This was posted 8 years 9 months 9 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Boardman MTB Team 29er 2014 $799 Delivered @ Boardman Bikes Australia

670

Bargain of a beginner mountain bike for $799 delivered. Very rare to see a 29er hard tail with a Rockshox fork and SRAM X7 or equivalent drive train under $1000, not to mention Mavic rims and Continental tyres.

Boardman are a fairly big brand in Britain named after ex-pro and Olympic medallist Chris Boardman. Not so well known here but appears to be part of a big clearance sale of older Boardman stock by the Aus distributor.

Small, medium and large in stock at this time of writing.

Equivalent bikes from other brands

Reid Terra Elite 27.5 -$1100:
https://www.reidcycles.com.au/reid-terra-elite.html

Cell Awaba 1.0 - $1200:
http://www.cellbikes.com.au/Cell-Awaba-1-0

Trek X-Caliber 8 - $1500:
http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/mountain/cross-count…

Giant Talon 27.5 1 - $1600:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/talon.27.5.1…

Specialized Crave 29 - $1700:
http://m.specialized.com/au/en-au/bikes/mountain/crave/crave…

Review for the bike here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/au/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain…

Related Stores

boardmanbikes.com.au
boardmanbikes.com.au

closed Comments

  • +1

    I am not sure about the MTB line up but I can speak highly of the Elite road series..

    I ride on the SLS road bike and is an awesome frame..

  • +13

    The SLS 9.2 road bike for $1500 is also a cracking deal if you'll fit a small or an XL:

    http://www.boardmanbikes.com.au/a/road-bikes/boardman/nsw/sy…

    Carbon frame with full Shimano Ultegra groupset and Ultegra wheels.

    • darn, was too late to get the XL…

    • Awesome price.

    • Great price, I believe they are clearing current models. Looks like they have re branded with new logo etc. https://www.boardmanbikes.com/

      • +1

        Indeed! I do love the new boardman logo design and frame colours.

    • My groupset order from this deal still hadn't shipped yet, so I ended up cancelling my order and ordering the SLS instead. It made good sense as I also had to buy a new wheelset to upgrade my existing frame. This way for an extra ~$400 I end up with two bikes instead!

    • +5

      thats a pretty broad sweeping statement. theyre well specced bikes with a solid rep…no longer stocked at amart either

      • -4

        When it comes to putting a few mm of rubber on the ground at 40+ km, I'd prefer to stick with one of the big brands and a high modulus frame.

        • +3

          I race on an Air 9.8 and used to have a Giant Propel Ad SL and they are both made in Taiwan and both have similar quality carbon frames when you look inside the BB..

        • +1

          That's just snobbery. Broadman are pretty reliable and resale, although no Bianchi, is ok and probably on par with the main competitors.

        • +1

          That's ridiculous. No one ever has ridden a bike and had any problems at all that relate to the distance between the tire and the rim.

          Also no one ever has had any issues with frames … er … see the thing is your post seems to indicate there is some dire consequence around the corner without specifying what it is which makes the preceding content invalid.

          What consequences are you suggesting? Something ridiculous like the frame breaking just likr happened to Mr. Nobody Ever?

    • -1

      The crap in Amart is the bottom end of the boardman range only.

      • +1

        The post is ridiculous as it's suggesting that the bicycle being in Amart is what makes it low quality. Which is irrational: the bike is the same whether it's in Amart or not.

  • +1

    Slightly off topic, but good to see these guys went out on their own and ditched Amart. Which poses the question, is this online or local pickup? The website is slim at best.

    • says free shipping

      • Ok good to know they are doing direct distribution.

    • -1

      I'd say Amart ditched them as they probably sold a very small number. The last time I went to amart was a few months back so they obviously got rid of them recently.

      • Preach your hate Zoombini33!

        On my note, I love 29ers got one but in another brand.

  • +1

    I don't need another bike however this is an excellent deal, it also has a front through axle, a great feature normally only found on bikes $2k+

  • What are some good brands/bikes to look out for when buying a second hand mountain bike?

    Interested in starting mountain biking but don't want to fork out this much just yet for a bike in case the hobby drops off (or i break an arm :P)

    • +2

      Don't look at brand. Just check the components. At the entry level, they are all the same bar slight geometry changes. Ride them to see.

    • -8

      Stick with brand like Giant, Specialized, Merida, Marin etc. These brands have been around for years and have built a solid reputation. It all comes down to your budget but if your after a 29er on a budget then go check out the Marin Bobcat 9.4 at Melbourne Bicycle Centre in Prahran, they have it for $569 with 12 months free servicing.

