Boardman Bikes have released details of their fi (female informed) bikes for 2012. The four-bike range sees a number of upgrades to the current offering, while keeping the model types fixed at two road bikes, a mountain bike and a hybrid.
Topping the list is the Road Carbon at £1299.99, which changes from white to silver (with pink highlights) this year. The all-carbon frame comes in three sizes, with top tube lengths measuring 52.5 (SM), 54 (MD) and 55.5cm (LG). It's specced with Shimano 105 brakes and gears, an FSA Gossamer Pro 50/34 crankset and Mavic Aksium wheels.
Road Comp fi
The Road Comp fi is priced at £799.99 and features an alloy frame with carbon fork. There's no change to the colour scheme though, it remains white with pink highlights. The Road Comp also comes in three sizes but top tube lengths are shorter, on the whole, than the Road Carbon: The XS measures 51.5cm, while the S is 53cm and MD 55cm. It's kitted out with SRAM Apex gears, Tektro R730 brakes, and FSA Gossamer Compact 48/34 crankset and Mavic CXP22 wheels.
MTB Comp fi
The MTB Comp fi hardtail mountain bike comes down in price compared with the current model, from £699.99 to £649.99. And although it looks similar to the 2010 bike, the alloy frame is 'all new' according to Boardman. Three sizes are available, with effective top tubes ranging from 54.5 (SM), 56 (MD) and 58cm (LG) coupled with 90mm stems. The 100mm travel fork changes from a Rockshox Recon SL to a Suntour Epicon, shifting and braking are handled by SRAM X5 and Avid Juicy 3s, and the crankset is FSA Alpha Drive 44/32/22.
Hybrid Comp fi
The final model is the Hybrid Comp fi, which retails for £599.99. Like the other bikes, the alloy frame comes in three sizes: 54.5 (SM), 56.5 (MD) and 58cm (LG) effective top tube lengths. SRAM X5 and Microshift shifting is coupled with Avid BB5 disc brakes, and an FSA Vero Compact 48/34 crankset combined with a Shimano CS5700 cassette should give enough of a gear range to get you round town.
For more information on the Boardman fi range, visit www.boardmanbikes.com/fi/index.html and www,halfords.com.
