Boardman plays to its strengths with revitalised 2016 road and CX range

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-125008 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Boardman has a new head badge, and a whole new range for 2016" title="1_rsw_2468-1453733431689-1rk34izgy06c7-fded136" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Boardman has a new head badge, and a whole new range for 2016 Robin Wilmott / Immediate Media

Since selling its first bike in 2007, Boardman has become deservedly known for offering great-value machines that perform at a level well beyond their often modest price tags. We attended the launch of the 2016 Boardman Performance range in a chilly, damp Hay-on Wye, where Chris Boardman introduced the new models, and proved how hands-on he still is with the brand by leading us on a road test ride.

Rebranded and relaunched in November 2015, and with the might of the Halfords business behind them, the Boardman brand should only get stronger. At the launch, the company was unsurprisingly keen to stress that all frame design and engineering is carried out in the UK and that – though manufacture is carried out abroad – Boardman does own all its carbon frame moulds.

Team Carbon stays strong for 2016 <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2452-1453733431749-6m26lr8uxlq5-1000-90-e2f0abf.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The £999 team carbon has long been an important bike for boardman: the £999 team carbon has long been an important bike for boardman The £999 Team Carbon has long been an important bike for Boardman

One of the original standout road models was the Team Carbon, and it continues at £999, usefully below the Cycle to Work scheme threshold. For your grand you get a C7 monocoque carbon frameset, which uses the same mould as the bike Nicole Cooke won the 2008 Olympic Road Race on, fitted with the much-improved 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset, Mavic wheels and Vittoria 25mm tyres.

Related: Boardman’s refreshed Team Carbon women’s road bike is still less than a grand

Slotting in below it in the range is the Comp, with its triple-butted X7 alloy frame, carbon fork with alloy steerer, Shimano Sora nine-speed drivetrain, and TRP Spyre mechanical discs, all for just £699.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2461-1453733431774-1sk3jhio4o1cj-1000-90-83de268.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Shimano sora nine-speed gearing with a compact fsa chainset and 11-30t cassette: shimano sora nine-speed gearing with a compact fsa chainset and 11-30t cassette Shimano Sora nine-speed gearing with a compact FSA crankset and 11-30t cassette on the Team Comp

At the base of the range is the Sport, which shares the Comp’s frame and fork, and comes with eight-speed Shimano Claris, plus a Mavic CXP wheelset wrapped in 25mm Vittoria rubber.

Hydraulic 105 group debut on Pro Carbon <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2429-1453733431690-86hjcyobtfn0-1000-90-4a17188.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The new pro carbon is first in the performance range to have hydraulic brakes: the new pro carbon is first in the performance range to have hydraulic brakes The new Pro Carbon is first in the Performance range to have hydraulic brakes

At the opposite end of Boardman’s road stable is the new Pro Carbon, matching a C7 monocoque carbon frame and fork with a Shimano 105 hydraulic disc groupset – a first for Boardman at this level. Its gleaming silver livery with green flashes certainly stands out, and it rolls on Boardman’s Premium Disc wheelset, with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 25mm tyres.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2432-1453733431701-4nr8ptove4sf-1000-90-cb08b59.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> There’s a 105 drivetrain, fsa gossamer chainset and boardman wheelset and finishing kit: there’s a 105 drivetrain, fsa gossamer chainset and boardman wheelset and finishing kit There’s a 105 drivetrain, FSA Gossamer chainset and Boardman wheelset and finishing kit

We took one for a spin along with Boardman himself, and initial impressions were of a well-rounded machine with a quality feel, good response and decent level of comfort. I was impressed with the new Prologo Nago Evo saddle fitted to this bike and some models above, and the bike’s shifting and braking performance was excellent. In some very British conditions, grip and handling gave great confidence – stay tuned for for a full review in the near future.

Road Pro SLR: a near-unbeatable carbon bargain <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2435-1453733431708-1hoprt3tbbrvc-1000-90-8db49cd.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The road pro slr offers an incredible spec for just £1799: the road pro slr offers an incredible spec for just £1799 The Road Pro SLR offers an incredible spec for £1,799

There are bargains, and then there’s the £1799 Road Pro SLR, with a spec that only a few direct retailers can match. With an ultra light frameset, Boardman claims a complete bike weight of 7kg, which is easy to believe when specced with SRAM’s Force 22 groupset, with our favourite 52/36 rings and an 11-28t cassette. Wheels are Mavic’s racy Ksyrium Equipes, with matching 25mm Mavic rubber, and it’s topped with Prologo’s Nago Evo saddle.

Road Team TT bike <source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2482-1453733431815-1ddj7to28qhun-1000-90-920ae5b.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Anyone looking for a first tt machine should consider the road team tt at only £999: anyone looking for a first tt machine should consider the road team tt at only £999 Anyone looking for a first TT machine should consider the Road Team TT

For anyone looking to dip their toes in to time trialling or triathlon, the Road Team TT would make a fine starting point. For £999 you get a triple butted X7 alloy aero shaped frame with full carbon fork, and a rear wheel cutout and hidden rear brake to reduce drag and keep the rear end tight. A short head tube allows scope for a low position, and Vision Trimax TT bars offer reasonable adjustability, and low stack height. The 53/39 FSA Gossamer crankset should satisfy your speed needs, and ISM’s Adamo TT saddle is a superb inclusion.

CX Comp and Team all-rounders If you’re looking for an all rounder, Boardman’s CX models are worth a look. The CX Comp at £649 has a triple butted X7 alloy frame, plus alloy fork with cromoly steerer. The drivetrain starts with a 50/34 compact crankset and Shimano Sora 9 speed, and Tektro Lyra mechanical disc brakes. Mavic XM319 rims and 37mm Schwalbe Tyrago tyres should give solid service.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/rsw_2442-1453733431723-ud1dzm6b5hfi-1000-90-4e3a0a2.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> The great value cx team is a fantastic package for £999: the great value cx team is a fantastic package for £999 The great value CX Team looks a fantastic package for £999

For just £999, the CX Team offers a triple butted X9 alloy frame with carbon fork, and a complete SRAM Rival 1 groupset, with the convenience and security of a single chain ring, and enough gears for almost anything. Plus, a hydraulic disc braking system, Mavic XM319 rims and Schwalbe Rapid Rob 35mm rubber that’s well suited to off road excursions.

Every bike in the range is only available in one colour, as shown, apart from the Elite range, where it’s possible to create a custom coloured machine via Boardman’s website and stores, for an additional cost.