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Reviews:
Boardman Bikes Road Team
10 / 10
"...a cut above the rest..."
"We have to applaud the performance of the frame and fork, which doesn't pull its punches, delivering a sprightly, racey ride which rewards you with speed and agility while remaining acceptably smooth and stable."
Source: Cycling Weekly
Boardman HT Team
WINNER
£700-£900 Hardtails
"The best £850 worth we’ve ever tested. A calm, confident ride that’s a riot on more challenging trails too."
"A superbly equipped lightweight that’s good enough to race, and more."
Source: MBUK
Boardman Bikes Road Team Carbon
Best on Test
"Fast, well-appointed - the complete package"
"...the Boardman Team Carbon provided a package that held together better than any other. It's clearly the quickest bike on test, and the one that you feel you would want to take the long way home - or use to easily complete your first sportive."
Source: Outdoor Fitness Issue 6
Boardman Bikes AiR/9.0
Gold Award
"…the Boardman rewards riders who want to get quickly up to speed and stay there, feeding a constant stream of power through the cranks." "...the smooth handling inspires confidence into corners while the stiff back end is responsive to power when sprinting on the way out of bends." "With a correct triathlon setup – for which you will probably want to go for a more TT-friendly saddle – the AiR 9.0 is a great choice for those who don’t want the expense of owning separate tri and road bikes, giving an aero edge, comfort and great performance in a seriously good value package to satisfy both training and racing."
"An unassailable balance of aerodynamics, performance and practicality…"
Pros: Excellent handling and sublime comfort even in long sessions.
Source: TriRadar.com
Boardman Bikes AiR/9.4
Aero Road Bikes
"Cleanly efficient, comfortable yet impressively responsive bike, and one of the best performance per pound ratios we've ever ridden." "Significantly for triathletes facing a long bike leg followed by a long run afterwards, the AiR 9.4 is extremely comfortable for an aero bike."
Source: Triathlon Plus
Boardman Bikes SLR/9.0
4/5 Stars
"A superbly well rounded lightweight that'll get you where you want to go fast." "Buy if... You like a firm and responsive ride from a bike that craves speed."
Source: Cycling Plus. Issue 262
Boardman Bikes ROAD TEAM
4.5/5 Stars
"The bike oozes quality. The smooth finish of the welds is second to none and it has a ride quality to match its appearance." "The frame is suitably stiff, and is rewarding when you put all your energy through it." "...a top frame contributes to a convincing ride."
Source: Cycling Plus. Issue 262
AiR/9.8
5/5 Stars, WINNER
"Time and again as ride speeds spun up past 20mph, the AiR would just slide off the front of our test groups leaving the other bikes in its wake. The low weight means that it’ll let you slip ahead of your mates as easily on long, fast climbs as it will on the flat…" "One bike represents phenomenal long distance speed potential, superb value..."
Source: Cycling Plus. Issue 261
AiR/TT/9.8
"The Boardman is at its happiest when tucked down and going flat out in the aero position for extended periods of time." "The AiR/TT didn't mess around, feeling confident, responsive and just getting on with the job of getting you from A to B as fast as possible."
Source: 220 Triathlon. Issue 268
TEAM CARBON
Bike of The Year - Contender 4/5 Stars
"Boardman has scored again with the newest incarnation of its Team Carbon. Everything about it - from the quality of the frame to the level of components and its sheer rideability - wouldn't be out of place on a much more expensive machine. A favourite from day one... We've been massively impressed with the ride."
Source: Cycling Plus. Issue 26
MTB HT TEAM R - URBAN MTB
4.5 / 5 Stars, VALUE AWARD
"Off the peg, this is a very fast commuter in mountain bike form" "The spec is superb and the rigid carbon fork makes for a light, direct and sprightly ride feel."
Source: What Mountain Bike. Issue 129
PRO CX
5 Stars
"...it's equally at home as a commuter, fast tourer, winter trainer or recreational off-road mile muncher. And it does all these things without feeling as though major concessions have been made in any one quarter, and at a price that almost defies belief."
