Which ?

That's true, Mr Fox,
But an even better idea would be to get your employer to sign up with another tax free bike scheme like Cyclescheme, either as well as or instead of Halfords, and then you'll have a much less restricted choice of bike shops and bikes to choose from and can go to a proper helpful place and avoid a silly shop that won't even let you try a couple of £1k bikes out before deciding which you prefer...

Hi
You have a lot more choice than you think:
http://www.cycle2work.info/siteadvicecentrebrand#Store

Halfords partner with a lot of independant shops UK wide, so you should be able to widen choice of brands a fair bit.

You just get Halfords to do the quote and let their cycle to work department know that it is a special order on their system, so that when you take the voucher to a participating store, that they can redeem it

S

My wife had a quick test ride of a Boardman Hybrid last week . I think it was only around their shop floor so not a proper test ride but you might be able to get some feel for a bike with that. If I was you I would say something like "I would take my business else where if they didn't help me choose"

didn't think of that.

Boardmans are fairly well-regarded, but then this very site gave the Carrera a good review. I suspect you would be happy riding either.

If you plan to upgrade the wheels, maybe go for the Carrera, if not, go for the Boardman.

Alternatively, pick the one that you like the look of - if you think it looks fast, you will be fast.

Sounds like you a shortlist, I'd ride both and have a think.