Review from Cicloturismo

Do you remember the British Chris Boardman? Gold medal at the Olympics, current "best human performance in the record of hour" (56.375 km). Not the official record, because he won that one with a special bike in 1996. In the past few years, Mr. Boardman has been badging his own series of bike frames. These range from road bikes to MTB, from chrono to cyclocross. Perfect timing, since the off-road season is just about to start..

Frame
Beginning from next season, we'll witness a sort of Copernican revolution in the world of cyclocross. We are referring, no need to say, to the end of the ban on disc brakes in professional competitions. This circumnstances are obviuosly opening a whole new scenario. In this scenario, the frame introduced by Boardman is considered an innovation on the market.
It features a triple-butted aluminium frame and oversize box section chainstays. The new characteristic is the horizontal CNC dropout opposite to the freewheel. This part holds the post mount on which the braking system is located.
The frame's design is clearly for cyclocross, the cable entry port situated at the bottom of the down tube and the exceptional sloping design just confirm this. The whole geometry is concentrated on improving offroad riding: in this regard the top tube profile is very helpful.
The fork is full carbon, with post-mount brakes rack. Other highlights: tapered steerer, BB30 bottom bracket and the possibility of mounting normal cantilever brakes if desired.

Components
Compared to a road bike, this one is really different. The only things in common are the basic components such as handlebar, saddle, seatpost, stem, the SRAM Force group, the Shimano 105 cassette and the FSA 50-34 compact chainset. But if we take a look at the handlebar we notice that it features remote brake levers. Basically, the brake cable that comes out of the Sram Force shifters also goes into the cross-top levers, allowing the rider to brake from there too.
Let's move to the wheels: Ritchey (no rim brakes), with mud-specific treaded 35mm tyres.
The strongest point is the braking system. Avid mechanic brakes activated via a cable. When pressing the brake levers, the brake shoes are applied on the 140mm disc. The disc is drilled throughout, which makes it extremely light. Compared to the cantilever system, this type of brakes guarantee great clearence from mud and dirt, and they are easier to control as well. That's why they are nowadays the standard brakes for all MTBs.

In conclusion...

Being very good value for money and a perfect bike to start competing in cycloross, the 1.700 euros asked for this CX Pro represent a very good investement. Especially for those who intend to race in winter. The bike in question is the top level model of the series, distributed by the international British retailer Wiggle (www.wiggle.co.uk). Alternatively, you could also choose the CX Team featuring lightweight alloy frame (with SRAM Apex) or the Comp one (with Shimano Sora), respectively 1.200 and 1.000. A clear invitation to start training in the mud with no hesitation..

Rating: N/A

Review from Bikeradar

Boardman's original CX Pro was a cantilever-braked cyclo-cross machine that garnered great reviews for its practicality and exceptional value package. With the switch to disc brakes and an all-new frame, can the new version continue the pedigree?


As one of Boardman's new 'international' models, it's not available in the brand's British homeland but a higher spec bike for the UK is reportedly in the pipeline, with a spring 2012 ETA. For now, UK buyers will have to make do with the cheaper CX Team.

Ride & handling: Impressive all-rounder with a good turn of speed



Let's be clear: this isn't an out-and-out World Cup racer and nor is it supposed to be. It can more than hold its own on the race course, with a racy spec and impressive weight for the money (9.8kg/21lb 11oz, 55.5cm size, without pedals). But it's equally at home as a commuter, fast tourer, winter trainer or recreational off-road mile muncher. And it does all these things without feeling as though major concessions have been made in any one quarter, and at a price that almost defies belief.


Wherever you take the CX Pro it's a bundle of fun thanks to its confident handling, but no more so than on the dirt. It comes alive as all good 'cross bikes do on undulating, fast singletrack where it gallops enthusiastically and rewards in equal measure. It's insatiable on the drops and we found ourselves riding there virtually exclusively when off-road.


This was partly for control reasons braking on rough descents on the hoods reveals nervy handing and vague hand security; going onto the drops is transformative for the better but also because it was remarkably comfortable, even for extended durations. The full-carbon fork (including steerer) damps down the worst of the trail clatter and never suffered from brake flutter even when braking hard from speed or on steeps.


Winding the Pro up to speed is direct and efficient, with the box section chainstays ensuring there's minimal flex to disrupt power output. To prevent this stiffness becoming a literal pain in the arse, Boardman have put the disc mount on the non-drive side chainstay rather than seatstay. This removes the need to stiffen or reinforce the wishbone seatstays to withstand braking forces, meaning they can be built in an hourglass shape that again helps absorb trail clatter.


Comfort is further enhanced by the CX Pro's carbon seatpost, 35c tyres and Fizik Arione saddle. The flattened profile of the top tube towards the seat tube junction ensures that shouldering the bike isn't a pain. Shod with slicks and out on the road, the Boardman is comfortable and happily speedy, with confident yet stable handling. Braking is predictable and never felt over-powerful.

Frame: Very well thought out, with plenty of great touches


The most obvious frame detail is the distinctive, Klein-esque smooth welded tubing. Boardman claim that smoothing the welds reduces stress risers, prolonging the life of the frame. It also results in a striking finish that can, at first glance, be mistaken for being made from the black stuff (carbon fibre) rather than triple-butted X9 alloy an aesthetic boon that does the CX Pro no harm.


Dig deeper and it's clear that a great deal of thought and attention to detail has been lavished on the frame. The head tube and matching full-carbon fork are tapered to aid stiffness and steering precision, asymmetrical box section chainstays maximise power delivery, curved wishbone seatstays add comfort, and the press-fit BB30 bottom bracket and cranks are both stiff and light.


The chainstay mounted rear brake means a rack or mudguard can be fitted, boosting practicality, and the CX Pro has two sets of bottle bosses in the traditional seat tube and down tube positions. Full-length brake cable runs mean hydraulic disc brakes can be added to the Boardman should you wish, using a cable-to-hydraulic converter like Tektro's Parabox or Hope's V-Twin. This is a workhorse 'cross bike that will still fly but one that's also bang-on with current trends and forward thinking in its own right.
Equipment: Impeccable value and performance in a near-faultless package


The Boardman represents exceptional value, and for a rider looking for a fleet-of-foot Jack-of-all-trades that isn't far off from being a master of many, it won't disappoint. The spec shows both impressive value for money and attention to detail. Avid BB7 cable disc brakes (with 160mm rotors) yield great modulation and useable power in all conditions, and are easily adjusted for pad contact at the turn of a dial. Full cable runs from the levers to the callipers keep the worst ingress of crud at bay.


SRAM's Force groupset handles shifting duties with its DoubleTap shifters and mechs, combined with FSA's Energy Compact BB30 crankset (50/34-tooth) and a 12-27T Shimano cassette. Shifting is precise and direct, althoug

In conclusion...

An exceptionally versatile 'crosser for the money that's outstanding in virtually every way.

Rating: 5/5