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Need advice on a new C2W road bike

Hi, 

I am about to get another £1k C2W voucher and I have narrowed my search down to two bikes but I can’t decide between them and hoped anyone with experience of either could give advice on which one I should go for.  

It will be used primarily for all year round commuting so disc brakes are a definite for me.  I already own a Planet X pro carbon which I use for nice weather riding.

so the two bikes are 

Giant Contend SL 1 disc 2019 - been told that there will be a sale soon with %20 off meaning it falls within the C2W limit - BUT I have to pay a %10 admin fee.

or 

Boardman ADV 8.9 - full hydro brakes as opposed to the conduct system and the colour appeals more to me.  The Boardman has tiagra with 11/32 and the giant has 105 with 11/34.  

I’m leaning towards the Boardman as it also has larger tyres and pannier / mudguard mounts but I can’t try one out before buying as there are none in stock.   

Anyone own either of these can help me make my mind up?? 

Thanks! 

 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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5 comments

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kil0ran | 5 years ago
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Boardman. Tiagra is fantastic and consumables are slightly cheaper than 105. All you're losing is a gear that you'll probably never use. The RS405 shifters aren't the prettiest but it'll stop better than the Giant. Ideally you need to chuck your leg over it and make sure you get on with the shifters but otherwise it's a no-brainer. And as you like the looks it's a heart+head decision. 

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Adyhall75 | 5 years ago
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Thanks for the responses - reaffirmed my initial feeling that the boardman is the better choice 

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check12 | 5 years ago
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Boardman looks a lovely bike.

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CXR94Di2 | 5 years ago
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Boardman all the way, hydraulic brakes, better lower gearing 48/32 crankset, threaded bottom bracket and colour.

 

Throw a 11-34 or maybe 11-36 10 speed cass and it will be monster climber bike.  Nothing wrong with tiagra gearset.  

You could also put a 30T inner chain ring is so desired.  

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BehindTheBikesheds replied to CXR94Di2 | 5 years ago
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CXR94Di2 wrote:

Boardman all the way, hydraulic brakes, better lower gearing 48/32 crankset, threaded bottom bracket and colour.

 

Throw a 11-34 or maybe 11-36 10 speed cass and it will be monster climber bike.  Nothing wrong with tiagra gearset.  

You could also put a 30T inner chain ring is so desired.  

Agree with all this.

The 4700 group was changed/upgraded and based on the 11 speed 5800, which work beutifully, and the derailleurs work equally as well too, I have 5800 STIs on my retro Raleigh Titanium and have put Tiagra 4700 on a Ti tourer, barely any difference between them. Not sure about the disc brake STI and how they work but they should be same I would think. 

The threaded BB is a simple and importantly very, very reliable standard that shouldn't ever have problems with and you'll be wanting hydraulics as far as discs braking goes.

I like the look of the ASR 8.9, R725 frame+carbon fork and includes guards already, a shame there's no mid model at the grand mark and doesn't come with the 48/32 option of the ADV.

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