Source: Bike Radar
Trail Tested - Cyclo-Cross Bikes
5 Stars, WINNER & VALUE
"Boardman's CX Team is a truly stunning steed..." "Fantastic value, performance orientated bike with state of the art BB30, disc brake frame, tapered carbon fork, full rack and mudguard mounts, and excellent spec."
Source: What Mountain Bike. Issue 128
Built for Speed
First Ride: AiR/TT/9.0
"When a TT bike carries the name of Britain's greatest exponent of the art, it had better make the grade. The 9.0's stiff ride makes it a missile on the flat but its real forte is uphill drags and short kicks, where good composure, excellent power transfer and light weight combine to make racing feel almost easy. Almost."
Source: Outdoor Fitness. Oct 2011
Ridden & Rated: Aero Bike Grouptest
9/10 - Best on test
"...so, that leaves the ride. There is a clear winner in this regard. In terms of their geometry, they are very similar, but the Boardman feels far more balanced." "It appears that the AiR/9.4 is a far better performer with a different range of wheels than the CR1, boding well for all round usability." "Boardman has quickly gained a reputation for exceptional specification at a given price point and the AiR/9.4 excels in this department." "...overall, Boardman's AiR/9.4 is too good an all-rounder to be pipped to this particular post."
Source: Cycling Weekly. Sept 2011
HT Pro Carbon
"The Boardman HT Pro Carbon would be at the top of our shopping list." "Super-stiff and under 23lb, it accelerated like a Formula One car..."
Source: mbr. Sept 2011
AiR/TT/9.2
"It's clear that the air will be smoothed directly over the flowing frame shapes." "...we're smiling at the balanced handling."
Source: Triathlete's World.
WIRELESS COMPUTER
Best On Test
"...out on the roads, the performance of the 22 Function could not be faulted. ...Boardman edge ahead and justifiably take the top spot on the podium."
Source: 220 Triathlon.
TRAIL TESTED - £1200-£1500 Hard Tails:
HT PRO - WINNER - BEST IN TEST
"...another winner from Boardman." "...well-balanced and confident handling making it an excellent all-rounder." "…it’s the lightest bike here by some margin…" "Boardman has a reputation for killer value, and the HT Pro will enhance that.”
4.5/5 Stars.
Source: What Mountain Bike. Issue 125
TRAIL TESTED - FIRST RIDES: HT PRO CARBON
"In the HT Pro Carbon, Boardman gives you a race-ready rig with day ride appeal." "Internal cable routing is a bonus and gives the Pro a really clean look." "Direct-mount front mech ups the enjoyment factor." 4/5 Stars.
Source: What Mountain Bike. Issue 124
T3 TEST WINNER - HYBRID COMP
"Take the best qualities of a road bike and a flat-barred bike and what do you get? The Boardman Comp hybrid." "Love: Fast. Comfortable. Great frame. Good looks. Quality Components."
Source: T3. Issue 192
HYBRID PRO
ROAD TESTED - FAST ON THE FLAT. Flat barred machines.
"Offers some top-notch kit and a great balance of speed and comfort." "It's hard to fault the Pro as a high-end hybrid, mixing comfort, performance and function."
Source: Cycling Plus. Issue 251
PRO RIDES
AiR/9.8
"This is a masterclass from The Professor" states Marcel Wüst.
Source: Pro Cycling. July 2011
BEST ON TEST
ROAD RACE
"Out on the road the Boardman really does seem to be in a different class to the other bikes on test. It rides smoothly on the flat, the full carbon fork soaking up road bumps, but when it comes to hills, the stiff aluminium frame responds well to a kick on the pedals..." "You cannot go wrong if you are looking for a race-ready machine."
Source: Triathlete's World. June 2011
TRAIL TESTED £1000 Full Suss
"Boardman's Team FS is an impressive step up from the old model, which was an excellent bike. The new model is light, amazingly well-equipped and certainly won't hold you back on the trails." "BUY IF... You want the most bike you can possibly get for your £1000."
Source: What Mountain Bike. Issue 122
ROAD TEAM CARBON
THE NEED FOR SPEED
"Would we buy it? One hundred percent yes, despite the increase in price on 2010's model this still represents incredible value for money both in terms of the components it's decked out with and more importantly the ride feel and excitement it offers the rider. Quite simply this has to be in the running if you're looking for an affordable carbon road bike."
