N+1 bike decision....

[gangzoom]

It's now 3 years since I last bought an N+1 bike, as I'm going to hit my mid 40s soon, now I think it is the time for a midlife crisis purchase. In terms of budget I'm not too bothered, as compared to a new car or divorce the cost on Salary Sacrifice is pretty tolerable.

The only 2 bikes at present I ride at all is the Creo I use once in a blue moon but I love riding it, it's fast, comfy and generally a pleasure to ride. The Boardman is the workhorse, it used 2-3 times a week, in all weathers. However it feels very slow to ride, you can tell the finishing kit isn't great, and not as comfortable as the Creo espeically with all the pot holes around now. It's also coming to needing a big service, new cassette/hub service etc.

The choices I think I've come down to is:

• 1: Buy another 'nice' bike (Like the Scott Fastlane), put a pannier/mudguards on the Creo and use that more for commuting, and use the Boardman for when I need to leave it locked out at station/some where high risk.

• 2: Buy something better built for commuting so with suspension/guards from the factory, slacker geometry - Like the Vado. Try to sell the Boardman, get some better wheels for the Creo and keep it as my 'nice' bike.

- The third option is to just upgrade the Boardman with some suspension - but that seems far too sensible, and doesn't fit with N+1 plan .

Any thoughts/suggestions?....Getting both the Fastlane AND Vado has crossed my mind, but N+2 isn't something I've seen promoted anywhere!!

Edited by gangzoom on Tuesday 10th March 18:01

[HenryV1415]

Option 1
Boardman is crap don’t waste money on that. Creo is ok for an EBike, get a nice bike and feel amazing

[_Rodders_]

HenryV1415 said:

Option 1
Boardman is crap don t waste money on that. Creo is ok for an EBike, get a nice bike and feel amazing

The boardman is already owned.

And Boardman's are great for what they are. Not quite as good value Vs the competition as they used to be but there's still a place for them.

Had mine since 2011 and it still beats bikes costing 10x as much.

[gangzoom]

HenryV1415 said:

Option 1
Boardman is crap don t waste money on that. Creo is ok for an EBike, get a nice bike and feel amazing

I get what you are saying but don't bad mouth the Boardman. It's been an absolute workhorse, hit the deck 3 times in it and it just keeps going. On my 3rd chain and 2nd cassette. I've used it so much I've actually worn out the rubber grips on the handle bars.

The geometry of the Boardman is pretty aggressive for a commuter, the HA is 73 degrees, that's the same as the Creo at with Vado at 69. If I was been sensible the Vado looks perfect as the commuter replacement, but the Scott Fastlane will be a nicer bike to ride for the few 'Fun' rides I do every year.