Looks like I am going for bike #2 this year...
Discussion
Earlier this year, I wanted to get back into cycling after knackering my shoulder last year in the gym which prevents me from doing any serious weight training.
I have an old Carrera Gryphon mountain bike, 12 years old from Halfords which is still going strong, but to be fair, hasn't seen too much use, and definitely nothing too strenuous off road!
After many discussions, reading, etc. I plumped for a Ridgeback Velocity from Edinburgh Bicycle for commuting into work and it has been excellent. Now fully set up with full length SKS mudguards, panniers, etc. The only thing I need is lights which i'm working on.
I had my first visit to Glentress about 4 weeks ago and loved it, and since then I have had my mate going on about me getting a decent hardtail. I also have my other mate trying to get me onto a proper road bike to go cycling with him
Well our cycle to work scheme email came out on Wed last week, and since then I have been extolling the virtues of it to my Mrs who has finally relented and said I can get another bike
And the winner is....the roadie! I just don't see me getting enough time away from family duties to do a MTB justice, and for the few times I do get to Glentress, I can always hire.
So a full roadie it is, the only thing is the C2W vouchers are with Halfords, but fear not, after much more reading, etc. I have decided to plump for a Boardman Road Comp 09 as they seem to get decent reviews. I can't justify anything flashier e.g. the Team or full carbon affair but I am really looking forward to getting out and doing some miles on it when i get it - not going to weight this one down with extras like the commuter!
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
I have an old Carrera Gryphon mountain bike, 12 years old from Halfords which is still going strong, but to be fair, hasn't seen too much use, and definitely nothing too strenuous off road!
After many discussions, reading, etc. I plumped for a Ridgeback Velocity from Edinburgh Bicycle for commuting into work and it has been excellent. Now fully set up with full length SKS mudguards, panniers, etc. The only thing I need is lights which i'm working on.
I had my first visit to Glentress about 4 weeks ago and loved it, and since then I have had my mate going on about me getting a decent hardtail. I also have my other mate trying to get me onto a proper road bike to go cycling with him
Well our cycle to work scheme email came out on Wed last week, and since then I have been extolling the virtues of it to my Mrs who has finally relented and said I can get another bike
And the winner is....the roadie! I just don't see me getting enough time away from family duties to do a MTB justice, and for the few times I do get to Glentress, I can always hire.
So a full roadie it is, the only thing is the C2W vouchers are with Halfords, but fear not, after much more reading, etc. I have decided to plump for a Boardman Road Comp 09 as they seem to get decent reviews. I can't justify anything flashier e.g. the Team or full carbon affair but I am really looking forward to getting out and doing some miles on it when i get it - not going to weight this one down with extras like the commuter!
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
The physio thought rotator cuff at first but symptoms were different!
Months of physio and I am doing ok with it, but don't want to push it any more, also was fed up eating separate meals from the family whilst on high protein, etc.
With cycling, I can eat crap, cycle and still keep my weight down!
Months of physio and I am doing ok with it, but don't want to push it any more, also was fed up eating separate meals from the family whilst on high protein, etc.
With cycling, I can eat crap, cycle and still keep my weight down!
hi, i have an 08 boardman team and i love it. i use it for everything, commuting, racing, general fitness, the lot!....
good points are the wheels which are cartridge bearings and are fairly light for the price, the groupset, tiagra with a smattering of 105 and a ritchey finishing kit. i can only speak for my bike but the frame and forks are well finished and compliment each other well.
its sub 20lb which is fairly light for a £600 road bike. my only grumble is the rear triangle which doesnt feel like it transfers all the power from the cracnk to the wheel but this is only noticeable when you are already at a solid pace and then get out of the saddle and push on further...
i cant prise them enough, they are well made and crucially, you are unlikely to feel that the bike is the limiting factor when out on a ride of any distance or elevation profile.
dont worry about buying it from halfrods and the horror stories that you may have heard. order it online (usually you get a discount if you do this), get it delivered in the box to the store, take it home in the box and build it yourself. you will need a small torque spanner and general bike tools, 4/5/6mm allen key etc, but thats it. its not a long and complicated build and its fun to do it yourself and make sure its to your satisfaction. its also a bonding experience, me and Billy (Billy Boardman) now have a rather intimate relationship....
good points are the wheels which are cartridge bearings and are fairly light for the price, the groupset, tiagra with a smattering of 105 and a ritchey finishing kit. i can only speak for my bike but the frame and forks are well finished and compliment each other well.
its sub 20lb which is fairly light for a £600 road bike. my only grumble is the rear triangle which doesnt feel like it transfers all the power from the cracnk to the wheel but this is only noticeable when you are already at a solid pace and then get out of the saddle and push on further...
i cant prise them enough, they are well made and crucially, you are unlikely to feel that the bike is the limiting factor when out on a ride of any distance or elevation profile.
dont worry about buying it from halfrods and the horror stories that you may have heard. order it online (usually you get a discount if you do this), get it delivered in the box to the store, take it home in the box and build it yourself. you will need a small torque spanner and general bike tools, 4/5/6mm allen key etc, but thats it. its not a long and complicated build and its fun to do it yourself and make sure its to your satisfaction. its also a bonding experience, me and Billy (Billy Boardman) now have a rather intimate relationship....
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