Source: The Bicycle Buyer. Issue 15
MTB FS TEAM
SINGLETRACK RECOMMENDED
"At 130mm travel, the Boardman FS Team walks the fine lone between capable all-day riding and 'play bike', and does it well."
"Attention to detail is great, as is the working of aluminium, as seen on the marvelously sculpted rear postmount mount for the rear caliper."
"The Boardman FS Team is as much bike, for as little money, as many riders will ever need."
Source: Singletrack. Issue 65
MTB HT PRO
HARDTAILS FOR EVERY BUDGET
"Would we buy it? Duh? Of course we would. Offering all but unmatchable performance at this Cycle To Work friendly price the HT Pro excels in every department and is frankly phenomenal. A £1000 suddenly doesn't seem like a lot of money to spend when you ride this bike."
Source:The Bicycle Buyer. Issue 15
HYBRID PRO
RUSH-HOUR RIGS
"There really are so many things to admire about this bike, such as the overall build quality, the ingenuity and finish of the smooth welded aluminium frame, the standard of components and of course the ride feel that highlighting specific kit seems totally redundant."
"Would we buy it? Without question. Dispelling the belief that hybrids are boring, soulless bikes, Boardman have once again raised the bar in yet another category of bike."
Source: The Bicycle Buyer. Issue 15
WIRELESS COMPUTER
EDITORS' CHOICE - 9/10
"User-friendly cadence computer with solid reliability at a great price"
Source: Cycling Plus.
ROAD TEAM
BIKE OF THE YEAR FINALIST: 4.5/5 Stars
"Hard to fault, should appeal ot racers and distance riders." "...a great balance of performance and comfort..."
Source: Cycling Plus.
ROAD AiR PRO CARBON
BIKE OF THE YEAR FINALIST: 4.5/5 Stars
"Fast and uncompromising aero road bike..." "...a lightning-fast race bike for the serious cyclist."
Source: Cycling Plus.
HYBRID TEAM
THE BIG TEST: WINNER
"The Boardman is the best value bike here. It's also simply the best. Ride to work with mudguards and rack. Do intervals on it in the lanes. Change the tyres and turn up at a 'cross race. Or just use it for hammering around on." "The benchmark mid-range hybrid for more athletic riding."
Source: Cycling Plus.
CX PRO
TRAIL TESTED CYCLO-CROSS BIKES
WINNER "The Boardman feels both at ease and highly competitive in any scenario, whether on or off-road. Superb." "The CX Pro has impeccable trail manners and is by far the lightest bike in the test." "BUY IF... You want the best have-a-go speed machine with all the extras including centre brake levers."
Source: What Mountain Bike.
HYBRID PRO THE BIKE TEST - GOLD AWARD
"Boardman's Hybrid Pro is quick and responsive enough for winter training rides, tough and confident enough to mix it up in your local cross series and blisteringly fast on busy roads, making it our clear flat-bar fast-bike favourite."
Source: Triathlon Plus.
HYBRID COMP fi
FLAT, FAST & FEMALE SPECIFIC
OVERALL WINNER
"Tourer, commuter, long rides, popping down the shops - it's a hell of a lot of bike for £500." "The Boardman, with its extremely useful disc brakes, no-nonsense but certainly not dowdy image, double chainset and sporty ride takes this test by a country mile."
Source: Cycling Active.
MTB TEAM FS £1000 HEROES
WINNER
"...the best £1000 full suspension bike you can buy by a country mile." "An outstanding spec hung on a bike that rides roght and light" "BUY IF... You want the most controlled, best equipped and most enjoyable suspension bike for £1000"
Source: What Mountain Bike.
ROAD TEAM Carbon fi 10
THE BIKE TEST - GOLD AWARD
"With a short head tube, stiff bottom bracket, light carbon frameset and confident handling, the Boardman is race ready and a real bargain." Source: Triathlon Plus.
ROAD COMP fi 10
TEST CENTRE - TRI BIKES
BEST ON TEST
"If you are looking for a bike that will do double duty for race day and training miles, then the Boardman is the winner."
Source: 220Triathlon.
