Boardman road team carbon bike limited edition 2013 weight

The deep down tube creates a deep airflow-smoothing and bike-stiffening web above the oversized BB30 bottom bracket. The oval wishbone splits into the two semi-aero seatstays, ending at simple flat dropouts with a replaceable gear hanger. Chainstays are deep tapering rectangular sections, with the internally routed gear cable popping out ahead of the rear wheel. It also avoids the fashion for internally routed cables in favour of more easily serviced external wires.

The ride position is equally practical. Classic degree parallel frame angles keep steering engaged and well balanced while a generously long wheelbase creates a naturally stable, bravery boosting descending character. This means the same solid frame feel is definitely on your side when it comes down to getting your power from the soles of your feet and onto your local Strava segments scoreboard.

Having been impressed with a consistently responsive and eager feeling ride we were surprised when we weighed it. Even the super compact bend bars, which felt weird at first, were soon appreciated for the range of hand positions they packed into a small change of overall body position. Nothing has changed, except the addition of some aerodynamic tweaks and now speed shifting via the addition of Shimano Push on the pedals and the SLR 8.

The carbon frame is more forgiving than others on test, such as the Giant Contend AR 4 - though not as much as the Genesis CDA 30 with its bomb-along-happy steel fork. Add on a deep section set of wheels, a longer stem and perhaps a cassette upgrade and you really could rock this bike at a criterium or road race. When launching this frame, Boardman was proud of its 28mm tyre clearance.

Times have moved on, and this is now significantly narrower than most. I imagine when Boardman next re-configures this frame they might increase this, but for now those seeking more squish in the tyre department will need to look elsewhere. However, it held that position for a long time, without a performance drop, whilst competitors made adjustments to match inflation and the market trends. The increase in price comes with the arrival of Shimano , which offers speed shifting, and really does represent a notable improvement.

The Boardman SLR 8. In short, the Boardman SLR 8. Cycling Weekly's Tech Editor Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper before spending a few years at Evans Cycles, then combining the two with a career in cycling journalism.

When not typing or testing, Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'. She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team rt. Italian puncheur will once again target the classics in