Forum Cyclists

[Andy Monty]

So you've gone from been a xc jayboy to a roadie.

how's the ht going snapped any bits off it yet?

need to get back on my bike and shift a few lbs


oh and watch for toe overlap on the road bike (when turning sharply when peddling the front wheel comes close to the pedal when the cranks are horizontal)

 

[udtrev]

Nice bike

Meanwhile I'm looking for a cheap folding bike for using at work, I've got the Voodoo Marasa for weekends etc at home

Trev

 

[Liquid Knight]

I wish I'd seen this thread sooner.

Boardman = Carrera only three to five times the price.

Basically Boardman is Lancia of the cycling world, using the name with racing pedigree to sell re-badged Chryslers made in Korea.

Having said that some of the bikes aren't bad if you don't mind paying a premium price.

 

[Shadeyman]

So you've gone from been a xc jayboy to a roadie.

Well, not yet. I haven't ridden it yet ..

how's the ht going snapped any bits off it yet?

Nothing snapped yet, seems like a very strong bike to me, I've had a few big wipe outs. I did manage to give the gears a knock, caused them not to select properly. 30 min in the local bike shop sorted that, just needed adjusting.

need to get back on my bike and shift a few lbs

Me to, I've never felt so over weight and unfit as I do now.

oh and watch for toe overlap on the road bike (when turning sharply when peddling the front wheel comes close to the pedal when the cranks are horizontal)

Thanks, probabely good advice with my size 10's poking out.

I wish I'd seen this thread sooner.

Boardman = Carrera only three to five times the price.

Basically Boardman is Lancia of the cycling world, using the name with racing pedigree to sell re-badged Chryslers made in Korea.

Having said that some of the bikes aren't bad if you don't mind paying a premium price.

Seems a bit harsh considering the good reviews and awards(http://www.cycle2work.info/sitecommunitybikereviews) some of the Boardman bikes have won in the past few years. I'm really pleased with both of mine. There again what do I know, wouldn't really call myself a cyclist and I've nothing to compare them too as they're the first decent bikes I've owned.

 

[bludvl_x19]

I'm just about to get back into cycling, I have moved from somewhere as flat as a pancake to a place that any slope less than 1 in 150 is considered near enough. I used to ride a lot more than I do these days, I don't think I have ridden my bike for about 15 months I am looking foward to it though, I think??

 

[ThisBitterPill]

Boardman = Carrera only three to five times the price.

Basically Boardman is Lancia of the cycling world, using the name with racing pedigree to sell re-badged Chryslers made in Korea.

Is this based on any actual facts?

Boardman bikes are on a par with anything from the non-niche manufacturers (ie mass produced rather than custom made) at a considerably reduced cost. Most reviewers agree they are a good quality, well specced bike....There is a suggestion that they are can be a little dull in their ride, but that's something they share with a lot of other bikes with a lot higher price tag!

I think CB has a lot of integrity and he wouldn't (and hasn't) put his name to any old rubbish.

Never ridden a road bike before, not looking forward to that seat ..

The secret is good quality padding and a big dollop of Vaseline every time you ride....

Oh and check your spokes as I've read a lot of stories of people breaking them after Halfords don't tighten them correctly when they assemble the bike....

 

[Eklipze3k]

I need to get out on my bike but the hills around here are a killer, I wouldn't mind so much if it was downhill on the way to work and uphill on the way home ... turning up to work a sweaty mess is not a good look for me

 

[ThisBitterPill]

I need to get out on my bike but the hills around here are a killer....

'Hills are only as steep as you think they are'....

I have no idea who wrote that crap, but he was clearly a better climber than I'll ever be!

 

[The Beard]

Most bicycles nowadays are made in the Far East, the kind of thing you see in Tesco or Sainsburys tend to be made in China whereas the better ones are built in Taiwan, who, in fairness have made a very good reputation for themselves.

The best carbon seems to be made by the Japanese company Toray, although I think quite a few makers suffered with problems in the early days but it seems now that they've pretty much got it sussed.

There seems to be two different levels of Boardman road bikes, one lot sold by Halfords and a higher range sold by independent retailers, or direct from Boardman. Personally I wouldn't have any doubts about riding a road bike from that company.

My own bike is a Bianchi hybrid but the frame is welded up in Taiwan and the brakes and gears are all Shimano. Later this year, if the ride to work scheme is still in operation, I intend to add to my stable with a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 with Campagnolo gears.

 

[ThisBitterPill]

Later this year, if the ride to work scheme is still in operation, I intend to add to my stable with a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 with Campagnolo gears.

Tasty!

 

[Shadeyman]

oh and watch for toe overlap on the road bike (when turning sharply when peddling the front wheel comes close to the pedal when the cranks are horizontal)

We I've eventually found time to take out the Boardman, just an hours ride with a few friends.

One of my friends doesn't ride much, if at all. He had a go on my Boardman and as you said his toes clipped the front wheel. This surprised me as he is only a size 8, I'm a size 10 and my toes are no where near it.

Turns out that he rides with the pedal jammed firmly into the arch of his foot, I ride with the pedal under the ball of my foot.

Toes hitting the front wheel isn't a problem if my foot is in the correct riding postion.

Helpful vid.

 

[Andy Monty]

you got onto SPD's yet? :tempt:

 

[bludvl_x19]

:yeahthat:

SPDs are awesome, unless you want to use your bike to commute.

 

[custard]

:yeahthat:

SPDs are awesome, unless you want to use your bike to commute.

Why wouldnt you use SPDs on a commute?

 

[custard]

I wish I'd seen this thread sooner.

Boardman = Carrera only three to five times the price.

Basically Boardman is Lancia of the cycling world, using the name with racing pedigree to sell re-badged Chryslers made in Korea.

Having said that some of the bikes aren't bad if you don't mind paying a premium price.

Utter tosh.
The 'price' you refer to, is heavily competitive on its rivals
Ridden any?

 

[Shadeyman]

you got onto SPD's yet? :tempt:

Brought a pair of Shimano 105 SPD-SL 5700 road pedals today(http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/pd-5700-105-spd-sl-road-pedals-ec023219). I'll fit them once I've decided which cycling shoes to buy.

 

[Andy Monty]

I'll confess to using mountain bike spd peddles on my road bike that way I can still walk when I'm off the bike

 

[Shadeyman]

Can someone recommend me a good cycling shoe to go with Shimano pedals ?

 

[Andy Monty]

try as many as you can the cut of some will suit you better thanothers

 

[varesecrazy]

Most bicycles nowadays are made in the Far East, the kind of thing you see in Tesco or Sainsburys tend to be made in China whereas the better ones are built in Taiwan, who, in fairness have made a very good reputation for themselves.


My own bike is a Bianchi hybrid but the frame is welded up in Taiwan and the brakes and gears are all Shimano. Later this year, if the ride to work scheme is still in operation, I intend to add to my stable with a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 with Campagnolo gears.

got some Gary Fishers myself.. all Taiwanese built..!!,

the scheme is still running but lost a LOT of it's earlier benefits,
Charlie