Trek and Giant.

The big difference is that Boardman were working on very small margins to get the brand established. Because most LBS add 50% to what a bike costs them and the UK importer/distributor has a 30% add on, a bike costing £800 doubles to £1600 by the time it gets to a shop. By using Halfords distribution and by keeping sales high and margins low, a Boardman that cost £800 to make sells for £1200.

Because people couldn't fathom how the bikes could be so cheap, they wrongly assumed saving had been made in the frame. Boardman frames will be made in a far east factory that also makes [insert name of internationally well known and respected bike company]'s frames.

Boardman's have become less well specc'd at the lower end and have become more expensive, this year. That is because they are now an established brand. Also, the Elite range moves them into top flight competition and wins will improve the cachet of the brand.

Either way, the 2010 bikes represent remarkable quality and remarkable value.

Wrong on every single point.....from someone who actually knows the trade inside out

[With these feet]

hora said:

The inserted quote is cynical in elements however its a business model. Once you establish a 'brand' where do you then take it?

I doubt Boardman would want to sell just in Halfords longterm?

I should think Boardman has no intention of going alone, think of how the costs will increase without (Halfrauds) distribution, dealer network and servicing? Sure Halfrauds to some are "dont buy a bike there" but to most are a big retailer.

[Raven Flyer]

Gachet said:

If the frame is remarkable quality, where's the hydroforming and tube manipulation to increase stiffness in key areas. I surpose the tubing Boardman use is stiffer and ligher than Easton?

The top tube is hydro formed as are the rear triangles. As all other tubes are in tension, any further hydro forming is purely cosmetic. All tubes are triple butted and the chain stays are asymmetric mounted. All welds are smoothed and aesthetic. Boardman subcontract they frame manufacturer (just as Specialized are made by Merida) but no one knows who makes the frames. They are well made, light and strong.

Gachet said:

If this is the best bike you've had in 20 years, I'd be interested to know what else you've owned.

I've worked in the bike industry and have friends that still do and if you honestly think a bike shop puts that sort of margin on you don't know what you're talking about.

Work on that basis that a shop sells an average of 4 bikes a week with an average price of £1500. Assume no discounting or end of year sales (OK, this is daft but go along with it for now) so the shop sells £300,000 of bikes a year. Of that, £100,000 is profit. From that the shop owner must pay himself and his other staff (probably a tech and a Saturday boy), pay his rent and business rates, his property and stock insurances and pay for any advertising. He will also have a cost of financing his stock, likely a bank overdraft and will have accountancy fees. There is also 1.5% to 2.5% charged by the card companies for every penny he takes on credit cards. On that business model, with that volume of sales and a 50% mark up, he barely makes anything at all. OK, he sells some accessories and does servicing but he will also discount some sales and will sell any ageing stock for 20% off before the new models come out. He needs the accessory and servicing income to make any living for himself.

I would be interested to know what you thought your LBS marked a bike up by... and how they make a living, if it is less than I quoted.

Gachet said:

Just because you've bought something and are trying to justify the purchase in your mind, doesn't make it the best. If you compare it to cars, do people buy something because it is cheap and has a good specification or do they go with their heart and buy something that they drawn to the design off and feel good about owning despite it having an inferior specification? The Boardman is functional, but it's not highly desireable whatever you might think....

I have no interest in justifying my purchase. I bought my bike because it was the best in my budget and because I liked it. Your point about about buying with the heart is well made and I think this is exactly what Lord is looking to do for his new toy.

[Lord Pikey]

I am quite enjoying this back and forth

However, it maybe in vain now as apparantly my rent didnt leave my account in Jan so the money i had allocated for a shiney new steed isnt mine. Bugger.

[anonymous-user]

Not sure why a lot beat up Halfords (and hilariously refer to them as Halfrauds). They are my Local Bike Shop & I have always received 1st rate service there (and good price). I did buy my last bike from an independent & during the 1st ride found that the head bolts were 'finger tight' so incompetents are not confined to any particular outlet.
Boardman 'Elite' bikes will be available via other outlets (prices not yet announced!)

[Jakarta]

Bit of a thread revival here.

I've been looking for a bike to buy in the UK and bring back to Jakarta in Easter and the 2016 Boardman FS Pro keeps coming up on top.
Now reduced from what was a bargain 1500 to a even more of a bargain 1200.
Would I be better off waiting for the 2017 model, and will this likely be discounted further? When do Halfords/Boardman release their 2017 models?

Halfords Boardman FS Pro

[neenaw]

Jakarta said:

Bit of a thread revival here.

I've been looking for a bike to buy in the UK and bring back to Jakarta in Easter and the 2016 Boardman FS Pro keeps coming up on top.
Now reduced from what was a bargain 1500 to a even more of a bargain 1200.
Would I be better off waiting for the 2017 model, and will this likely be discounted further? When do Halfords/Boardman release their 2017 models?

Halfords Boardman FS Pro

I think Boardman only renew the ranges every 2 years and they did them in 2016. In that case, they won't be doing and end of line discounts until the end of the year.
If you've got British Cycling membership you get 10% discount at Halfords so that would drop another £120 off the price but the membership would cost you £30 or so. Still not a bad discount.
They also regularly run 10% off days but no one seems to know when they're coming up.

[Jakarta]

Crikey, in the space of me posting the link above and returning to the same link 40 minutes later, it has reverted to its regular price of 1500.

British cycling fan membership is 22 per year whilst still giving you the 10% discount.
I guess I'll have to keep checking for when the next price drop miraculously appears.

[Audicab]

Give your local shop a call. I bought mine before Xmas and like you had just missed the price drop, but called round a few stores and got one in Sheffield to drop the price to the sale price.

Also got 10% off for being a member of British Cycling.

I am having a new one delivered tomorrow though because of the issues I have had with the bike. Fingers crossed this one will be better.

[daddy cool]

Jakarta said:

Crikey, in the space of me posting the link above and returning to the same link 40 minutes later, it has reverted to its regular price of 1500.

British cycling fan membership is 22 per year whilst still giving you the 10% discount.
I guess I'll have to keep checking for when the next price drop miraculously appears.

The discounts are quite regular, but at the very least, I can guarantee there will be a biggish one at Easter, if you can wait that long. Remember you can also buy Halfords vouchers at 10% off face value, and also reserve the bike via quidco which will give you cashback. All-in, I ended up getting this bike for ~£950 (3x10% off + cashback).
For that money, its a fantastic bike, and you can overlook the few criticisms I have in ~400 miles of riding:
- Instantly replaced the tyres with slightly fatter (2.4) Conti Mountain Kings in black-chilli spec
- The bottom bracket is FSA, and crap. Mine has just seized, and unless you want to replace the entire crankset, you have to replace with another FSA B/B (their spindle is fractionally fatter than standard Shimano ones, so a cheaper SLX/XT BB wont work)
- Already getting a slight knock somewhere in the frame, meaning one of the bearings/shims has worn out (imagine not picking up the bike, but just taking the weight in your hand - you can feel something moving). I'm wondering whether Halfords would honour that under warranty?

However, that is being picky - its a great bike overall. As per advice I got, if you are 5'10 or taller, go for the Large frame.

Well worth getting BC membership - as well as paying for itself on this purchase, you get 10% off ANYTHING in Halfords, not just bike stuff. Plus you get the 3rd party insurance etc.