The Team shares the same geometry as the SLR Endurance, which means the handling is quick but never feels twitchy, so should your tyres break traction slightly front or rear it's really easy to keep control. It's very reassuring, especially if you aren't the most confident of bike handlers and find yourself in a bit of trouble. The frame and fork are made from carbon, not a common material at this £1,000 price point; usually, bikes in this price range use the cheaper aluminium frame material paired with a carbon fork. If you really want a carbon bike at this price, this if one of the few very good options.
The Team isn't quite as racy as its big brother in Boardman's performance range, the Pro Carbon SLR, which was our bike of the year a couple of years back. But consider the Team as a stepping stone, something to hone your skills on before you maybe consider racing.
The Tiagra and FSA Gossamer groupset works well, delivering smooth gear changes. We did find the Tektro brakes a little on the spongey side if we're being critical, however. The finishing kit is all Boardman branded and it's simple and effective stuff, and alloy throughout. The bar has a compact drop allowing plenty of hand options, and when paired with the reasonably tall 160m head tube gives even the least flexible of riders the chance to get into the drops.
The frame uses a press-fit bottom bracket, which means the frame can be wider at this point because the bearing cups, as you have no doubt guessed, are pressed into the frame rather than screwed in with the bearings left externally. This makes for a stiff bottom half of the frame to resist pedalling forces when really going for it, either on the flat or when climbing.
A thousand pounds is a very competitive price point, seeing frames of varying materials. I'm a big metal fan and normally at this price point I'd take an aluminium alloy frame over cheap carbon, but Boardman has shown here that a good carbon frame can be delivered at this price point. Obvious cost savings have been made with the wheels, brakes and that saddle, but they are all things you can tweak and upgrade for minimal outlay.
The Boardman Road Team Carbon is currently discounted to £900, making it an even better buy than when we reviewed it at £1,000. You could use the saving to upgrade the brakes.
Why it wins: A decently specced semi-race bike with a very good frameset at its heart
Mat Brett, Road.cc January 2nd, 2018