Boardman SLR 8.9 Review || Should You Buy This Bike?
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- Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024
- I bought the Boardman SLR 8.9 earlier this year and thought I'd do a local ride and quick review, pros and cons.
I've found RUclips a great place to research bikes and gear so I hope this may be of use to anyone thinking about buying this bike, or even those who already have it and are wondering what other riders make of the bike.
Finishing up the video I've already noticed all kinds of things I could have also mentioned so if you are seriously thinking about buying an SLR 8.9 and have any questions feel free to drop a comment and I'll do my best to answer any questions.
Happy cycling and stay safe!
Bought this bike when it just came out at £1000. I upgraded to 50mm superteam carbon wheelset. (Kept the originals for winter riding). This made a dramatic difference and the bike really flies but still feels comfortable.
Thanks for the comment. I'll take a look at those when I start thinking about a wheels upgrade. Happy cycling!
I've had one for over a year. Still really pleased with my first carbon road bike. Got it from Tredz and it arrived perfectly set up and not had to change a thing. Great value and well done Boardman.
I just ordered one today. I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and the breeze through my hair!😃😃😃
I bought this bike 6 months ago. Fantastic bike. Much lighter than my previous road bike. Looks great and feels great to ride. If ur on the fence weather to buy this I would tell u t go for it.. the price of the bike and the spec you get is amazing.
100% agree! Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
I have the original Team Carbon. Basically similar spec wise to the SLR 8.9 (C7 carbon frame, 105 groupset with an FSA chainset) without the modern tube profiles. I’ve upgraded the wheels and tires (Hunt wheels and GP5000 Tubeless Tires), replaced some of the alloy finishing kit with Deda carbon parts and put on a light weight Selle Italia saddle. The whole bike now weighs around 8.25kg including pedals which isn’t too bad considering the overall cost. The bike originally weighed 8.6kg excluding pedals. It’s a smooth, comfortable and fast bike and has been pretty reliable. I’ve thought about replacing it at various points, but I always end up asking myself why. It’s a good bike at a great price that’s fully lived up to my expectations.
Thanks for the comment. Sounds like your Boardman has served you really well and a 'good bike at a great price' sums it up nicely! Did upgrading the wheels make a noticeable difference? Happy cycling.
@@onemorecyclist Not sure whether it was the new wheels or the tubeless tires, but the ride was totally transformed. It feels more responsive, particularly when you get out of the saddle and put some power down, and the comfort is much improved. Tubeless is well worth it if you haven’t gone there yet. I can’t ever imagine going back to inner tubes.
Thanks for the video, I have this bike and agree it's great, I changed the pedals to some power meter ones, I also have a bike that cost 4 * the price but doesn't ride 4 times as well, I'm going to get the SLR 9.4 when it becomes available as I like the sram etap.
Good to hear another thumbs up for the SLR 8.9. The 9.4 looks like a great bike. I'll probably look at a wheels upgrade next, although no hurry. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Purchased one a few weeks back and loving it
I'm also happy with mine. Thinking of upgrading the wheels next year as would be a good improvement. Probably should have got the disc brake version. Good bike 👍
Yes, also thinking about wheels for next year. Wheels are not something I know much about at this point though, so it will be fun to go down that rabbit hole! Happy cycling!
I bought a lightly used one of these on eBay for £600 which I am delighted with. Changed the wheels to Cero AR24 and fitted s-works mondo tubeless tyres. Otherwise bike is stock and is fantastic to ride. It feels so light despite me being few KG too heavy :-) I am 183cm and ride a 56cm (Large) frame. The rim brakes are fine. I would agree with the comment about the cassette: 11-30 where I ride in Surrey (lots of hills) means I have to get out of the saddle on steeper climbs. Am considering an 11-34 but need to check compatibility.
