Boardman Road Team Carbon Bike Limited Edition - Opinions

WindyG

Currently I'm riding a 2012 Viking Roma, cheap bike just to generally keep fit when I'm not on my mountain bikes, however I am fitter I riding better and further but feel very held back by the bike, it's heavy the gearing is horrible and the ride very harsh and brakes which scare the hell out of me :-) Now I can't see any real point in upgrading it as it will only marginally improve it anyway.
Looking for something light and under 1k I spotted this http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918495_langId_-1_categoryId_165710 current offer would give me £60 off plus also an extra 10% for BC membership so a good saving. So what are peoples opinions is it a decent bike/spec?
I live in Norfolk so no climbs to speak of, do around 20 - 25 miles a couple of times a week but looking to do more & adding also a few rides to work and back 13miles, no racing or sportives etc.

IrishMac

I've a roma too, change out the brake pads to prolong your life on the cheap

In general, you can't go wrong with a Boardman, http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/boardman-road-team-carbon-ltd-just-in-37160/ that'll give you a quick low down on it Looks good, don't think you'd be disappointed with it. I can't really comment on the bc membership as I'm Irish

The wheels are reliable, groupset good, good finishing kit from boardman as usual Don't think you could go wrong with the bike mate.

It's also worth having a look at the aluminium Team model, excellent frame, you'd think it's carbon, 105 groupset, main difference with 105 and tiagra is that 105 has nicer aesthetics and smoother shifting, both good groupsets.

Hope that helps in some way

norwichdanny

Hi,
Boardmans get pretty good reviews but i find it a bit funny that the description of this says 105 gearing but the spec lists all tiagra other than the rear mech. I think most peoples problems with boardmans is the place that sell them and the general lack of knowledge and customer service. There are some really good shops in norfolk, - pedal revolution, streetlife and especially borwells on spencer street. You can also get some really good deals on last years models (same bike - different paint!) from pauls at dereham.
Also don't discount alloy frames as some of these can be better than the cheaper carbon frames.
Most importantly make sure the bike fits you as riding with a sore back and neck will destroy you!
I am just outside Norwich and do regular 50-70's out to holt where there are some pretty good hills. I also now include harvey lane , ketts hill and mousehold on my commute which hit 14% in places!
When you are sorted drop me a message if you fancy a ride!
Regards,
Danny.

WindyG

Cheers for the comments guys, did make me rethink my options IrishMac your BoardmanTeam suggestion made sense.

After a crap start to the morning went to go for ride but had a flat, tyre wouldn't come off and broke my Pedros so popped to Halfords for some more levers, had a look in Paulscycles as well ,after comparing spec and prices I bought a Schwinn Fastback Comp.
I always like Paulscycles because I get to actually ride a bike which is needed as I am a little between sizes S - M, it gives me everything I was looking for, sub 10kg, decent groupset and carbon fork and it was under my budget.

Thought I'll go for a quick spin, bumped into a mate and this turned into a 28mile ride, the bike was fantastic compared to my Roma, much better gear ratio and shifting, brakes I felt I could trust, and very quick to accelerate and overall less harsh over the bumps.

Danny once I get a few miles under my belt I may well take you up on a ride, I'm currently competing in Mud Sweat and Gears at present so only really training on short rides(25 miles) I don't really need the long distance yet just decent power for a good 1hr or so and to keep my weight in check, trying to drop to 10.5st currently 10.10st from 13st.

dwanes

That looks a good find. Never come across this bike before, how about posting some photos, its good to see something different.

WindyG

I'll try and get some pics tomorrow, it was raining by the time I got back so it went straight in the workshop, no space in there to take pics.

WindyG

Just a quick picture off my phone for now as the weather has been too crap to take decent ones.


Will need to make a few tweaks to the bars and raise the seatpost a very small amount, done nothing other than remove the reflectors and plastic saucer off the rear wheel :-) added pedals, bottle holder and pump.

Going to remove the chainring guard and change the saddle to start with.

dwanes

nice bike, like you say could do with removing the chainring guard though.

IrishMac

Glad I could be of help
Nice bike, never even heard of a Schwinn racer before, you've entered quite an exclusive group