Being a keen cyclist (when I get the time and weather permitting) I always look forward to getting out for a cycle ride in the countryside, but I didn't realise how out-dated my old mountain bike was, until I went on a 30 mile bike ride with my brother. Yes it had lots of gears, disc brakes and full suspension, but it weighed an absolute ton! I was using twice as much effort to pedal than he was, yes, you could say I'd be burning calories faster, but it totally took out the enjoyment of the ride. When looking for a replacement cycle, one of my main priorities was that it not only had to be lightweight, but also strong as I'm quite a big guy. The Boardman Mountain Bike range fits this bill perfectly...
Boardman Bikes are a British bicycle manufacturer, founded in 2007 by the Olympic Triple World Champion and World Record Holder cyclist Chris Boardman. He's described the Boardman Mountain Bike range as - "At the heart of each Boardman hard tail MTB is a high quality UK designed and tested XC specific frame, built with custom butted and carefully profiled tubing. Combine this with a top spec component package from the world's leading brands and you have a versatile bike, as much at home on the race track as it is on your local trails." Chris Boardman MBE.
An excellent example from this mens hard tail MTB range is the 'cboardman COMP' with it's honest value for the more earnest cross country trail rider. Weighing in at 12.5kg total, the lightweight 19" alloy frame is constructed of triple butted aluminium tubing and has an exceptional high strength to weight ratio. The custom tube profiles are designed expressly for the forces and performance measure of off-roading.
I was instantly impressed by the fluidity from the ride of the hi-spec 'Suntour Epicom' 120mm air-forks which made for an effortless and comfortable ride across rough terrain. These forks have the option of adjustable rebound damping and lockout which returns the fork slowly to it's natural ride height and slows the springs down to help them absorb impacts more.
This combined with the two 'Avid Elixir Juicy 3' hydraulic disc brakes make for an assured, reliable ride in all weather conditions. The SRAM X5 gear levers are ergonomic and precise, shifting the 27 gears cleanly and definitively, giving you confidence whilst putting the power down through the 26" wheels. The 'cboardman COMP' is a good looking quality bike and you won't be disappointed with the spec.
The MTB range is only available to order from Halfords or direct from Boardman stores. All Boardman bikes are fully built by Boardman mechanics and can be delivered free to your home ready to ride (with a free 6 week safety check), they only require a twist and tightening of the handle-bar and the fitting of one pedal.