ROAD COMP 10
THE BIKE TEST - GOLD AWARD
"Lightweight alloy option that's built to a race-inspired geometry. With a superb level of spec for the money. It rides like a more expensive bike."
Source: Triathlon Plus.
MTB COMP HT 10
STARTER BIKE SUPERTEST- Best Bike £700 & under
"The Boardman Comp rides like what it is: the lightest bike here." "It's helped in this by its standout feature: a RockShox Recon solo air fork." "A very keenly priced XC racer and singletrack accelerator. Its superior fork makes it light and lithe."
Source: What Mountain Bike.
HYBRID COMP 10
'Ain't no stopping us now' - 5/5
"...these bikes are test-winning favourites in the cycling press for good reason." "Good for all round use"
Source: The Mail on Sunday, Live.
TEAM CARBON 10
GRAND DESIGNS - Winner
"There has to be a winner both in terms of outright performance and overall value for money... and it's the Boardman." "Would we buy it? Yes, every day of the week. If you're looking for performance, almost implausible value for money and a bike that will inspire confidence right away then this is it."
Source: The Bicycle Buyer.
CX PRO 10
THE BIG TEST - Winner
"With extra stiffness at the bottom bracket and head-tube, it excels with excellent kit and a great all-round ride." "The Boardman frame is beautifully finished with super-neat, smooth welds." "What it is designed for is being thrown throght the woods and down trails with abandon, and the Pro CX wasn't found wanting."
Source: Cycling Plus.
ROAD PRO CARBON 10
First Ride
"Overall, this bike offers great value for money and performance equal to that of bikes twice the price "New for 2010 is the encasing of the oversized bottom bracket bearings within the frame, adding to the frame's rigidity."
Source: Cycling Weekly.
ROAD TEAM CARBON
Top Bikes Under 1k
"It comes in at one penny under the £1,000, but if you paid double that and got a bike like this you would still be grinning from ear to ear. It's a superb machine - the lightest on test by a long way." "Geometry is perfectly balanced to give nimble handling, great tracking through corners and a nice neutral rider position"
Source: Cycling Active.
ROAD TEAM
Best on Test
"Considering its low cost, the ride is exceptional. Most impressive was the way the bike picked up and accelerated both on the flat and up small rises." "The Boardman picks up better, climbs better, cruises better and corners better. It's a bike that clearly stands out in its price range."
Source: 220Triathlon.
ROAD PRO CARBON
Overall winner
"As an all-round package it is very hard to beat"
Bikes on test from £1.5k to £3k.
Source: Cycling Plus.
MTB PRO HT
Winner. Gold, Value & Editor's Choice medals
"The Pro walks away with the honours by a substantial margin." "It offers fantastic value for money, there's not a single duff part in the specification and the work that has gone into making the frame perform as well as possible is clear."
Source: What Mountain Bike.
MTB PRO FS
Winner. Gold, Value & Editor's Choice medals
"BUY IF... You want the best value all-round trail bike on the market." "The totally sorted handling, balanced suspension, low weight and unbelievable kit value of the Boardman just can't be ignored... For under £1300 you're getting a bike that can genuinely best most bikes under £2000 and take everything from racing to the toughest trail centres in its stride."
Source: What Mountain Bike.
Road Pro Carbon 09
Performance Bike of the Year 2009
"...a clear winner. The Boardman Pro Carbon is a lot of bike for your cash, and stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its sub-16lb weight is over 2lb lighter than anything else in the test, and when the difference is that marked, combined with a quality carbon frame, you've got a winning combination."
Source: Cycling Weekly.
Road Team Carbon 09
10/10
"Our winner, though, is the Boardman Team Carbon. This is one high class rig. Exceptionally light and incredibly quick, it performs like a bike costing hundreds of pounds more." "We've no qualms in saying it sets a new standard for sub-£1000 road bikes."
Source: Cycling Plus.
MTB FS Comp 09
9/10, Gold, Value & Editor's Choice medals
"A stunning value bike that's light, agile and great fun to ride. A new benchmark on the budget full suspension scene."
Source: What Mountain Bike.
