Best Halfords for Road Bike Fitting?

WhyFronts? · 28-01-2013 10:29AM #1

I’m looking at buying a Boardman Team Carbon. It looks like a quality bike and the reviews online are excellent. My one concern is Halfords. Unlike previous bike buying experiences, they won’t let me take the bike out for a quick spin – just to test for comfort. It is a lot of money to spend on a bike you haven't taking for a test ride. In addition from a quick chat with the bike hut guy I was talking to, it was pretty clear I knew a lot more about their bikes than they did – which didn’t inspire confidence in their ability to do the essential work of fitting me up correctly.

I'm exactly 6ft so I'd assume I'm a 55.5cm large size on the Boardman - but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.

Is there a Halfords near Dublin which people have had a good experience in? One where they let you go for a quick cycle or the staff are pretty knowledgeable?

Cheers

colm_gti · 28-01-2013 10:32AM

WhyFronts? wrote: »

I’m looking at buying a Boardman Team Carbon. It looks like a quality bike and the reviews online are excellent. My one concern is Halfords. Unlike previous bike buying experiences, they won’t let me take the bike out for a quick spin – just to test for comfort. It is a lot of money to spend on a bike you haven't taking for a test ride. In addition from a quick chat with the bike hut guy I was talking to, it was pretty clear I knew a lot more about their bikes than they did – which didn’t inspire confidence in their ability to do the essential work of fitting me up correctly.

I'm exactly 6ft so I'd assume I'm a 55.5cm large size on the Boardman - but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.

Is there a Halfords near Dublin which people have had a good experience in? One where they let you go for a quick cycle or the staff are pretty knowledgeable?

Cheers

Mate of mine works in halfords in Blanchardstown, so I'm in there often enough to have gotten to know some of the others in there....Jamie is the manager of the bike section, races at A3 and knows a fair bit about bikes, reckon he'd be well able to accommodate your needs!

meercat · 28-01-2013 11:50AM

colm_gti wrote: »

Mate of mine works in halfords in Blanchardstown, so I'm in there often enough to have gotten to know some of the others in there....Jamie is the manager of the bike section, races at A3 and knows a fair bit about bikes, reckon he'd be well able to accommodate your needs!

+1 for Jamie
Nice lad to chat to for advise

wisjoc · 28-01-2013 08:03PM

I bought the bike below the one you are looking at - the boardman road team, from Halfords Blanchardstown. Found Jamie very helpful. Also it is an excellent bike and the one you are buying is even better.

I am very new to cycling but a friend of mine who is a very keen amateur cyclist and spends a lot of money on his bikes. said Boardman was probably the best all round bike at around those prices.

Best of luck.

macnab · 29-01-2013 12:12AM

I have the 2010 Team carbon in a medium 53cm, I probably have about 6 or 7000 kilometres on it without a problem. The only issue that I did have was that I ordered a 50cm bike and didnt realise the bike was a medium until after I had used it for over a year.
I am 5'5" with a 29" inseam, the 53cm is probably more suitable for a 5'6" to 5'9" rider with a 30" inseam, so I would think that a 55cm bike should suit a 6 foot rider.

Bottom line is check that the bike is actually the size you ordered before you leave the shop.

Best Halfords for Road Bike Fitting?

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