Looking for a new bike from Halfords? Here are some top picks
With the government expressly encouraging cycling as a way to get around whilst avoiding public transport in the coronavirus pandemic, there’s understandably been a surge in new or lapsed cyclists looking to get on to two wheels.
Understandably, as the UK’s biggest cycling retailer, many people are turning to Halfords. It has 450 repair centres, and is currently offering free safety checks on all bikes to help those who already have a machine hiding away in a shed or garage back rolling.
If a repair isn’t going to do it, or you don’t already have a bike, the retailer has plenty of options. Halfords sells road, hybrid, mountain, electric, folding and kids bikes from a range of brands, some of which are exclusive to the retailer, and it’s a go-to destination for many first time shoppers, along with competitors such as Evans Cycles and Decathlon.
NO.1.The road bike: Boardman HYB 8.6 Mens Hybrid Bike 2021
Boardman’s HYB range has been a big points scorer among Cycling Weeky’s tech team since it arrived on the scene, with the 9.2 model receiving 9/10 on test.
- Reliable Shimano Alivio 18 speed drivetrain
- Powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Stylish 1-piece handlebar and stem
At the 8.6 level on offer for £550, rider’s get an aluminium frame which enjoys trickle down technology from the top end machines. For fork is carbon, dropping the weight and adding to comfort.
Boardman has specced this model with Shimano Sora shifting, and Tektro brakes alongside Boardman’s own wheels plus the reliably puncture resistant Vittoria Zaffiro tyres.
Buy now: Boardman HYB 8.6 Mens Hybrid Bike 2021
20% off a Bike Rackwhen you buy a Bike
NO.2.Boardman URB 8.9
- Low maintenance 8 speed hub gear
- Clean, no-fuss Gates belt drive
- Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
Once you move in to the 8.9 rank of this model, you’re rewarded with a carbon frame, bringing the weight down to 9kg. Unfortunately stock is limited, and all there is available now is the women’s model in a size large (recommended for those between 177 and 183cm). The frame is the same as the men’s model, with narrower bars, shorter stems and a women’s specific saddle.
Alongside the carbon frame and fork, you get shifting from Shimano Tiagra, Tektro rim brakes and this model rolls aboard Vittoria’s Rubino tyres which are designed to offer plenty of puncture protection whilst rolling well on the road.
Buy now: Boardman URB 8.9 Urban Hybrid Bike 2021
20% off a Bike Rackwhen you buy a Bike
NO.3.Boardman HYB 8.9E Mens Hybrid Electric Bike
- Max range : Up to 60 miles
- Motor Type : Fazua Evation Mid Drive
- Approx Weight : 15.5kg
Adventure road bikes are designed for tackling mixed terrain – so they’ll roll well on the road but can also cope with light trails and cracked canal paths.
Boardman HYB 8.9E Mens Hybrid Electric Bike, our tester concluded: “This bike could be a specialist bike for true adventure riding but has the capability to be a commuter, winter trainer, tourer or a cross bike. If you’ve only got space for one bike at home, this is a contender for that spot.”
The 8.9 model comes in at £2199, and comes with an aluminium frame, full carbon forks, Shimano Sora shifting and TRP Spyre disc brakes. Tyres are important on a bike like this, and Boardman has opted for Schwalbe G-One rubber, this is a good option for dual purpose riding.
Buy now: Boardman HYB 8.9E Mens Hybrid Electric Bike
20% off a Bike Rack when you buy a Bike
NO.4.Boardman HYB 8.6 Womens Hybrid Bike 2021
- Reliable Shimano Alivio 18 speed drivetrain
- Powerful Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Stylish 1-piece handlebar and stem
The bike is built around an aluminum frame, with Shimano Atlus shifting and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The tyres are wide 1.95″ Kenda rubber, offering comfort over rutted roads and light off-road paths.
Power comes from a 374Wh battery which provides up to 60 miles of assistance and takes between five and six hours to charge.
Buy now: Boardman HYB 8.6 Womens Hybrid Bike 2021
20% off a Bike Rack when you buy a Bike
NO.5.Boardman HYB 8.9E Womens Hybrid Electric Bike
Buy now: Boardman HYB 8.9E Womens Hybrid Electric Bike at Halfords for £2199
- Max range : Up to 60 miles
- Motor Type : Fazua Evation Mid Drive
- Approx Weight : 15.5kg
Buy now:
Boardman HYB 8.9E Womens Hybrid Electric Bike
20% off a Bike Rack when you buy a Bike