FAQ's

 

Here is a selection of frequently asked questions. For more detailed questions, please ask a fully trained member of staff at your nearest Boardman retailer.

 

Who are Boardman Bikes?

Boardman Bikes are the critically acclaimed, award-winning independently owned British bicycle brand inspired by British cycling legend Chris Boardman. Since the launch of our first bikes in 2007 our aim has been to create world-class bicycles with performance at the heart of each and every design. To date, we have won Olympic Gold and multiple World, European and National titles across Road, MTB and Triathlon disciplines. Our bikes are now available across the world (please see the buy section for details of the independent bike shops and specialist cycling retailers who stock our bikes globally).

 

How is Chris involved?

As co-founder, from day one Chris has been very much at the heart of the company. During his Pro career he was known as 'The Professor'. As head of Research and Development he takes all his knowledge gained from his entire Pro racing career alongside his role with British Cycling and puts it to work with the entire Boardman team continuing to create world-class bikes across the entire range. His attention to detail is infectious and spreads through the entire team - resulting in great bikes.

 

How is the range structured?

There are two clear ranges - the Elite Series and the Performance Series. The Elite Series consists of the highest level of bikes we produce - the range topping models are the bikes you will see raced at the highest levels within the sport. The Performance Series is our entry to mid-level range of bikes - all taking design influences from the Elite Series, offering the rider a fantastic bike and riding experience with great componentry specification. Whatever level you ride, there's a Boardman in the range for you.

 

Which bike is right for me?

We've created a versatile range - whether you're serious about MTB's, a road racer, a super-keen triathlete or if you just enjoy any of the disciplines, want to ride the bike for leisure or to commute to work, we've got a bike for you. You'll find specification, geometry and buying options on each page. We also have product videos online to help you decide - visit our 'News' page and click on 'Gallery' for more details. You'll also find extra information on our Facebook Page - BoardmanBikes.1st

 

I would like more information / or to see manuals for the components used on my bike, where can I find out more?

You can find out more about the components (gears & brakes etc) on the official guides & manuals on the respective manufacturers website. For example, go to www.sram.com/service for more info on SRAM, Avid, Truvativ & Rockshox or go to www.shimano.com for more info on their range of equipment.

 

What is UD carbon?

Carbon is available in many different grades and is most commonly seen as a 'weave' - where the fibres are woven together. Now the technical bit - a weave is strong but often wasteful as many fibres are not aligned with the forces being applied and so add little to stiffness for the extra weight. UD, Uni-directional carbon cloth, as the name suggests, has fibres that run in just one direction. UD is used in more advanced construction as it requires the maker to know and understand the loads that will travel through the carbon. Used correctly the use of UD cloth over multi-directional cloth allow for a stronger frame (all fibres run in the right direction) and reduced weight (minimal redundant fibres) than is possible with multi-directional weave. UD construction is specialised but can result in up to a 70% increase in stiffness and strength. The removal of redundant fibres can also reduce weight. By careful analysis and layering we can ensure that different tubes on the bike have different mechanical properties to best suit what they are required to do i.e. stiffness & strength versus lightweight. UD is often the carbon of choice on our bikes.

 

I can see marks on my carbon frame - what are they?

This range includes a 'raw' finish - the carbon has been painted with a clear lacquer to allow the aesthetically pleasing carbon to show through. It also lets you, the customer, see the high level of engineering behind our product. The small undulations in the UD cloth reflect the light in different ways which gives an interesting finish, this is perfectly normal with a UD finish, in fact we think it looks nice, hence we have used clear lacquer wherever possible so it can be seen - the lack of paint also saves a small amount of weight, adding to the performance.

 

I'm taking part in my 1st triathlon, which is the best bike for me?

Boardman Bikes sponsors three of the best young talents in British triathlon today - Alistair Brownlee, Jonathan Brownlee and Hollie Avil - they ride the top models from the Elite Series. Our award-winning entry level road Race bike will give you an outstanding ride - if you want to compete at a higher level, or have a slightly larger budget, step up to a Comp, Team or Pro - with improved specification. Then there's the Elite Series of racing machines...

 

Where can I buy this range?

We have distribution agreements by territory in place covering the majority of the world. Visit the 'buy' section for more details.

UK & ROI: If you live in the UK and ROI, the Performance Series is available exclusively through over 300 Bikehut @ Halfords stores - check our 'buy' section for more details - you can also buy this range online... The Elite Series is available through a growing number of hand-picked bike shops (IBD's) across the country - you'll find more details on our 'Buy' page.

