 Honestly.... Halfords really, really, really can source any bike for the C2W scheme. We had the Halfords C2W rep here a few weeks ago and he confirmed this. Can I ask, why are you so keen on getting gripshift shifters? They're horrible and the cheap ones change gear when you go over bumps... just wondering? 
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 If you have never heard of Specialized Andy they supply two pro-tour teams with bikes so that is two teams riding Specialized road bikes in the Tour de France, in the mountain bike area the current world XC champion rides for them too as well as perhaps the best downhill racer of his generation has changed teams to Specialized so I think they know a thing or two about making bikes. As you have said you have no idea about bikes so please listen to the advice being given to you by people who do. Like everyone has told you at your price point things like suspension and disc brakes really are only gimmicks to make you think you are buying something more exclusive. They don't perform weigh a ton and in the case of disc brakes are potentially dangerous. If you want value for money the big players in the cycle industry offer the best deals as they have the biggest buying power to buy parts to put onto their frames. The main companies are Giant, Specialized, Trek, Scott, Kona.
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no reason, just fancy them, ok I believe you!
Its just i dont know about bikes! that why I ask. So recommend some, show me links, i got about 2 hours before I goto work, and have to sign up online for the application and commit to the price
cheers
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 Can the voucher be spent on accessories also....? If so.. sign up for 300 notes and then take some time to look out what is best for you. Honestly - given your initial description I would be looking at hybrid/trail bikes rather than mountain bikes. You also a big fella so the larger wheels on these will suit you better.
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Felt Kona Specialized Hybrid Felt There are a few to give you the idea. That Specialized hybrid shifts well in my LBS as they look a lot more expensive than they are.
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thanks for the suggestions, the next step up I think is the crossfire or the subway I think, there was a special on the GT aggressor but its finished now.
The crossfire wheels look really thin for me, road bike I know, but even ok, for all the pavements bumps, pot holes etc about?
On the C2W scheme if a bike becomes cheaper than 1st was, can I add money to the voucher value? I phoned and the C2W said specifically not, but will Halfords let you?
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I'm not sure on that tbh - I don't think Halfords will let you add extra cash but sometimes smaller shops let you get away with it. If you apply for £300 and find the bike you want for £280 you can spend the £20 difference on accessories, as I understand it. (btw, re cheap suspension forks, the only ones actually half decent and unlikely to fall to bits are SR Suntour forks - the mrs has some on her bike and they're not actually that bad really).
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done it! committed for £250, gulp...
I will see if any deals on the W/end. If not will stick with Diamondback, or maybe get subway as its only £240, purely from feedback on here
cheers
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so what should I buy with the extra £50 I will have left on accessories please, any advice what to get at the start?
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Helmet. Gloves. Pump. Tube. Tyre Levers.
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thanks for the advice, got some gloves, regarding the tyre levers, is there not a mini tool kit all in one, that you can get that covers all this?
if not I will just buy the levers, and a new inner tube as you suggest yeh
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Is the BikeBut maintenance plan worth getting for 1 or 3 years? it seems to cover complete maintenance for the term and only have to buy parts (presume only buy parts after the 1st year?)
Anyone got one/had one - whats it like? worth it.
Also within the 1st year, if something breaks how does it go down as wear and tear or faulty? what are Halfords like in this respect?
cheers
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 I wouldn't even cycle in the general direction of an halfrauds store once you have the bike.
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ah I see, I thought it was ok, ie free yearly check, and unlimited (I'm guessing) adjusting of wheels/brakes/gears etc?
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 I bought the wife a Crossfire for commuting, fire roads & cycle paths etc. and for the 200 notes I paid it's about as good as it gets at that price point. Basic suspension fork that takes the trail buzz away, vee's, SRAM shifters & mech and a suspension seat post all seem to work well & it has a feel of quality (for the price) that Apollos don't have. Folks cane Halfords & in general they are not far off the mark but I've a Boardman Hybrid on the ctw scheme & have to say it's a top quality bike and for what it cost me on the bottom line it's unbeatable value, also the guy that runs Bikhut in Loughborough (or at least did last year - not been in since) knew his stuff and had a passion for cycling. Sadly though he's not typical of Bikehut staff.
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Halfords this weekend (online it states anyway) have selected saracen 20% off, so the Vulcan Disc spec was £375, now £299. out of my reach now though as only getting £250 voucher and you can't add to it.
Was hoping maybe others have some money off, maybe doing this every week with a different type all the time
cheers
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And this w/end is carrera 20% off...
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you might get a bargain - some of the carrera's are good value . .
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Voucher came yesterday, £250, cannot add to it, so my Diamondbackis ready this Thurs, unless change, only other options are Subway 1, or Sacarcen Mantra (seems heavy bike), Crossfire 1 or crossfire 2, or Vulcan V-Spec.
buying other than Diamondback would not leave me with anything for accessories though, so a helmet, pump, inner tube (although Asda had inners for £2), tools would be extra
mmm, suppose could phone up and cancel Diamondback and order an different one?
last comments off anyone?
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| Edited: 05/07/09 13:58 |
