So I’ve been commuting on this bike now for 18 months so it’s time to follow up on my original report "Boardman Hybrid Team two months on”. 

I guess overall I’m pretty pleased with this bike.  The tyres (Continental Ultra Sport) only lasted 3 months before they started puncturing all the time, a second pair of the same make lasted a similar length.  So I replaced with some Marathon Ultra plus – which have not had a puncture in the last year.

I also replaced the pedals with clipless.  The pedal removal was a nightmare.  They had obviously not been greased.

I have had a couple of issues though

Firstly, the rack screw fixing came loose.  This is not braised or welded on but is something called a “Rivet Nut” or “rivnut” .  I’ve had to hold the rack on with a tie wrap (a temporary solution that has lasted nearly as long as the original fixing).

Halfords should have fitted a full length mudguard.

Secondly, the bottom bracket went after about 15 months.  I would consider this to be a pretty short life.  Maybe the fact that the front mudguard is short.

Actually, the product description said it would take full guards but there are no fixings on the front carbon fork for this year model.  I think previous years (non-carbon) model had fixings.  I asked for (and paid for) full guards but the Halfords guy only fitted a 1/2 guard at the front.  I’m pretty sure full ones could be fitted with clamps but I couldn’t be bothered to argue/wait further for the bike.

It could just be that the bracket wasn’t fitted or greased properly.  Anyway, the replacement was only £20 and took me 1/2 an hour or so to fit.

Conclusion

• Nice bike to commute or leisure ride on – well equipped an relatively light.
• Tyres are pretty useless long term
• Take it apart and put it together again (properly).
• Rack attachment points are not the best – welded or braised would be better but probably more expensive.