The most recent update to Boardman Bikes' story is the unveiling of its latest range of bikes costing from £500 to £1,500, which it calls the Boardman Performance range.
Andy Smallwood, Managing Director of Boardman Bikes, explained that there are 23 bikes across the four sections (road, mountain, hybrid, womens), but for him there are four stand-out bikes from the Boardman Performance range.
Road Team Carbon
The Team Carbon or the "999" is arguably the signature bike of the Boardman Performance range. The first incarnation of the 999 used the same mould as the bike ridden to Beijing Olympic gold by Nicole Cooke but with a slightly different carbon lay-up.
The Team Carbon comes with Shimano Tiagra and the seat stays have been lengthened for increased comfort (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
"The Team Carbon is what I'd call a sportive or comfortable road geometry. The seat stays have been designed for improved comfort - they are 5mm longer - and there are mudguard eyelets", explained Smallwood.
For just under £1,000 (meaning you could use the cycle2work scheme) you get a monocoque C7 full carbon frame married with a full carbon steerer and a Shimano Tiagra groupset.
Road Pro Carbon
The Pro Carbon has disc brakes and comes with Shimano 105 (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
Possibly the most impressive bike in the Boardman Performance range is the Road Pro Carbon which costs £1,499. Smallwood enthused: "The frameset is the heart of the bike. The frame is based on the SLR model's endurance technology and uses the same mould."
Like the Road Team Carbon the frame is full carbon C7 and the groupset is the impressive Shimano 105.
Using disc brakes removes the need for a standard brake bridge (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
Embracing the advent of disc brakes on road bikes the Road Pro Carbon comes equipped with Shimano's impressive hydraulic disc brake set u p- the hoods may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but do give you a lot to hold on to.
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Road Pro SLR
The Road Pro SLR has a claimed weight of 7kg (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
Costing £1,799 the Road Pro SLR is the only bike in the Boardman Performance range above the £1,500 threshold. However, for those looking for a lightweight road bike at a competitive price, the Road Pro SLR looks to be a good option.
The full build has a claimed weight of 7kg - which is comparable with many far more expensive bikes.
Mavic wheels and SRAM Force compliment the light frame (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
The Super Light Road (SLR) frame is made from the higher spec SLR C8 carbon and is complimented by the SRAM Force groupset and the reliable Mavic Ksyrium Equipe hoops.
CX Team
The CX Team is Chris Boardman's favourite pick from the new range (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
Smallwood and Chris Boardman are big fans of the CX Team, and it is easy to see why. For £999.99 you get a cross bike with SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brakes, the much revered SRAM 1x chain set, and a full carbon fibre fork for added comfort.
The CX Team uses SRAM 1X (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
Since his racing days Boardman's appreciation of a nice ride has changed: "[Now] I ride cross-bikes and mountain bikes mostly, my relationship with cycling has changed. I'm no longer focused solely on aerodynamics and going as quickly as possible." This might explain his strong feelings towards the CX Team.
Road Team TT
A time trial bike has been added to the range (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
In addition to the Smallwood's stand out bikes, Boardman Bikes has launched its first time trial bike below £1,000.
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The company has some pedigree when it comes to time trial bikes - as well as sponsoring the Brownlee brothers it supports Ironman athlete (and impressive time trialler) Joe Skipper and Pete Jacobs who won the Ironman world championship on a Boardman time trial bike.
To help you get aero the time trial bike comes with Vision bars (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
For £999 you get a time trial frame with Vision bars, a SRAM Apex groupset, Boardman Bikes' own brand alloy wheels and Vittoria tyres.
The time trial bike comes with an ISM Adamo saddle (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
The bike is also equipped with the striking ISM Adamo road saddle which is designed to help a rider get a lower and more forward position. As well as having a narrow head on profile the rear brake is situated beneath the bottom bracket for enhanced aerodynamics.
The Boardman Performance range also includes Hybrid bikes and Women specific bikes (Photo: Steve Behr)
(Image credit: Steven Behr)
The full Boardman Performance range accommodates a wide spectrum of riding. If you are into mountain biking there are hard tails (£649 to £999) and full suspension bikes (£999 and £1499).
Whereas, if you prefer a more relaxer riding position there are hybrids ranging from £499 to £999. There are also five women's specific bikes - that have an adapted geometry and shorter stems - including a hybrid, two mountain bikes and two road bikes (£499 to £999).
The Boardman Performance range is available at all Halfords stores across the country from 29 January. For more information on the full Boardman Performance range go toBoardman Bikes.
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