Forgive me, but I wouldn't scratch my piles with MBUK, much less consider buying a bike on the strength of one of their reviews. Next you'll be telling me you think BokeRadar (sic) is an authoritative source of test data.
I've owned a Boardnan (yes, on Planet Earth too), but that's neither here nor there. I had the Team FS in trial fit nigh on 4 months last year. I did like it, though it's inappropriate as a fleet machine -didn't stop mevkarrioing it seriously.
However, when MBR the pronounced the Giant Trance X4 full susser on of the best bikes at any price, never mind £1000 I was intrigued, so when we were due to trial the Talon I blogged one for ago. Its not as high spec, Deore to the FS's SRAM X7, WTB rims to the Boardies Mavics, unbrabded shock to The FS's Rock Shock. First impressions weren't good, but you know what? It didn't matter. The Giants frame was better, noticeably stiffer. The cheap shock and Tora firms were Valved better and despite the lack of adjustability we're both much more progressive, the forks tracking especially well. The geometry was comfy and stable, yet stil flight and quick to change direction, compared to the Boardies slightly nervous front end.
Up until then the FS had felt great, and still did, but despite the lack of Gucci I had to agree with MBR that the Trance was a better ride after a week of back to back riding, in road and off road, even demonstrating unarmed defensive tactics to students. So, I showed Giant the money and bought ove myself, although I was able to blah the higher spec special edition X model at the same price.
"Show me the money" intoned the Giant, so I did.
You need to read some alternative literature old son, cos there are plenty out there (and I say it yet, yet and yet again - MBR) who sometimes rave about Boardies and give them top honours, yet who aren't blinded by bling and aren't afraid to say close-but-no-banana to other models.
I keep my old MBRs because I'm planning on retiring as a hoarder and annoying environmental health. On my days off I'll have a quick leaf though the last few years and would be happy to scan and email you some reviews. My own experience, where I'm fortunate to sample some of these rides myself, is that MBR are more often than not spot on. What other tome fits identical control bars, stems and tyres to all test machines to eliminate differences caused by the first bits most of us throw away?
I got the Kraken for rest of this year, and as
Halfords are letting us keep it one of my opposite numbers is taking it on to replace the Specialized he is running. I've not had word from our principal instructor if any firms are actively circulating any test bikes, so if not I'll see if Halfords will part with the Comp 29'er, try it for myself.