best bike to buy?

~Chameleon~

Have a look at Rutland Cycling for a great choice of bikes and if you give them a phonecall the guy there is very knowledgeable about bikes and will be able to recommend one to match your needs, right down to the correct size too!

Have you considered getting a hybrid bike? I've just ordered one of these for myself as I want to be able to cycle on trail paths off-road but also do roadwork too so didn't want the ruggedness of a proper MTB.

Perhaps something like the Giant Cypress DX would be ok and is very reasonably priced at £265.

his8msl

They all look great bikes. Even though the specialized and felt are reduced heavily, you have to remember that there is a greater premium on these bikes for their brand. The boardman is a high spec commuting bike and should last well. It also has the advantage of being the cheapest.

The most important thing however with any bike is how well it fits you. If it i doesn't fit it'll be a pig to ride, if it fits well it should be a pleasure. Unless you know what size you are in the spec or felt or you can try them elsewhere I would avoid mail order - even if you try and approximate based on over bike sizes you ride each bike has a different geometry so you could not be sure of a decent fit.

The downside to the boardman is the halfords bit! Some halfords have awful reputations and send unroadworthy bikes out by their mechanics. Some however are excellent - luck of the draw really. If it were me I would buy the halfords and check I was happy with the mechanics myself. If you don;t have that knowledge I would take it straight to a bike shop and pay them to look over it - this kind of thing should be unecessary but that's halfords for you!

Regardless of where you buy from they should include a free first service at about 8 weeks as standard.

Good luck.