Boardman Cyclocross 2011

[Norry1]

Does anyone have a Boardman Cyclocross 2011 size Medium that I could have a quick test ride on? I'm debating buying one but would like to try one out first and Halfords don't allow this.

I would of course leave security (or you can ride with me) - pay for any damage in the unlikely event of a problem, and offer a couple of beers in payment

Midlands area ideally, or Telford during the week.

Thanks in advance.

Martin

 

[Globalti]

Er... Halfrauds in Bury were quite happy for me to ride their display bike on Monday. Maybe you should try going in at a quiet time?

FWIW I thought it was a nice ride, quite slow steering as you would expect but it handled nicely. However as it was the first time I had ever tried the SRAM double tap gear changers I was less than impressed, though I guess you would get used to it, it's just that the down change to a lower gear seemed very stiff and the short lever didn't help. My big problem is having to buy from Halfrauds; I have read the odd report of problems with the BB30 on Boardmans and I wouldn't want to have a warranty issue.

 

[Andrew_P]

The Cannondale CAADX 105 got a really good write up in one of the mags this month can pick it up at around £799 reduced from £899, I have been pondering a CX bike too!

 

[abo]

Probably varies from shop to shop, how busy they are and their general attitude, plus how many thefts they've had in the past.

I rememeber hearing about the theft of a Boardman, some guy came into the shop when they were busy and had few staff in, he just screwed on a pair of pedals and rode it out of the shop... I notice the expensive bikes are all locked to the stands in my local Halfords.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I got a CX Team 2011 from Boardmans, and they allowed me a test ride. However I have to admit they knew my job so were fairly comfortable I wasn't going to steal it! Suggest leaving your credit card with them perhaps? (if you feel you can trust them!)

Its a nice bike, and I'd reccomend it. However, I did have issues with Halfords themselves not being able to notice a faulty front disc (it wasn't true) even tough I pointed it out to them, and it took about three trips to get it sorted.

 

[lejogger]

Mine's a large unfortunately, and I'm probably a bit far away, but happy to let you take it out for a ride with me if you were over this way.

Also, it's set up as a commuter/tourer rather than a CX machine.

 

[Norry1]

We were about to buy a Boardman Ladies bike last week and were only allowed to ride it around the store. We didn't buy it incidentally - so I know this store definitely don't allow outside rides. Maybe I'll try other Halfords.

Thanks for the offer Lejogger - I'll see if I can find a Medium first. I'd use mine as a winter/wet ride with mudguards, but also take it off-road sometimes.

Martin

 

[Crankarm]

Yes try another store. The Peterborough branch is fairly relaxed. I didn't like the SRAM groupset at all. It was awful. Cheap and crap and it felt like it. The rest of the bike was excellent though ie frame. A bit pricey at £900 with the crap SRAM groupset. I would bin the cheap SRAM double tap shifters and put at least Shimano 105/Ultegra levers on instead and corresponding rear mech. Not so sure about the wheels either. So £900 for just the frame is a bit much imho.