      • +5

        although its a marin component level is terrible…acera altus?
        id be kicking in the extra 200 odd to get this more than capable sram x7 groupset(shimano slx equivalent), better fork, better wheels, better brakes…everything is better on the boardman & by a fair margin!
        its a steal compared to your rec which is basically in need of upgrades in every dept to make it a decent ride

        • From Brunswick or Footsclay?

  • +2

    Note that it comes with Avid Elixir 3 Hydraulic Disc Brake
    I had a pair of Avid Elixir 1 ; terrible equipment, locks up in the heat/sun.
    Ended up throwing it away and getting XTs

    • +1

      Use dot 5.1 brake fluid has higher boiling point

  • I was just considering a Giant Talon 27.5 4 last week for a general mountain bike for leisurely biking. Would this be a better buy compared to a Talon 27.5 4?, the pricing is similar.

    • +1

      This by country mile. Talon 4 is entry level as it gets, this has better components.

      • Thanks mate!

  • +2

    A bit to much for a beginners MTB…

    I got a giant the other day, recommended by the sales woman. It was like $500.

    Again, this is a BEGINNER'S MTB, doesn't need to cost as much as this.

    • +1

      Yeah, maybe you got the Boulder? Apparently that's the cheapest entry MTB in the Giant range, I don't mind paying a few hundred more if it will give me an overall better ride.

      • +3

        Not sure…

        But a few hundred dollars is too much to part for a beginner, in my opinion.

        Try out the mtns on a cheaper bike, and if you feel like you actually really like this stuff and can commit, then maybe pour in the money if you think the current bike isn't good enough.

        Overall though, have hit the mtns many times now, with a few drops and falls. Bike is solid, can't complain. Happy purchase.

        • To be honest, I'm sure the bike you got will definitely meet my needs, hard to resist a bargain though, also my local giant retailer sells everything at RRP, hard to pay RRP on anything.

        • On the other hand, in this case a few hundred dollars might give you a substantially better ride, and folk might enjoy it more!

          After all, in two weeks many folk will have entirely forgotten a few hundred difference, and certainly in a few months :)

        • +1

          @nuchalis:

          Tru DAT.

          All comes down to how much you're willing to spend / risk.

        • For similar price (if not less if you can fit small or medium) you can get a Silverback Slade (27.5" wheels, shimano specced, hydraulic disc brakes, ok fork etc.) bike from bikebug.

          I was considering Giant Boulder before, but the fork on it is inferior to the one on the Silverbacks (at the same price).
          It is also only 26", which I find too small for anything more technical (which you should be avoiding on lower end bikes anyways).
          Also online opinion seems to say that Suntour XCM or XCR fork at bare minimum. The cheaper Boulders have M30#0 or XCT from memory.

          Edit: Forgot to mention if you decide to build the bike yourself, make sure you tighten the screws on the crank arms, as they are square taper and will easily be damaged/bent if it is loose.

  • +1

    Wow- that's a fantastic price considering the gears/disc brake combo.

    For those who are vertically challenged- 29er's can take getting used to. I'm 165cm, and I find my Giant XTC 29er (small) isn't the nicest nor most comfortable ride. Have been considering changing for a while…

  • Will the Large fit a 180cm man?

    • +1

      I'm 183 and ride a Merida 29er large ….29er is nicer to ride than my Scott 27.5

  • +1

    The website says you need to pay return shipping costs - is this normal? So if the item arrives and the bike has a fault, I need to pay a large fee to send it back?
    Am I entitled to refund the shipping cost if the products found to be faulty?

    • This is normal - actually vendor paying return shipping (like Amazon for example) is the exception IME.

  • Good deal, I got the Trek X-Caliber 8 for $979 on special just before xmas last year.

    • Where did you get the trek ?

      • It was Cycles Galleria, I doubt it's still on sale
        Also, I should note it was the 2015 model so they were probably trying to clear them as everyone started stocking the 2016 model

  • I've bought a couple of bikes from these guys over the years and have always been impressed with the spec for the price:

    For $500 you can get a slightly lower spec'd 29er, but still great for the price: http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/2015-hasa-gallant-3.0-27.5…

    (the the url has the wrong description, but it links to the right bike)

  • Would this be overkill for someone who just wants a bike to ride around with my child? All I would be using it for is riding around streets, parks and trails.

    • +2

      Probably.
      You'll be pedalling unnecessary weight around, compared to a lighter, cheaper bike.
      And you may run out of gears too, since the front chainring is only 39 teeth.

