which bike to go for?

[benjaminty]

I've decided that if I am to dare jump any lights or crossings and get knocked down in the process I might as well look damn good while I'm doing it...

My company offers the tax free bicycle to work benefit thingy and I can spend from ?100 to ?2000+.

I figure ?500 is enough and I have to get the bike from Halfords from their website.

They have Trek, GT, Kona & Boardman amongst others.

Anyone have any preference or excperience of these makes and price range when commuting?

I won't really do any off-roading so the attached Boardman hybrid looks a good choice for me.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_241897_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_124468_crumb_33980-33957-106165-124465_parentcategoryrn_124468#

Any thoughts for or against this bike?

[Sandperson]

I am pretty sure that if you have your heart set on something which Halfords don't stock they can order other bikes in for you from other companies through this scheme which might be worth exploring. Check out this thread on a very helpful triathlon/cycling forum I frequent:

Thready PX do some great bikes and great deals!

If you can't be bothered with that then the Boardman bikes get very good write-ups and are fairly well specced. Trek are a sure bet too (Lance can't be wrong can he?)

[SteveT]

Get the lightest one you can afford, it will pay you back over every gradient.

If you have to carry anything to and from work, get a saddle-bag with a quick release,

do not carry anything in a back pack when riding, always put the weight on the bike.

[benjaminty]

Thanks for the advise guys. I'll see what I can wangle next week then as I've signed up to the scheme. The PX's look amazing ... but somewhat out of my price range.

Maybe a Boardman it is...

[Asset]

Out of the four makes you mention above - Kona is top notch.

[benjaminty]

Thanks Asset - even for purely road use?

[Asset]

OK, if you want some serious advice I'll get mlteenie to get in touch with you. Resident saddle sniffer.

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

I bought a Kona for about ?900 15 years ago and it's only recently needed any work done to it. It is really light but Frame & wheels are still strong despite 15 years of hard cycling including off roading - so I'd recommend a Kona.