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Boardman SLS

by sjm2010
Tue, Aug 11, 2015 17:01
3

This is my first post. I'm currently riding a cube peleton (aluminium frame, sora groupset and alex rim's) This was my first road bike and served me well to get started, after knowing nothing about road bikes and thinking it was the fastest thing on earth when I first rode it, I've now discovered it's not! I'm looking to upgrade in a the next few months. I'm going to be using it for club rides, a few sportive's, triathlons (20k and 40k ride), and have a long held goal to cycle lands end to John O Groats - so a diverse set of uses! I'd say the clubs rides, sportive's and some multi day type rides are my prioritys, so I want something comfortable enough, but not a boring touring bike either. I like going fast! I'm 32, fairly lean, flexible and have fairly good core strength.

I've been looking at the boardman SLS 6.0 and 6.2.
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/sls90_II.html
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/sls92.html

Has anyone got any experience of either, or even better both of these bikes?

The only difference between the two I can see is that the 6.2 has the ultegra group and wheelset, where as the 6.0 has the 105 groupset and mavic aksium wheels, making it 500g heavier as well at 7.9kg. The price difference is £700. I'm wondering if the upgrade is worth the £700? Allot of the reviews I'm reading of the two group and wheelsets seem to be saying that they there is not a massive gap between them.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

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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3 comments

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Timmee | 9 years ago
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sjm2010:

I've just got a Cube Peloton SL (basically 105 compact and Aksiums) and I feel I've got just the right thing, but then my list of requirements would seem to be the total opposite of yours: I wanted a light weight, comfy, non-stressful sportive bike with the best possible wheelset and groupset for the least possible outlay. I'm older, less fit (I'm assuming) and less flexible. I want to do 75 and 100 mile sportives and not be in traction at the end of them. I don't plan to race. Apart from the odd charity road ride done on a mountain bike with smooth tyres, I've always been an off-road rider.

However, I did a 65 mile hilly sportive on a borrowed bike last year and learnt some a lot. The bike was not a good fit so, despite intially loving it, I was pretty uncomfortable for the last few miles. The discomfort was worthwhile though, because it taught me the things I need from a  bike and the things I don't need.

From your description of your wants (triathlon etc.),  it sounds as if the Peloton is a little too relaxed for you.  You say you want to go fast, and that you are young with good flexibility and core strength. All those things point to a full-on race geomety bike with lower front end, longer top tube,shorter wheelbase, and more efficient riding position. Gearing wise, (I think the Sora version has a 9 speed triple),  you may prefer the 11 speed compact or possibly even 53-39 or the new 52-36 options if you are strong.

I haven't done any research on race bikes, but I'd guess a Super Six, TCR or equivalent is the kind of thing you might look at.

Regards & Best Wishes, Tim

 

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Toro Toro | 9 years ago
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500g saving over the aksiums for £300? I'd like to see the workings.

105 gear is very nice - nothing wrong with it indeed. Ultegra gear is lovely. It's definitely a bit better - smoother and more precise shifting, stronger braking, harder-wearing, lighter; just a question of whether it's £700 better given your budget and priorities. For the riding you've described, maybe not. As yer man says, there's nothing at all wrong with 105, the new iteration is very very good indeed.

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
1 like

Nothing wrong with 105 kit. You could change wheels for a custom set for £300 and make the bike just a light

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