why not? Weight? Geometry? Kit?
Mainly the weight and geometry I think.
It seemed like conventional road geometry, compared to the Kona Jake I’d had before which was much more involving on singletrack.
The Boardman just felt heavy and dead. It was hard work on the road and didn’t handle great off-road.
Kit-wise, the transmission and brakes were OK (nothing amazing), the wheels were heavy and the finishing kit seemed reasonable – but I never took it off and weighed it.
But if you can get one for £500-odd, you wouldn’t lose much (if anything) if it didn’t work out.
Disclaimer: I don’t mind admitting I’ve only ridden those two CX bikes so I’m not an expert. And after the Boardman I decided to get a proper winter roadie instead, which really suits my needs much better.