    • +1

      Maybe have a look at a Trek FX. They start at $599. A good lightweight bike. Good if the trails a smoother compact hard dirt. Not too offroad.

      Unless you are really going offroad a MTB is just extra weight for nothing.

    • Would be fine if it was a car you wouldn't be worried if a BMW is too good for doing the shopping ….nice bike for the money ….rock show gold me and forks don't rust if Bayside

  • How does this compare to a Marzocchi 44 TST2 Air Fork?

  • +1
    Very nice specs for $800
    Mavic rims are a bonus you don't get on most bikes twice the price.

  • Not really familiar with bikes, but how does it compare with this similarly priced one? - http://www.99bikes.com.au/merida-big-nine-100-matt-black-201… - $799

    • +1

      Basically everything is better on the Broadman. Except maybe the tyres are better on the Merida.

  • isn't 9mm qr a bit old school? Or is that still standard on hard tails?
    Otherwise looks great.

    • Normally the new fandangles take several years to work their way down from the top of the line models to the entry level. It looks like this year's model has a through axle.

  • Hope someone can answer this.

    The bike will be shipped as individual components requiring assembly by a bike shop?

    • -1

      Standard… everything gets made and packaged in China, to occupy the least amount of space. Then you either put it together, or get a shop to. It's pretty easy to assemble 1-2hrs, no special tools.

    • Typically the bike is fully manufactured. To fit in a flatter package for shipping, the pedals are removed and the handlebar is loosened and turned 90° so it's in line with the frame.

      To assemble you would have to do the reverse - turn handlebar so it's at right angles and tighten the screws and screw in pedals. You might need a couple of Allen keys if they are not supplied.

      To be certain, it would be best to check with the seller before ordering.

  • What size would be recommended for a 178cm tall, 86kg man?

    Thanks 😊

    • I'm in the same 178cm boat - looks like medium or large would be OK, just a matter of deciding whether to size up or down..

      See the size guide here

      • With regards to that frame chart, is it safe to assume that frame sizes are considered equal regardless of wheel size?
        What I mean is I am 180-something cm so I would be a 19" 29er frame, I would also be a 19" frame on a 26er? I ask as I only have experience with 26er bikes.

    • +1

      Get medium, a bike too small is better than too big

      • That's what I ended up going with

    • It isn't cut and dry, some pro riders around your height actually use size small or even extra small, and choose to use a longer stem to compensate. This is for road bikes though, mountain bikes might be different. Regarding road bikes, I'm 177cm tall, and I prefer size small, because I have a short torso with relatively long legs for my height, the arm and torso fit along with standover height *aka being able to stand over bike without denting your sack, are the main considerations for sizing your bike, because seats can be raised or lowered to accommodate most leg lengths no matter the bike size.

  • +1

    I was weighing up this bike as a very good value entry level a few months ago when it was $999 direct from boardman. It would have been my first 29er and I really wanted to see how it fitted before committing. Local Amart had zero stock and wanted a deposit to even get one in for me. In their UK home market they are retailed through Halfords and this model is being cleared at GBP637 so nearly $1300. The new 2016 range have recently hit the stores.

    I eventually went for a 2015 Trek X Caliber 7 which was on clearance for $799 at Fraser's Cycles in Taren Point. If I was more familiar with the 29er size and geometry I wouldn't have hesitated with the boardman but the trek is really putting up with some decent punishment so far.

    On a related note I did pick up a Boardman Hybrid Sport a week later for my partner. It was showing as $499 direct from boardman and we went into amart to try a test fit. Amart had it retailing at $799 and matched the direct boardman price before taking off another 10% as a price beat and 5% for being an amart member. Ended up paying a little over $420. I would have been fine with a price match and not sure if the sales staff messed up or not with the additional discount.

    • What did you make of the Boardman Hybrid Sport?

      • It is really well put together and the smooth weld looks fantastic. She uses it for leisure around the local parks and smoother trails but it is very much a road based hybrid and not a mountain based hybrid. I gave it a try on some of the simpler rocky trails and it made it through but as expected it was really not designed for this so not something I would repeat in a hurry. At a price point below $500 I thought it was very good value against similar spec new models.

  • Great bike with great components for the price, just make sure that you really want a 29" wheelsize! Shame that the rims aren't tubeless ready though, such an easy and amazing upgrade with the right wheels.

    • 29" is a very versatile wheel size.
      You can put 700c road tyres on it, 32 mm and up (perhaps even 28 mm depending on the rim width).

