Boardman Comp SC Single Speed- Review

markos1963

Picked up from Halfords this morning which was painless enough, the bike had been well prepped, although as a SS it couldn't be that hard to do.

There was no problem getting a test ride before signing the dotted line, I was allowed to go out on my own and 3/4 of an hour of riding convinced me that it was going to be a peach.

The 20 mile ride home over rolling countryside gave me a good work out. The bike is very responsive and light handling but without the buzz I expected from an aluminium frame, this is down to the wheels(open sports with db spokes) giving a very forgiving ride whilst remaining stiff when out of the saddle climbing.

The bike is very light for the price £499 weighing just over 8kg and from just a short 2 hours riding I've fallen in love with it.

Pics to follow later.

hopper1

Markos,

I'm looking at getting a fixie, which Halfords gave you the test ride?
I'm away at the mo, but will be back mid Sept to start looking...
Boardman, Langster, Kinesis decade, etc... :roll:

markos1963

hopper1 wrote:

Markos,

I'm looking at getting a fixie, which Halfords gave you the test ride?
I'm away at the mo, but will be back mid Sept to start looking...
Boardman, Langster, Kinesis decade, etc... :roll:

That was the Halfords at the Back Of The Inns in Norwich, it used to be a Cycle Republic. The Deputy Manager in there served me (I think his name was Nick) I think they were ok about the test ride as I was on a C2W scheme and I left some id with them. Normally there is no problem with a test ride but someone has to come with you so give them a call first to make sure they can do it.

Escargot

I was never interested in a fixie until today when I saw this little beauty in my LBS

It's a little retro but looks fantastic in the flesh. It's all aluminium and probably nowhere near as light as the Boardman but I want one !!

Hope you enjoy yours !!

hopper1

Hmmm, new Bowery...Lovely paint job, wish it was specced better, though...

System_1

I've got a Bowery. It's a shame they get overlooked by the Langster, Plug, Touche crowd as they're fantastic bikes. Really comfortable for alu.

I'm not sure of Giant's thinking with that one though, fitting track bars then putting levers with hoods on? Mine is a 2008 model, essentially the same as that just a different paintjob. Weighs less than 8kg.

burt_:)

My employer recently opened up a C2W scheme, using Halford's as the sole facilitator...!

Out of any store that supplied cycles this would have been my least favourite, however with little other choice I decided to start looking to find out what I could actually get. ( I was actually looking for a fixed bike).

After searching through the options and the seemingly endless reviews my options were narrowed by price foremost then spec, then looks, then the make.

I plumped for the Boardman Comp SC; it seemed to be good value for money,looked good, and Halford's, apart from Boardman are the only stockists. Bearing in mind I was tied into Halford's I thought it shouldn't be any problem getting hold of one.

Firstly, I hadn't ridden a modern sized road bike and haven't had a road bike at all for years needed to know the sizing...cue Halford's website for all the answers I need, but no, the sizing was a generic guide, in inches...
I eventually gave up with the virtual size guide and went to Halford's in Cambridge (Newmarket Road) as they stock the Boardman range. The staff there were helpful and I was able to try the Comp SC for size. (incidentally I am 5'9" with an inside leg of 31.5") Medium was the size advised.

All to do then was to wait for my voucher and the authorisation to arrive (this was the quick part). Having received the voucher I decided to pop along to my local branch in Kings Lynn and get the bike ordered, only 'computer said no'; apparently being a small store they could not order the bike as they don't stock them (count to ten...), despite my attempts the same answer was supplied.

Then off to Peterborough store to order (they stock them). Ordered no problem (although the three staff members had to take it in turns to process the order; sharing the knowledge base...). Beginning to get a little worried that I'd either get the wrong bike or wrong size by now, nevertheless proceeded.

The bike arrived early (2 weeks after order) built up ok, but the brakes needed adjusting (so I could stop).

The bike is very well finished, nicely smoothed over all the welds with good kit for the money, paintwork well finished and I'm chuffed to bits with the fact that I can actually ride it with clipless pedals, and haven't smashed my face up yet! No complaints, don't dismiss the bike just because Halford's sell them.

As for the Halford's end of the deal. Not all staff are clueless; Cambridge and Peterborough faired better with reasonable knowledge. Because of all the inconsistent advice from them it leaves you feeling very sceptical about everyone. Shame.

Think of it as a challenge. I have the bike. I'm happy with it!

merlinghnd

I gota Boardman SC from Halfords in Hedge End, Hampshire, my first single speed and love it. Very satisfying and nice to ride a simple bike with no gears that need adjusting. I also think it makes you a stronger cyclist and better pedalling technique definetly pays off. I think everyone should consider it, they would be surprised.

markos1963

Glad you guys are enjoying your Boardmans. I'm still in love with mine although I ditched the Conti tyres as they were a joke(10 punctures in 3 rides). Apart from washing the bike and oiling/adjusting the chain it hasn't needed anything doing to it averaging over 100 miles a week on Norfolks sh*&y roads. My rding has come on loads since getting it, especialy hill climbing and one or two of my club mates havve commentated on my improvement.