This Boardman Hybrid Team isn't actually new – it was launched in 2014 and is essentially an updated version of a bike that we reviewed way back in 2011. We thought we'd get one in to remind ourselves why these are some of the most popular bikes on British roads at the moment.
The Hybrid Team isn't cheap – it retails for £750 and for many that's a pretty serious investment for a commuting machine. We think the Boardman goes a long way to justify its price though.
The chrome-like finish won't please everyone
To start off with, the Hybrid Team is a good-looking bike, especially considering the example pictured is the largest frame size available. The chrome-esque paintwork might not suit everyone's tastes, but together with the frame's carbon-imitating smooth welds, it creates a look that sets it aside from most of the competition.
Efforts have been made throughout to keep the frame comfortable on rough surfaces and efficient at putting power through the rear wheel. The comfort box is ticked by the use of slender wishbone seatstays, chosen to provide comforting flex to the triple-butted aluminium frame. In contrast, stout box-section chainstays are used to maximise efficiency.
The frame and fork also feature all the drillings and eyelets required to fit full-length mudguards and a pannier rack.
Stiffness is a priority at the front too, with a stout head tube area containing the tapered steerer of Boardman's own full carbon fork. Another highlight of this model is its Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic disc brakes. Nabbed straight from SRAM's mountain bike drawer, these parts are built to stop bikes with a lot more weight and are a big step up from the mechanical discs used on the cheaper Hybrid Comp model.
Those Avid brakes also mean that the Hybrid Team gets a disc-specific Mavic XM319 wheelset – another proven part carried across from the mountain bike world. The tyres are 28mm versions of Vittoria's popular Zaffiro model.
A rack and full length mudguards will go on without a problem
The transmission is a 2x10 configuration with a mix of SRAM Apex and S700 components. The finishing kit is almost exclusively from Boardman and appears to be decent quality and well finished.
The complete bike, excluding pedals, tipped our scales at 10.2kg (22.5lb). The Boardman Hybrid Team is available in small, medium and large frame sizes and is available to buy from Halfords.
