Cycling: General Chat

[MMFy]

We've got a running thread, and as I can't find a cycling thread I thought I'd start one.

Are there many on here that are active participants? I've been getting quite keen on my cycling over the last few months and I'm considering picking up a new bike soon.

I've done the Devon and Cornwall coast-to-coast routes in the last three weeks and I'm considering cycling Barnstaple to Glastonbury when it stops raining for long enough.

Any recommendations for bikes (hybrids) or anyone got any good routes or stories to share?

[MMFy]

I'm riding an Orange G2 at the moment with Continental TravelContact tyres on it for road use. It's not too bad, but as most of my cycling is road cycling I need a different bike.

Does anyone know anything about Boardman bikes? They seem to get quite good reviews and come in a lot cheaper than the Cannondale BadBoy I want...

[veloman]

Excellent thread ! Well I know very little about anything but cycling I do know a bit about. In the Rogues Gallery section, someone had bought a Boardman. Dont know much about them but I think they are only available from Halfords. Are you after a road bike or MTB and what is your budget? The first piece of advice (which I hope you dont mind me giving) is make sure that you get the right size frame; shops are notorious for selling you a bike that is too big just to make a sale. Finally; you could always consider second-hand. Cyclists, particularly mtbers, are terrible fashion victims and will upgrade a perfectly good bike leaving some bargains available. Hope that helps

[fran_villa]

i have a Boardman pro comp road bike myself and would say for value for money they are bloody fantastic,the only problem is that halfords sell them and some of there staff are a bit shit..i also have my carbon Cube agree gtc that i love.got a garmin edge 500 g.p.s computer for it yesterday well happy with that i am.

[Ferris]

Just started riding again. Got a Rockhopper at the moment but i want a road bike. Got a bike to work scheme with work but it is only with Halfords so looking at the Boardman Pro.

[fran_villa]

Just started riding again. Got a Rockhopper at the moment but i want a road bike. Got a bike to work scheme with work but it is only with Halfords so looking at the Boardman Pro.

if its the pro carbon they are a very good bike,i think outside the bike to work they are going for £1000,thats a great deal seen as the bike comes with Sram Rival,plus it come's with Ritchey wheels,seat post,bar stem and the bars.the only thing i changed on the bike is the brakes, the tektro ones that come on them bikes aren't to great..

[veloman]

Yeah that pro carbon looks good value as you say. Just as an alternative, have a look at the Planet X site, similar spec/prices look available. I dont have one but you see loads at races. The big Italian 'marques' are just not worth it and I personally doubt if they are made in Italy now.

Last Sunday I was riding back from a race and just stopped to check if I was still alive - I had almost done a 'personal worst'. Some chap rode past and said "Nice Pinarello!" I wanted to chuck the effing thing in the hedge.

[Jondaken]

i have a Boardman pro comp road bike myself and would say for value for money they are bloody fantastic,the only problem is that halfords sell them and some of there staff are a bit shit..i also have my carbon Cube agree gtc that i love.got a garmin edge 500 g.p.s computer for it yesterday well happy with that i am.

Some of their staff will be shit, some of them will know what they are talking about. Just ask for one of the latter. I used to work there and generaly most of the guy's do alot of cycling...

Got a Boardman TeamCarbon from there, it's superb.

Also got a crosscountry Cannondale a few weeks ago, best machine Ive ever rode

[Juju]

I got a Bianchi c2c alu nirone 7 Xenon from Halfords on the c2w scheme a couple of years ago. The bike was £600, but after the halfords discount, and then the recovery of tax from the deduction, I ended up paying just over £12 a month interest free for 3 years.

Not a bad starter road bike, and on my route to work, up the a23, the weak points of the bike, the heavyish overbuilt wheels, are actually a bonus, as there are a few potholes and drains I might hit.

Also a venerable Orange p7 mtb, from about 2000, which is again, just a really great bike.

But I also have a collection of 3 complete vintage old school Diamond Back BMX's, and recently went to the big Radbmx meeting in Milton Keynes a couple of weeks ago - great fun!

Diamond Back Silverstreak.

Diamond Back Senior Pro

[b6bloke]

There is only one place to take your bike in my opinion the best single track in the Europe, its designed by mountain bikers. Had some great times here

website

[fran_villa]

my road bike wouldn't like that ..

[Tubby]

Interesting timing on this thread. After a year of living in London and walking to and from work every day, I've finally decided to use my bike as transport.

I got my road bike custom built about 5 years ago by a shop in South Wales and it was really worth it. It's obviously a great fit but not only that, it just rides beautifully. I can't tell you how much a good gear system is either and I spent a good deal on a Shimano Tiagra kit which works like a dream. If you are going to buy off the shelf, prioritise a good gearing system.

[Tubby]

Double post, please delete.

[knoppy1987]

^^^^^On Sale^^^^^^

I am finding it difficult not to upgrade on Bianchi's every year. I need a long trip for the summer though? Any thoughts anybody from past experience? When I buy/trade a new bike I always make a deal with myself to do some sort of biking marathon so that the money paid for the bike will be justified. A trip to the shops is simply not good enough.

[DanishVillan]

Love my cycle though it is an old reck. Only used as transport but I use it every day.

Cheap, keeps me ok fit and I hate being stuck in traffic.

[knoppy1987]

Love my cycle though it is an old reck. Only used as transport but I use it every day.

Cheap, keeps me ok fit and I hate being stuck in traffic.

At least you are getting good use out of it. I use a bicycle for transport were possible although I'm always weary of thieves.

[DanishVillan]

Love my cycle though it is an old reck. Only used as transport but I use it every day.

Cheap, keeps me ok fit and I hate being stuck in traffic.

At least you are getting good use out of it. I use a bicycle for transport were possible although I'm always weary of thieves.

That is the reason for using the old rack.

Always a better target to be found, though that is also because of the large number of bikes here.

[Condimentalist]

I have a Scott hybrid, had it a few years now and it has served me well.

Did Newcastle to Edinburgh over the summer, took four days at a fairly leisurely pace but very enjoyable indeed, the Northumberland coastline is very scenic with a lot of castles, pleasant towns and good pubs.

[knoppy1987]

I have a Scott hybrid, had it a few years now and it has served me well.

Did Newcastle to Edinburgh over the summer, took four days at a fairly leisurely pace but very enjoyable indeed, the Northumberland coastline is very scenic with a lot of castles, pleasant towns and good pubs.

Sounds interesting. Is the route all road or trail? Good choice of bike, I prefer the old Scott frames to the new ones.

[Condimentalist]

I have a Scott hybrid, had it a few years now and it has served me well.

Did Newcastle to Edinburgh over the summer, took four days at a fairly leisurely pace but very enjoyable indeed, the Northumberland coastline is very scenic with a lot of castles, pleasant towns and good pubs.

Sounds interesting. Is the route all road or trail? Good choice of bike, I prefer the old Scott frames to the new ones.

For the most part, the route is well provided for by marked trails, often on quiet smaller roads. For the most part the route is tarmacked, but there are a couple of areas where you have to veer off road.