Worldwide: Our Elite and Performance Series of bikes are available direct to customer from Wiggle (Excluding the UK & ROI). Our bikes are also available in bike shops in Singapore, Denmark, South Korea, China and Taiwan - and other countries. Please check the BUY section at the top of the page for more information.

Please note: not all bikes are available in all territories - please check the 'buy' tab on the individual bike pages for more info.

 

Do your bikes conform to the latest safety standards?

Yes. We want to ensure that all the products are safe to ride and we make sure ALL Boardman bikes conform to the new tough European standards, which involves rigorous testing - this will give you even more confidence in our bikes. Road standard: EN14781. MTB standard: EN14766. Hybrid standard: EN14764.

 

Can I buy the Performance Series online in the UK?

Yes. There are 2 options: 1. You can now order your bike online, it will be built by a specialist team of qualified mechanics and it will be delivered directly to you - all via the Halfords website (www.halfords.com/boardmanbikes), or, 2. You can order online via the halfords website and collect from your nearest Halfords Bikehut selling Boardman store.

 

Can I see everything in-store in the UK?

Each of the selected Halfords Bikehut stores will be carrying as much of the full range of Performance Series bikes as possible - mountain, road and performance hybrids alongside clothing and accessories. Please check availability with your local store before you go. Due to the size of stores, they may not carry all bikes at all times, but they will have a good cross-section for you to see the quality of the bikes.

The IBD's will carry a range of Elite Series bikes - please check the stores for details.

 

What training do you give the staff in the UK?

The Halfords Bikehut staff receive additional training to deal with the Boardman range. Each store that stocks the range will have sent at least one mechanic to the Boardman Training Academy, where they received intensive training by skilled mechanics and representatives from the component suppliers. Please ask in-store for the Boardman trained member of staff.

 

Is there a customer support helpline / email address for worldwide sales?

Yes. Visit Wiggle.co.uk to find the relevant details for your country. Wiggle have skilled Spanish, French, German, Dutch and Japanese customer service advisers ready to answer any queries regarding help understanding product information about the Boardman Series / general Q&A’s, translations of order emails and more. If you wish to speak to a member of their customer service team, please email: sales@wiggle.co.uk and mention Boardman Bikes in the subject line in your email.

 

Is there a customer support helpline / email address in the UK?

Yes. For UK Performance Series Sales - if you have any questions which can not be answered by your local store staff, please visit the Halfords website for more info. Their customer support telephone number is: 08450 579000. The email address is: customer.services@halfords.co.uk If your question relates to the Elite Series, please contact the store selling the bikes.

 

Can I get a Boardman as part of the cycle to work scheme in the UK?

Yes, ask your employer for more details. The Halfords Cycle 2 Work scheme in the UK is a fantastic way of getting your bike at a reduced price. You'll be able to use your voucher in-store to purchase a Boardman.

 

Do you have female specific bikes?

Yes, we have the fi (female informed) range of women's bikes. Initially we're starting with a Hybrid, MTB and 2 Road models. We've looked at the geometry and components and complimented them with a bespoke pearlised white paint finish.

 

Can I pre-order over the phone in the UK?

Yes. Please call your nearest Boardman selling Bikehut store - see the where to buy section. If you are unsure of your exact size, please go in-store and ask a trained member of staff.

 

What is the warranty?

All Boardman bikes have 2 years standard warranty on frames, 12 months standard warranty on all parts.

 

Are Boardman Bikes owned by Halfords?

No. We are an entirely independent limited company based in the UK. We've signed an exclusive deal with Halfords to sell this particular range of Boardman bikes in the UK and ROI through their Bikehut at Halfords stores. For more information about us, please see the About Boardman section of the site.

 

I'd like to join a local club in the UK, where do I start?

Whether you want to compete (on or off-road), or just find out about local facilities, a good place to start is British Cycling: www.britishcycling.org.uk/

 

Can I get my bike set up for winter?

Yes. All the bikes in the range have been designed to be used throughout the year. We'd recommend that you get a good set of mudguards and winter tyres.

 

Can I fit mudguards?

Yes, please check the individual bike pages with regards to mudguard clearance.

 

How often should I service my bike?

All Boardman Performance Series bikes in the UK come with a free 6 week service and service timing is dependent on mileage and type of use. Generally we recommend every 6 months, as long as regular cleaning and lubrication, where required, has been carried out. Very heavy usage may require more frequent servicing. It is important to look after your bike in order to get the best performance from it.