  • If I was after something to get started on, would their cheaper options (Road Sport/Road Comp) be any good?

    • For a similar price, you could get something a lot better second hand.

      • 2nd hand is tricky needs to be near where you live and right size …

  • Convinced the wife this was the way to go. Looking forward to delivery and a ride on the weekend!

  • How is this compared to Fuji Nevada 1.1 component wise?

  • +1

    These offers are amazing! Great quality bikes, I've just bought one, great customer service. I've been looking for a while, apparently these are selling fast!

  • large sold out kids!

    • Bugger me, was too late to pull the trigger.

  • What's a good set of pedals to go with this?

    • Are you after flat pedals or pedals for cleats?

      • Flat pedals

        • If you just need flat pedals, why not use the included Wellgo Platform Pedals?

  • Well I am not happy with boardman aus.. Ordered an XS of a road bike and get a call that the size was never in stock. 10 day to refund with no help of getting another model.. =(

  • +1

    Supposedly they're dealing with a pretty high volume of orders and they're unlikely to be shipped out until later this week or early next.

    • They called me to check my address and said they would ship late this week or early next. I was a little surprised when he called though as he simply asked me for my address, even though he should've had it on the order. Thought he might've been a scammer to begin with!

      • +1

        Dmorg78, thanks for your order! This is our standard customer order process to confirm the bike size and delivery address prior to releasing to our warehouse. We take this step to ensure the right bike is dispatched as we have had customers select the wrong state or size in the drop down. Hope this clarifies!

        • +1

          Thanks Chris. You just never know these days! Anyway, really looking forward to getting the bike delivered, it should be an absolute beauty. Great to see you on here responding to customers too. Cheers mate

      • +1

        At least you didn't get told your getting your ordered cancelled and refunded after spending money on pedals, cages etc to match the bike..

        Boardman bikes are decent but the service provided when they don't want to help with an alternative model is not soo flash.

        • damn…did that really happen to you?

        • +1

          @franco cozzo:

          Yes unfortunately. What's worse is the fact I get a call several hours later that they received a complaint, which didn't occur other then my comment above and the guy tries to sell the me size they have left over in the SLS being small. I made it clear I was fitted to the geo on the XS and get told he will ask the boss to provide a discount on the Air variant as they have them in my size as a once off.

          Day later and no follow up from them, so I email and get a generic sorry all the bikes are below cost and wont drop any further.

          I guess these things happen and I was just a little unfortunate.

        • +1

          @jbnz:

          pretty disappointing they didnt come to the party….not good for a brand trying to establish itself in au in an already busy marketplace
          i dare say you may be crossing them off the list of potential future purchases after that?

        • @franco cozzo:

          Indeed and I agree with you.

          Yes sadly I won't bother with them again for potential future purchases.

          Much rather pay more money and get the service to match locally. Giant tend to have just as good deals on clear out time.

        • @jbnz: A friend's friend bought a road bike from them which was just delivered today. He was unboxing it in the office with all his mates when he discovered the carbon fibre seat tube had a crack. It looks like whoever put the bolt on during assembly overtightened the bolt on the seat clamp with no seat post installed.

          He contacted Boardman and the guy on the phone said it was not damaged in transit and that my friend's friend was lying and damaged it himself by overtensioning the seat clamp. The guy on the phone had a poor attitude - this is definitely not what you want your company to be known for when you're trying to break into the market.

          There were so many witnesses to the unboxing as all his mates are cycling freaks. My friend was even sending me photos as it was happening. He definitely did not install the seatpost, which is still completely mint and smooth with no marks on it. He didn't even have tools at the office - just a pair of scissors to cut open the box.

          It has left a definite sour taste in everyone's mouths. I know for sure I'll be videoing my unboxing just in case. Hopefully I won't ever have to deal with Boardman's customer service.

        • @jbnz: Hi Jbnz, Thank you for your feedback and unfortunately a reality of the high volume of customers that have taken up the incredible savings on offer. Hope to have you on a Boardman soon.

        • @eug: Some good news for my friend, after lots of back and forths they are now replacing the frame with a higher-end one for no extra cost. Maybe there's some hope yet with Boardman's customer service. It definitely didn't leave a good impression.

          I received my SLS 9.2 on Friday. I videoed the entire unboxing and assembly just in case. Fortunately it looks like it's good! The torque settings in the manual looks waaaay off though.

        • +1

          @eug: you keep on talking to yourself people will think you are crazy.

        • @eug:

          Good to hear eug! Likewise boardman managed to eventually help me out with an alternate model.

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