Boardman Road Race 2011 A Novices Review

cyclops1969

I recently purchased a Boardman Road Race bike fom Halfords. Every reviewer of any Boardman bike seems to make the same complaint. The only place in the UK you can buy them is at Halfords. They are assembled by Halfords mechanics and they don't seem to do it very well. Add my name to that list. When I took delivery of my bike at my local store the steering wasn't straight (the stem was 1-2 degrees off centre). Both brake were too loose. When I asked the mechanic to tighten the rear brake he over-tightened it (the blocks were rubbing against the rim). I had to take it back the following day as the chain was rubbing against the inside blade of the FD.

As for performance I'm unqualified to review it. For the last year-and-a-bit I have been riding a Specialized triple, mostly on the middle chainring. On this bike, a compact, I immediately noticed how much harder the middle gears were to turn on the larger 50T chainring. I'm having to use a lot more power to turn them. I find myself riding out of the saddle more to drive them. Experienced compact riders may be able to pass on advice here and I look forward to hearing from you.

My climbing has improved slightly on the small chainring. The 34 tooth ring provides a bit more bite than the 30T on the granny ring on my triple.

A review of this bike is probably best left to compact riders who will be better qualified able to tell the difference than me.

secretsqizz

Compact, schmompact, a gear inch = a gear inch whatever combo you push around.. at least you have weaned yourself off a triple

Ringo 68

Halfords seem to be very hit and miss.

I have had 2 Boardmans built by Halfords Bromborough store this year and they have both been spot on.