Boardman TTE 9.2

Designed in the UK and developed with input from a man who knows a thing or two about going fast against the clock

Chris Boardman needs little introduction. Before Sir Brad, Cav and Froomey came along, he was probably the only UK cyclist most people could name. Over a highly successful career, Boardman forged a reputation for finding new ways to cheat the wind, and that’s still at the heart of the range of TT bikes he puts his name and knowhow behind.

In the case of the TTE 9.2, an intriguing innovation is the application of strips of socalled ‘trip-tape’, a 1.25mm thick sharp-edged clear plastic tape applied to the leading edge of specific tubes. ‘This is one area where I know we are genuinely faster than the competition,’ says Andy Smallwood, managing director of Boardman International. ‘The tape trips the boundary layer of air, turning it turbulent, and keeping it attached for longer before separation. We’ve seen there’s a significant aerodynamic benefit to be had and this is unique to Boardman.’

As is befitting a machine bearing the name of the three-time Tour prologue time-trial winner, everything from the Boardman’s integrated stem and cockpit to the recess in the seat tube for the rear wheel has been designed with speed as the ultimate goal. However, even the most aerodynamic bike won’t be the fastest if it doesn’t suit the rider, and Boardman says it has taken into account feedback on stability and handling from the pro teams and riders using its bikes in developing the TTE 9.2.

Everything from the integrated stem and cockpit to the rear wheel recess is designed with speed as the goal