I have been using the Comp MX for about three months now. I have done several hundred miles on it and I have to say that I am very pleased with it.
The bike has been on several rides around the local area, which I have to say is very hilly. I have been on several long rides (long for me) and again, had no issues. I have completed the #LondonToBrighton and again, had no problems.
More recently I have started to do commutes on the bike as well, again, no issues.
The gearing is fine, although the drop into 9 and 10 is a bit of a jump from 8. That said, I do find that when travelling fast (over 25 mph) the top gears aren't quite geared high enough for me. I would have ideally wanted a bit more that the bike gives.
The lower gears are fine, but again, they are a bit smaller than I have previously used, meaning that the turn of the crank overs more movement forward, but the force needed to turn it (especially going up hill) is greater than I would normally expect. This again is something that I am now used to.
The gears are good in general and I have found them responsive, although they can be a bit clunky rather than smooth when going at pace.
The crank and rear cog are silent, which I really like – I have decided that the ratchet noise is annoying and the silent operation of the Comp MX is now my preferred style.
The front forks are quite soft when fully open, but it does do the job when going across poor road. The lock out is very helpful when going up hills or on flats. The front forks do have a tendency to end up “going down” when locked. I can only assume that this is because of the rough ground causing the forks sometimes push in and the lock off doesnt allow it to release again. When stopped at lights (and your weight off the bike) its quick and easy to release the front forks back to full length again – and to be honest, when riding, you don't notice that the bike has dropped at all. I really dont think this is an issue with the bike, I think its just the forks responding to curbs and very large bumps in the road. They dont drop every time, just when I have been on speed bump / curb / rough roads.
The tires are good for on road, but they are a bit slippery on anything slightly muddy and wet. Its fine, but they arent really for off road, they are much more better on road. They are 37″ which is large.
The downhill speed is high, or rolling resistance of the bike appears to be really low. The bike, on several occasions has easily passed other people cruising down hill, it naturally picks up quite a bit of pace. This is a good thing in my book, but other might find the pace it gets too a bit of a problem.
The brakes are sharp, very sharp. When moving from disc brakes which were cabled and moving from V-Brakes you will notice that they oil filled brakes are staggering quick to grab. The issue is the wheels arent quite able to cope – again, practice will mean that you get use to (and end up loving) the brakes, but to begin with its quite hard to get used to.
The off-road performance of the bike is fine. It is more for on road, but unlocking the front forks allows for a smooth ride. I find the wheels (as I have alread mentioned) a bit too thin for true off roading, but for someone who has to commute and use bike routes that occassionally go off road, they are ok, if not a little nervous.
The bike weight isn't light, but then again, its not intending to be. I find when I have to lift and turn it round at lights, in the garage, all fine.
The bike has a white seat and white handles. I have no idea why – mine are now dirty. I dont care that the white is turning to an off white, but to be honest, I dont really understand why white was picked. I have spoken to someone in the know and apparently its because it looks better in photo shoots. Either way, if you get this bike, make sure you can cope with the white bits not being white for more than three months. The seat is comfortable as any bike seat can be.
The parts on the bike are considered to be “premium” and because of that you will find a few places where a quick release is no longer present. On the seat post was the most obvious one for me.
I have had no issues with any parts, apart from the rear wheel (read below) and I have gone pretty hard on it. Looks like it should stand the test of time.
In conclusion, I have to say I have been very impressed with the bike. I have not bought a Boardman (Halfords own brand) bike before and I am confident to say that I WOULD recommend it. The bang for buck is good. I went for the larger frame and I am pleased I did. I am on the boarder between the large and medium frame. The large frame is again something I have had to get used to, the distance between the seat post and handle bars is longer than I am used to, but I am now used to it and I find its fine. Just make sure that before you leave Halfords with you new (white) bike, that you ensure that the rear wheel is as tight as it needs to be. Mine wasnt and Halfords DO NOT CHECK IT before you leave. Make sure you do.