Boardman first launched a women-specific range in May 2010 and have updated the four-bike Fi – or Female-informed – collection for 2012. This is the Boardman Fi Road Comp.
What immediately marks this Fi model apart from its ‘unisex’ counterparts is the paint job, with white/black/yellow replaced by white/black/pink. But there’s more to it than that.
All bikes in the Fi range comes in three sizes – small, medium and large, or, in terms of top tube measurement, 52.5cm, 54cm and 55.5cm.
Components have also been refined, to include narrower handlebars, a shorter stem and a female-specific saddle. Of course, it won’t fit all shapes and sizes but expect most women to find the fit more comfortable, as opposed to the stretched setup of a regular machine.
There are two road bikes in the Fi range, and, with the Fi Team Carbon retailing at £1,299.99, this Fi Road Comp offers a more affordable package at £799.99.
The frame design focuses on speed and comfort, manufactured with triple-butted alloy and featuring an unmistakably Boardman aero downtube, box chainstays for increased power transfer and curved wishbone seatstays to soothe the ride. Or that’s what Boardman tell us; we’ll let you know once it’s been out on the road.
The spec is designed to help ease new riders up the steepest or longest of hills, with Sram Apex 10-speed gears – which can take a cassette up to 11-32 – and a 50-34 compact FSA Gossamer chainset. Tektro R730 brakes and Mavic CXP22 wheels, wrapped in Continental Ultra Sport tyres, complete the look.
This machine is on its way out to one of our female reviewers – keep an eye on RCUK for a First Ride report.
