Hi,
Interested to hear opinions about this...
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/fs_pro.html
Looks good value at £1500 with bolt thru front and rear etc...
Anyone got one? not much info on the internerd.
Cheers
Bike Forum
2012 Boardman FS Pro - opinions?
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Posted 4 months ago #
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Friend had a 2010 one, it snapped on the chainstay.
Posted 4 months ago # -
But they're a different frame design for 2011/12?!
Posted 4 months ago # -
I know, does that make them any better built though?
Posted 4 months ago # -
I know, does that make them any better built though?
The new Boardman frames seem well made and have been reviewed in high regard. One of the bikes I like the look of if I went to FS.
I have 2010 HT Pro has been flawless.
Have heard that the older FS are prone to snapping ( Just like a number of other 'better' bikes - looking at you lapierre).
I'd be more worried about some of the issues with e BB30 and the machining tolerances on the newer frames that I have heard but understand that the newer batch of frames have sorted this? Not totally sure on this issue really but just what I have read here.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I know, does that make them any better built though?
Who can say?
But a samle of one persons mate having owned and bust a differnt bike from the same manufacturer is hardly conclusive proof that they're all gash though is it?
Applying your logic - I once owned a Raleigh Burner, it was Awsome; Hence all Raleighs Ever are Awsome! Fact! - So buy a Raleigh...
Posted 4 months ago # -
snapping chainstays aside...yeh, bit concerned about the BB30 but the spec and geometry looks great, love the idea of maxle both ends on a 130mm bike. Looks lovely in the flesh too.
Been offered another 10% off too, so it would only be £1350...
Posted 4 months ago # -
Wifes got a Fs Team (long story which includes bike to work) and although there have been 'issues' (which have been resolved fairly quickly which I think is down to the fact that the guy in my local halfords is actually useful and knows what he is talking about plus he is actually competant with a spanner) they are very good bikes. Comfortable for day long rides good for blasting local trails and capable on most stuff you'll face in the Uk
Posted 4 months ago # -
Who can say?
But a samle of one persons mate having owned and bust a differnt bike from the same manufacturer is hardly conclusive proof that they're all gash though is it?
Applying your logic - I once owned a Raleigh Burner, it was Awsome; Hence all Raleighs Ever are Awsome! Fact! - So buy a Raleigh...
1) Raleigh Burners were never, and never will be awesome.
2) He asked for opinions, I gave him mine, which is a damn site more than you have to offer having no experience whatsoever.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Steve, what were those 'issues'? BB30?
Skywalker - I appreciate your opinion!
Posted 4 months ago # -
She's got the team which is standard BB and QR rear - The biggest problem with the whole thing was the monarch rear shock blowing up!!! It was sent back to be rebuilt / repaired / replaced, Fishers decided that they would replace the rebound assembly (which was at fault) and sent it back 2 weeks later the seals on the can went (they hadnt been replaced!) Halfords gave her the shock from the pro to replace the faulty shock so ultimately it was the rockshox element that failed.
Other than that no real issues to highlight more if the geezer working in halfords is useless take it straight to a 'proper' bike to be setup
Posted 4 months ago # -
Bb30 bearings seem to go very quick halfords will strip and re grease.
Also been told that the paint is crap and chips very easy. Not sure if this is true.
Apart from that there very good bikes.Posted 4 months ago # -
Bb30 bearings seem to go very quick halfords will strip and re grease.
Also been told that the paint is crap and chips very easy. Not sure if this is true.
Apart from that there very good bikes.Posted 4 months ago # -
This one is anodized, I believe from looking at it so the paint's not a concern.
Crappy BB30 bearings though, hmm. The price of progress!Posted 4 months ago # -
I have a 2011 team fs. Cracking bike but the rear linkages kept coming loose. Turns out the bolta are too short. Got some longer ones sent through.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I'd happily buy one, this years models seem really on the ball 130mm travel (just right for most UK riding) and slackish handling, whats not to like? Last years were a tad too 'old school' for me, though still immense value, even before you start looking at discount to shift unsold 'old' stock.
As for reliability, it's not like the first year Trek EX all had there chainstays replaced, is it? (lots & lots did)Posted 4 months ago # -
I have the team and its better than most other 1500 quid bikes I tested so the pro should be even better. I figured I wasn't good enough to justify the extra...
Posted 4 months ago # -
ST recently did a review I think, against similarly specced/priced bikes. I think it won.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I have a 2012 FS Pro a can only praise it really. The only 2 negative comments i will make revolve more around finishing, these are that the Seat-post had around 3 inches of lacquer removed by Halfords Staff when they originally put the post in place. Halfords would not entertain a replacement when i enquired later that week in spite of me not being out on the bike. The other negative was that some bolts came loose after the first couple of short rides out although this is something which everyone should check regularly anyhow (although keep an eye on the chain-stay bolt nearest the derailleur - had to be kept in place with thread-lock as the problem re-occurred). I have had no issues with the BB30 although i am only around 120 miles in. Likewise i have had no paint issues either.
Personally speaking i think you would find issues with all mass produced items, not just bikes. I have had small issues with virtually every bike i have owned. Ultimately we are buying Mountain Bikes to use as Mountain Bikes (i hope). They are going to get chipped and scratched its the nature of the sport i'm afraid.
The bike itself is fantastic, it handles well, is reasonably light and the equipment spec is virtually unrivaled for the money (only Canyon come close and they are mail order). You really do have to look at bikes around £2000+ to get a level of spec like it. The rear shock was simple to set up for me/my weight and although there is no lock-out on the shock the Pro-Pedal system does an excellent job of eliminating bob, its virtually non existent even when standing on climbs.
I am 5'11" with a 33.5" inside leg and long arms, i settled on a Large. With my shoes on it gives me around 3 inches of stand-over in front the seat and clearance virtually all they way up to the Headstock/Stem.
Overall a great buy and would recommend to anyone who asked.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Have the 2012 pro ht and l am very impressed so far. I have had no issues at all so far, the bike is shared by me and my son as a second bike and as such gets a fair bit of use. The bulld quality is good and the spec level is right up there, as for the bb30 l strippeed mine from new regreased everything and reassembled and have had no problems
Posted 4 months ago # -
Well I bought the Pro FS in the end and I took it out for the inaugural run on Saturday at the Raven Trail in Brechfa.
Having used bigger travel bikes and DH bikes only over the last few years it was a fantastic shock to ride a shorter travel, lighter weight, bike and I absolutely loved it!
I admit, I did fit a 50mm stem and wide bars...
My mate was on a 2011 Trek Remedy and I was right behind him on all the descents - he's ridden the Raven Trail many times and this was my first visit so I was pretty pleased.
I completely concur will all of guado78's comments, for the money it's a top bit of kit. As said, it's mass production so what more can you expect, although I did completely strip it and ensure all the bolts etc. were greased, loctite'd and tightened.
Highlights were the geometry, 2 x 10 gears (simply brilliant) and snappy 142mm Maxle rear end (almost hardtail like). Actually the real icing on the cake was the fact I run a water bottle!!
Tyres are not my style, so on went High Rollers. No negatives to report, I was grinning ear to ear!
Posted 4 months ago #
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