New 2011 Boardman's

[bauldbairn]

Released a couple of days ago - will the new range attract potential new buyers or will people still be put off with the Halfords connection?

I must admit I like the look of the CX Team.




Does the Boardman United Health Care roadracing team sponsorship give credibility to their roadbikes?




from Bike Radar review.


Range is more extensive than before - in all bike types.

 

[vernon]

The only people who are put off by the Halfords collection are the ones who blindly follow the naysayers' recommendations in cycling forums - a small percentage of the bicycle buying population.

 

[vernon]

Does the Boardman United Health Care roadracing team sponsorship give credability to their roadbikes?

Does any sponsorship deal give credibility to any manufacturer's roadbikes?

I thought it was the success of the team and not the team name that gave the credibility.

 

[bauldbairn]

Does any sponsorship deal give credibility to any manufacturer's roadbikes?

I thought it was the success of the team and not the team name that gave the credibility.

True - but surely no team would accept a bike deal if they didn't think the manufacture/technology would aid to their own performance?

I'm not a massive Roadrace fan that's why I asked the question.

 

[Keith Oates]

There is a stigma within the UK cycling fraternity about the service and competence of the Halford bike sections of the company and I'm sure that must have an adverse affect on the Boardman bike sales. However most of the reports from magazine reviews and owner's comments that I've seen have all been favourable about the bikes so perhaps this will help to boost sales. I must admit the bikes in the new range look to be very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bauldbairn]

There is a stigma within the UK cycling fraternity about the service and competence of the Halford bike sections of the company and I'm sure that must have an adverse affect on the Boardman bike sales. However most of the reports from magazine reviews and owner's comments that I've seen have all been favourable about the bikes so perhaps this will help to boost sales. I must admit the bikes in the new range look to be very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Boardmans are going "global" this year too - without Halfords!

Halfords have had a brilliant opportunity over the last few years(with cycling becoming increasingly popular again - in the UK) to build a good reputation. It seems the quality of service varies greatly between shops and I wonder how many people would be put off just because of this.

I own one - and would buy another.

 

[vernon]

The Boardmans are going "global" this year too - without Halfords!

Boardman do not appear to be going global.

The performance range will still be an exclusive to Halfords.

The elite range will be sold through selected independent dealers and some Halfords branches.

 

[Melvil]

I've got a 2010 road Team and it's fast and nimble with good components - don't like the compact chainset but then I don't like compact chainsets generally...is it me or has the range moved 'up' - the new Team is £1000 instead of £800 last year and has slightly better wheels and groupset.

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

I have a Boardman and would buy a new one, I have no problem with the bike componenets and am happy to accept the bike in a box and fit it together myself. Am hoping my boardman will last a few more years yet.

 

[bauldbairn]

Boardman do not appear to be going global.

The performance range will still be an exclusive to Halfords.

The elite range will be sold through selected independent dealers and some Halfords branches.

Halfords don't have branches outside the UK so Boardman won't be able to go global with them.

During the past six months Chris Boardman and his business partner(Alan Ingarfield) have been looking for agents to sell their range outside the UK(globally/worldwide). Details will be announced at a later date(soon).




Unless you have no knowledge of bikes or have a particularilly good Halfords nearby I would recommend buying through the internet(as Fokker says) - that way you can set the bike up yourself/get a clued up friend to do it or take it to a good bike mechanic(LBS).

 

[bauldbairn]

...is it me or has the range moved 'up' - the new Team is £1000 instead of £800 last year and has slightly better wheels and groupset.

I noticed that aswell - they'll have to be careful if they're pricing becomes directly comparible to the big boys bikes.(Specialized,Trek,etc,etc)

They've introduced "Race" as the start option instead of "Comp" and managed to keep the price the same(£649).

Still a nice looking bike.

 

[vernon]

Halfords don't have branches outside the UK so Boardman won't be able to go global with them.

During the past six months Chris Boardman and his business partner(Alan Ingarfield) have been looking for agents to sell their range outside the UK(globally/worldwide). Details will be announced at a later date(soon).

Unless you have no knowledge of bikes or have a particularilly good Halfords nearby I would recommend buying through the internet - that way you can set the bike up yourself/get a clued up friend to do it or take it to a good bike mechanic(LBS).

It's my misinterpretation of going global that's at fault. I intepreted it as UK wide after all the world stops at our shoreline

I do think that you are doing Halfords a disservice by your recommendation. There's no guarantee that a LBS is any better than a Halfords.

 

[fossyant]

Any price on the Elite MTB's yet ?

 

[bauldbairn]

Any price on the Elite MTB's yet ?

Just had a look - no prices yet!

 

[Garz]

Agree on the CX team looking great, would be a superb commuter/winter training machine!

/drool