Road Comp 08
Cycling Plus Best Budget Bike of the Year
"Rarely have we seen a bike this well specced for the money. With Shimano Tiagra gears, Ritchey wheels and finishing kit that make it feel lighter than its nearest competitors, it's a hard one to beat"
Source: Cycling Plus.
MTB Pro 08
10/10 £1000 Bike Test
“We literally did a double take when the Boardman first came out of the box; the spec was almost too good to be plausible! From the Reba Race fork through to the SRAM X-0 mech, they really don't seem to have stinted anywhere on this bike.” “Up front, you notice immediately the chunky internal headset gracing both top and bottom races of the short head tube; a nice touch with gives a quality feel straight away. Nicely finished welds and a solid-feeling paint job seal the deal.” “With high-end SRAM populating the groupset department, the shifting is nothing short of superb, with accuracy and power as soon as you hit the shifter.” “Verdict: There really was very little not to like about the Boardman. From the excellent spec to the purposeful riding position, everyone who threw a leg over it instantly took a liking to it. The low weight made climbing a joy when combined with the racy position, and while technical riding was a bit more challenging than on a more relaxed frame, it was more than manageable. The best compliment it got was from a few riders who commented how pleased they would be if they had spent their £1,000 on this bike. And at the end of the day, that's what it's all about.”
Source: mbr
Road Comp 08
Tested £600-£750 race bikes - WINNER
“With the stiff Truvativ Elita cranks and wide-stance CXP bottom bracket, the impressive Boardman Comp gets up to speed quickly and effectively. The Comp doesn't just look good - it feels good, too. Really good. In fact, considering its cost, it feels absolutely fantastic. Though it is the cheapest bike on test, it consistently delivered the most complete, coherent, fast and downright enjoyable ride whenever we took it out. ...Boardman are able to spec an excellent component collection where the devil really is in the detail. The winner was clear from the start. While it's the cheapest bike here by at least £50 (£150 in two cases), Boardman's Comp consistently felt the liveliest and most enjoyable to ride, whatever the weather or however knackered we felt. The stiff Truvativ chainset meant it outkicked the only lighter bike here every time we put the hammer down, and it left the much more expensive bikes feeling distinctly lardy every time the road went up.” Boardman: 9/10 Overall verdict: Winner
Source: 220 Triathlon
Road Comp 08
Tested £500-£700 race bikes
“The Truvativ Elita two-piece compact chainset looks like it should be on a bike costing twice the price... Lightest on test, the Boardman Comp’s carbon-bladed forks showed no limitations. The combined weight of the Boardman’s tyres, cassette and Ritchey Comp wheels make them the lightest on test at 2,920g and they are the only wheels in this price group to use cartridge bearing hubs, which are generally better than traditional ball and cone bearings. The black spokes - 20 front and 24 rear - look good with their aerodynamic elliptical cross section, and remained perfectly true throughout testing.” “In his prime, Chris Boardman was unbeatable on the short, sharp efforts of a hill climb and the Comp reflects that by being the lightest on test... at this price point the equipment level, wheels spec and low overall weight places it firmly in the best buy category... and sets a new benchmark.” Frame: 8/10 Equipment: 10/10 Wheels: 9/10 Handling: 8/10 Boardman: 9/10 A best buy at £599
Source: Cycling Plus.
Road Comp 08
The Sunday Times InGear Test Bench Road Bikes
“...this sensational value model designed by Chris Boardman, Olympic gold medallist... The Comp has a smart aluminium frame, carbon front forks and lightweight wheels. It is topped off with a comfy Velo saddle, reliable gears by Shimano and decent brakes. The Comp weighs a reasonable 19.7lb and handled extremely well in tests. Aficionados may prefer a longer handlebar stem and better wheels but given the impressive specs, modest weight and low price, it sets a new benchmark for entry-level bikes.” 5 Stars. A best-buy at £599.
Source: Sunday Times.
Road Pro 08
“It's immediately clear that you're riding an efficient, no-fuss speed machine. With its impressively low weight - it's lighter than many more expensive bikes we've tested - acceleration is crisp and immediate. The Boardman Pro should be on every kit-hunters' shortlist this year and its value-for-money appeal is absolutely phenomenal... probably one of the fastest around at this price.” Source: 220 Triathlon
