I would be thinking that a better approach would be to find out the geometry of the mountainbikes that you've already used and compare that with the bikes you're considering. Not necessarily to match them exactly, but to get you in the right area.
For example, if you've rented a hardtail from biking.ie (
https://vitusbikes.com/products/sentier-27-vr-bike-sx-eagle-1x12) it would feel quite difference to the Boardman:
- The Vitus has a 66 degree head angle compared to the 68 degree on the Boardman - so the Vitus would probably inspire more confidence going downhill.
- The Vitus also 140mm travel forks compared to 120mm
- The Boardman has 29" wheels compared to 27.5" on the Vitus, so that might balance out having less fork travel??? (29" wheels should roll over obstacles a bit easier).
As for components on the Boardman, I think the drivetrain looks fine (but I have no real idea on the wheels or brakes).
One other thing to consider pricing in is a dropper-seatpost as I think being able to have the saddle and the perfect height for climbing and then being able to get it completely out of the way for downhill is a game-changer.
