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Boardman Comp (08)
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BikeRadar verdict

45 out of 5 stars

"Superb value for money at just £599"

By Paul Vincent

The Boardman Comp is the entry-level model in the new range of bikes that Chris Boardman, former Olympic gold medallist, has brought to the market in collaboration with Bikehut at Halfords. Currently Boardman bikes are available only in the UK and Ireland.


FRAME
The Boardman uses 7000 series tubing that is vertically ovalised at the head of the down-tube and twists along its length through 90 degrees to where it attaches to the bottom bracket. The black finish is excellent and the attractive diamond-to-round profiled top-tube has a boss underneath for attaching a race number that is mandatory for UCI sanctioned races abroad, and mimics that of bikes used by Chris during his time as a professional. Boardman frames are available in four sizes that are based upon the effective horizontal top-tube dimension ranging from 54-58.5cm.


EQUIPMENT
The Boardman comes with a Ritchey Comp handlebar and stem and the combined weight of the groupset and finishing kit is a cool 745g lighter than the rival Pinnacle Sentinal 1.0, and 554g lighter than the Cube Aerial Comp. Shimano Tiagra is used on the Boardman, together with a 105 rear mech that gives added value and while designed for a 10-speed system, it works well across the 9-speed cassette.

The Truvativ Elita two-piece compact chainset looks like it should be on a bike costing twice the price, although we would like to see the Comp also made available with a triple chainset. The Boardman saddle - made by Velo, was popular among the testers.


WHEELS

The combined weight of the Boardman's tyres, cassette and Ritchey Comp wheels is just 2,920g and they are the only wheels on bikes in this price group to use cartridge bearing hubs, which are generally better quality 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. The Continental Ultra Sport tyres are of the cheaper steel-beaded type but the tread grips well wet or dry.

 

HANDLING
At a recent press launch, Chris Boardman said that his 19.7lb Comp bike was lighter than the Eddy Merckx bike that he started his professional cycling career on back in 1993, and we wouldn't disagree with him. The forks are certainly light, and though we were expecting there to be a point at which they showed their limitations on fast descents, if there was, we never reached it. The Boardman's frame is marginally stiffer than its direct competitors from Cube and Pinnacle and a lighter overall weight than its Specialized rival the Allez Sport. It might not be the liveliest of rides but it scores on composure.

 

Verdict

In his prime, Chris Boardman was unbeatable on the short, sharp efforts of a hillclimb and the Comp reflects that with its lightness. While we weren't expecting to break records for frame weight, at this price point the equipment level, wheels spec and low overall weight places it firmly in the best buy category. We'd change the stem for a longer one, but at £599 it's hard for all but the most heavily discounted bikes to beat, and sets a new benchmark.


User Reviews

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  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    I got this bike at the weekend and after setting it up (see below) took it for a 20 mile ride. It's a stiff and composed mount and I got the sensation that all my leg work was going into forward motion, coming to hills the rigid frame inspired me to fly up there and I didn't quit (take the lower gears that is) on any incline between Coventry and Birmingham. Going downhill I was into the drops and feeling in control at high speed, no wobbles or 'crikey' moments while caning it in top gear.

    The bike looks excellent, and it's stupidly light for something of this price.

    The downside, as already mentioned by other posters is Halfords and their lax staff (i hesitate to use the word mechanics). The bike as picked up from Leamington Halfords had a number of safety critical deficiencies in the set up, as well as poorly set up gears and cosmetic things like untrimmed cables. This was despite the young bikehut staff member assuring me the bike was 'set up and ready to ride'. Fortunatley I took this with a pinch of salt and being fairly good with bikes i set it up myself after getting home (I'm pretty experience with bikes but appreciate that doesn't apply to everyone)

    I find it worrying that Halfords can release a bike as 'ready to ride' with a loose stem, no air in the tyres and slack brakes. On a machine that is capable of high speeds on road, these guys need to get it together big time, they are endangering riders as well as letting down an excellent range of bikes.

    I highly recommend this bike, I also recommend you take it to your local bike shop and get a proper fitting and set up instead of leaving it in the hands of halfords!!

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    It is a cracking bike, which seems to fly up inclines. Very comfortable ride from day 1.

    Not had the greatest experience with Halfords (I was committed to them because my employer is in their cycle2work scheme) but at the price/the bike being unavailable elsewhere... went with them.

    Went out on it for a quick spin yesterday (done about 50 miles on it), braking lightly at a junction - the front brake mechanism came off. Bike is now in a local bike shop, with a very smug bloke giving me "I told you so" look. Basically - buy the bike and then take it to a bike shop and have it set up/looked over properly. Compared to my old bike it is like going from a Ford Model T to a DB9 and I would not know where to start. I do know how put a bolt through a front fork and turn it through 6 or 7 rotations though!

