Chris Boardman Mountain Bike Team Review

Overall Rating

Everything, spec very high + very very light weighs only 25.5 Ibs!

Not much at all. Tho doesn't come supplied with pedals,be aware for extra small cost. Stock tyres not great in mud.

I was looking to getting fitter and used to do BMX'ing years ago, so decided to get into Mountain Biking. I decided to fully research my purchase, as being out of the sadlle for a few years.

I first set myself a budget of £500. I read anything below this doesn't buy you much at all, (though I was prepared to go to £750, if the model was really worth it)! I looked at the GT Avalanche 1.0 & Claude Butler Cape Wrath D27, both seemed quite good bikes when I rode them. Also as well as these 2, I must of tried out over 30 bikes between £500 - £750 range, that really didn't set me alight. I narrowed it down to GT & Cape Wrath, as didn't find a £750 model worth the extra expense or so I thought! I was right on the brink of buying the Cape Wrath, but then read good reviews on the Boardman Range, but heard hit and miss reviews on Halfords as a seller.

I managed to find a standlone Bikehut locally and went to view the Boardman Range. The existing year range is now in limited stock. The comp model which cheapest at £650, was out of stock. Though the next model up The 'Team' was in stock at £850. I thought £850, can I warrant that! I sat on it & must admit the moment I did I was taken with it straight away. The bloke kindly let me ride it around the shop and it felt so good. I was still debating in my mind can I warrant £850 on a bike. I then picked the bike up and the lightness was unbelievable. The saying came into mind, buy decent once, buy bad twice! I then said I'll take it. Bikehut set the bike up for me and explained all features like how to release the wheels etc, they were very helpful! The only thing, I required pedals at extra cost I plumped for the £7 Wellgo pair, they do a good enough job and light. Also I got £50 voucher for accessories, which I got a matching Boardman helmet effectively free!

Ok now riding the thing. I must admit has blown me away. The lightness and handing is terrific. The brakes stop you on a sixpence and are very responsive. The riding is very quick due to lightness, but where this biking will give you the edge is uphill. Due to the lightness it attacks them with ease. I went riding the other night uphill with my mate (he got £1,500 Kona) & he was on the smallest cog; whilst I was just cruising up on the middle cog, hence the lightness.

My only criticism is the tyres, don't grip very well in mud. I changed these to Bontrager Mud-X for £40 and haven't looked back. Now the bike gives me all the confidence I require to tackle good off-road.I really look forward to getting out it everytime.

To anyone looking at a new mountain bike, consider this range. They look good ride well and very well spec'd. If your expense stretches to the Team, buy it. You get the same frame as the Pro (top of the range £1000) and very slimair spec, tho naturally The 'Team' ever slightly down classed from Pro. Ok £850 is a lot for a bike; but I preferred to spend £850 and be totally happy, then £500 and be sub happy. The old saying you pay for what you get applys, but if you can afford it get one. The only thing you will looking back at is the people behind you; especially when going uphill!