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New bike for Team Squishy

I too had to make a similar decision to this earlier this year. Was intending completing initial races on a Marin Carbon Hybrid, but thought might as well commit myself fully, so started looking and choices were:

Specialized Allez Elite,

Giany Defy, or

Boardman



In the end went with a Boardman Team Carbon. Bought a display model that had a small scratch, which gave me a £100 discount, and persuaded them to throw in two carbon bottle cages (usually £29 each) as well.



After about 6 weeks riding had the bike checked over at my local LBS. Stayed away from Halfords, and was advised that the local Halfords bike mechanic also gets his bike serviced at the same LBS, which says it all. The general feedback from the LBS is that it's an excellent bike for the money, light, well specced etc.



I must say that I can;t fault the bike, probably my best decision this year, other that taking up Triathlons (wish I done it years ago when I was younger and fitter). Bike is light, and fast and handles really well. Recently bought soe aerobars, so hopefully will be even better.



I know what you mean about the Specialized having an appeal, and almost went for the Allez, but don't regret the final decision of a Boardman. It's just a shame you can't buy them anywhere else other than Halfords.

Comments

  • JoddyBearJoddyBear Posts: 66
    Squishy, for that price bracke the Focus Cayo available from Wiggle has also been getting some absolutely excellent reviews.



    I too have found myself in the priveledged position of being issued a WAT relief note for the next month or so, which in a burst of unbeleivably good fortune, just happened to coincide with the annual bonus being paid tomorrow. I'm off to TriUK at lunchtime to discuss a nice new Kuota Kharma :-)



    Let us know what you end up going with.
  • willieverfinishwillieverfinish Posts: 1,381
    I have the Allez elite and it really is very good indeed.



    Infact I love it.



    If you go for one then you won't regret it - new sloping top tube and Zerts really do make a difference.

  • FlavadaveFlavadave Posts: 749
    Whats with all these WAT passes? I don't think I get another entitlement till next year and ceertainly not for a new bike. Yeesh!



    If I was in the market though, I'd give serious thought to a boardman, rave reviews but as you say the Allez elite is a lovely bike.



    Buy all of them Squishy. Use up your WAT while you can.



  • BlinkybazBlinkybaz Posts: 1,144
    I with Dave



    Buy them all squishy! if you cant buy them all what about the entry level cybe. Thats a good looking bike at at around £850
  • BlinkybazBlinkybaz Posts: 1,144
    [image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_09_aerial_02.jpg[/image]



    £749



    [image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_09_Attempt_02.jpg[/image]



    £1049



    [image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_Attempt_02.jpg[/image]



    £899















    Shopping Cart : 0 Items In Basket £0.00 / [color=#0000ff]view basket?[/color]

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    Cube Attempt 105



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    Frame and Fork

    [*]Frame: Alu Superlite 7005 double butted, RFR-Geometry

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    [*]Shock: none

    [*]Headset: Sealed integrated

    Transmission

    [*]Shifters: Shimano 105 STi

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    [*]Handlebar: Ritchey Biomax Comp

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    Specification is subject to change without notice. E&OE

    [hr]

  • JoddyBearJoddyBear Posts: 66
    ooooh, my wallet feels very light



    that's it, one new Kharma ordered. Bring on the carbon fest. Pretty soon i may even summon up the nerve to post on the 'Bike Porn' thread.



    Thank god for the WAT pass, i just hope she doesn't happen to look at the statement and decide to change her mind after all
  • [toPh][toPh] Posts: 244
    I've also got a Specialiazed Allez Elite, managed to grab a bargin 2009 model for £650!



    Would recommend.

  • MrSquishyMrSquishy Posts: 277
    How the hell did you manage that toPh? That's over £300 cheaper than my LBS?



    If I could get an Allez Elite for that price then sod the rest.
  • [toPh][toPh] Posts: 244
    MrSquishy wrote:


    How the hell did you manage that toPh? That's over £300 cheaper than my LBS?



    If I could get an Allez Elite for that price then sod the rest.



    Was off eBay, from a guy with a proper bike shop on there. I had over an hours drive to collect it and had to put it together myself but I was fine with that for the saving. Was brand new, still in the box with all the protective bits on.

  • GHarvGHarv Posts: 456
    I got the cboardman team carbon - great bike - expect at least a 10% discount.



    G
  • MrSquishyMrSquishy Posts: 277
    The following have now also come in to contention...



    Fuji Roubaix RC

    Bianchi Nirone 7

    Cannondale Synapse



    The Fuji has almost full Ultegra kit on it, and is doen from £1100 to £950. Never heard of them though.
  • BlinkybazBlinkybaz Posts: 1,144
    OOOOOOOooooo Squishy...........If I cant tempt you with cube selection then that Fuji looks good!
  • han382han382 Posts: 80
    Hey Mr Squishy,



    Worth checking out ebay once you have a idea what you want-you're cash goes a lot further. I've ust bought a Wilier Mortirolo full carbon beauty-it's the 2008 model and comes with full Campag Veloce/Centaur and is in reat condition. Best part is it cost £800 for a bike that came 3rd (out of 37) in Cycle Plus's bike of the year. I had narrowed my options down to3-4 bikes and found LBSs in my aea and taken them out for a test ride t ensure I had the right size frame for me-then watched ebay and was patient.
  • sfullersfuller Posts: 628
    A bit more than your budget but a real bargain. Focus - brilliant.



    Focus Bike - Wiggle







    Samuel
  • MrSquishyMrSquishy Posts: 277
    Here she is... plumped for a custom build on a Ridley Triton frame in the end. Picked her up from Bridgtown Cycles yesterday and went out for a maiden spin this morning. Very very nice.



    Just needs a name now - any suggestions?







    [image]local://2327/0A55E3A32FCB409892FC8849D873FB0B.jpg[/image]
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    that looks great, it definately should be on the bike porn thread
  • sfullersfuller Posts: 628
    I think you should call it 'The Bitch' - just my thoughts.
  • BlinkybazBlinkybaz Posts: 1,144
    I second that. The bitch is a good name!
  • FlavadaveFlavadave Posts: 749
    OOoooooooo nice bike man! No red though? Maybe you could put a few stickers on, eek out a few more mph.



    'The Bitch'... great name.
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