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    Just got mine - great bike, especially for the money. Nice ride too - very assured on the descents, very light on the ascents. Much more comfortable than my old road bike (admittedly a rather old steel framed model!). Local Halfords service pretty nondescript. Bike competently put together, but needed a few tweaks before riding. Staff offered nothing more than handing me the bike. Didn't really expect much more though.

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    This looks like the bike for me especially considering the spec compared to other similar priced bikes but the frame doesn't look compact. This will be my first road bike so am i going to be able to do 60 miles on it without killing my back & neck? Currently ride an old mountain bike with road tyres 20/30 on a saturday & sunday.

    Must also admit to some reservations with Hlafords so i may try a Bikehut instead?

    Any helpful feedback would be appreciated and gratefully received.

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    fabulous value for money and a joy to ride , i would also have to say that the halfords store in belfast that i got it from where pretty good . bike was well built and set up and they where very helpful as i needed it in a hurry.

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    As chance would have it, just visited Halfords Weston this evening and am on cusp of purchasing comp. Thought I'd better check reviews first though, glad I did! Will print out Oli... review and show it to staff/manager prior to purchase. Will let you all know how I get on.

    Is this a common problem? Should Boardman have lent his name to Halfords (The BeWise of bike shops?)

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    Have just bought a boardman bike, i love it and it is very well specced!

    Halfords in Weston on the other hand are letting Boardman down and they were not providing a service up to the standard of the bike. Not only did they able to fit the bike up properly, but they also were either to lazy or had no knowledge to be able to put the bike together, making it both unsafe and no were near to standard of quality of the bike.

    I am about to take it back for a refund. Is there anywhere else more professional i can buy it, and anyone else got any simular experiance..please reply.

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    I have the Hybrid version of the comp series and i'm been more than happy. Its an excellent bike, well balanced and fast too. I did have a slight issue with Halfords, but they we're excellent in rectifying it. Had it 6 weeks and done 600 miles of very enjoyable riding.

    0.3
  • User review of Boardman Comp (08)

    Ive had this bike for 6 weeks and it is awesome. I was buying on a certain budget and the Boardman fit the bill on cost, looks and spec!!

    The bike was very well set up on collection and after a 30min fit I rode it 30 miles home with no trouble.

    It is a comfortable and sturdy ride and even with a compact chainset I have not failed an ascent yet.

    Do not be put off by the retailer, the bike is extremely good value for money and a joy to ride!!

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Comp (08)
Built by:
Boardman
Price:
n/a
Available Sizes:
L, M, S, XL cm
Bike Size (S,M,L etc):
M
Bottom Bracket Brand:
Truvativ
Bottom Bracket Height (cm):
27 cm
Bottom Bracket Model:
X-Type
Brakes Brand:
Tektro
Brakes Model:
Quartz dual pivot
Cassette:
12-25 Tiagra
Chain Brand:
Shimano
Chain Model:
HG53
Chainstays (cm):
40.5 cm
Cranks Brand:
TruVativ
Cranks Model:
Elita
Fork Brand:
Alloy
Fork Offset:
4.5
Fork Weight:
580 g
Frame Material:
Aluminium
Frame Weight (g):
1657 g
Front Derailleur Brand:
Shimano
Front Derailleur Model:
105
Front Tyre Model:
Ultrasport
Front Tyre Size:
700x23C
Front Wheel Weight:
1185 g
Gearing:
36/50
Handlebar Brand:
Ritchey
Handlebar Model:
Comp
Head Tube Angle:
72 Degrees
Headset Type:
Integrated
Rear Derailleur Brand:
Shimano
Rear Derailleur Model:
105
Rear Tyre Model:
Ultrasport
Rear Tyre Size:
700x23C
Rear Wheel Weight:
1735 g
Rims Brand:
Ritchey
Rims Model:
Comp
Saddle Brand:
Velo
Saddle Model:
Chromoly
Seat Tube (cm):
49 cm
Seat Tube Angle:
73 Degrees
Seatpost Brand:
Ritchey
Shifters Brand:
Shimano
Shifters Model:
Tiagra STI
Standover Height (cm):
78 cm
Stem Brand:
Ritchey
Stem Model:
Comp
Top Tube (cm):
55.5 cm
Trail:
6.6 cm
Tyres Brand:
Continental
Weight (kg):
8.93 kg
Wheelbase (cm):
99.7 cm
Year:
2008

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