I think you got a bargain there! 11-34 works fine (have since fitted this cassette on mine) and I'm glad of the extra couple of teeth on the back, especially towards the end of the long ride on those 'last hills' before home. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Got the same bike had it about one year really like it no complaints at all highly recommend it
Snap. Had mine just over a year now and would still happily recommend it. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Just ordered one of these seems a great spec for the money. bit nervous about Halfords building it though they aren't exactly known for their mechanical proficiency especially with carbon I don't think they even have torque wrenches let alone the skill to use them.
I know what you mean. Halfords have some good bike mechanics and some who are, let's say, not so good. Nothing that can't be sorted elsewhere or at home if needed. Agree it is a nice spec for the money. Enjoy the bike when you get it!
@@onemorecyclist cheers I think I'll nip round the bike and torque the bolts up myself just incase get it Sunday.
Great video.
I’m going to be purchasing my first “new” (always had cheap 2nd hand) road bike soon. My wife gets an 8% discount from Halfords so I’m looking at Boardman bikes. I was going to buy the SLR 8.6, then decided I’d stretch to the 8.8 but now I’m thinking the 8.9 would be the better option.
I’ve seen people talk about upgrading the wheels, saddle, and post to save quite a bit of weight. The 8.9 seems a good choice for future upgrades as I intend on keeping it for many years.
Thanks, Neil. From what I can see the whole line up are great bikes. I certainly think the 8.9 has room for future upgrades. I'm a member of British Cycling and that gets you a discount at Halfords (I've forgotten how much, 10% I think), so might be worth checking out as you might get a few more ££ savings there? Enjoy the new wheels when you get them!
I wish I’d seen your reply before Friday. I got one for £880 with the deal they were running plus my wife’s blue light card discount so not too bad. Can’t wait to get it built and out on it now 👍
@@neilwestgate8008 that's a great price! Enjoy setting it up and that first 'proper ride' out - some nice weather for it at the moment, at least here in the Northwest! 🙂
I've got the disc version of this bike, fabulous bike and my first carbon frame. Did my first sportive a few weeks ago and the wheel buckled but this was inattentive PDI by Halfords. Spokes not tightened. All fixed now.
I can imagine checking spokes being completely overlooked by some stores. Totally agree they are fabulous bikes and perfect for a sportive or two! Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Getting one on order for myself and another for the missus, at 6ft my current bike is an XL, just leaves enough room for a light on the seat post.
For her I'm a bit anxious as she's 5'1, so an XS it is... but if that does happen to fail then I'll have to exchange for a completely different bike.
Very much looking forward to it's arrival, and thank you for the video, brilliantly insightful
Thanks for the comment. With the improving weather (U.K.) it’s a great time of year for getting a new bike and getting out. Enjoy your new wheels and happy cycling!
The bike you're riding is a Medium, and you said it's right for your height.
Though noticed your seat way high up. I'm 5:5 and concerned Halfords staff had stated Medium for me.
What do you reckon?
Thanks for the video👏
Hi Daniel. The Boardman size guide suggests you'd be better with a small. I do have my seat and bars raised quite high and could probably get away with a large but I don't like (or don't get on with) a long reach. Maybe I have slightly short arms or something. My advice would be try and get down to a store and try a S and M (even any Boardman road/Gravel bike if they don't have the SLRs in stock) to see which one feels better (probably the S but you never know). Hope you get sorted. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Just ordered one of these, very excited for it arriving in the next couple of days. Bit dubious on the sizing - I had to order Medium and I'm 5'9. Hopefully will be an alright fit though!
Cheers for the video. Ride safe!
Thanks. I think you'll get away with the M size, hopefully! Enjoy the new bike and happy cycling!
medium ... im 178cm and i dont know ... what with your not to short ?
I'm same height as you . I bought medium it the right size for me . Great bike
It really is! Happy cycling!
Cool, I'm into one of these, I think it's a bit too expensive for my budget though, very nice, thank you
I know what you mean. You can spend a lot more money on a carbon road bike these days but it's still quite an expense. You might be able to pick one up second hand for a bit less, and still end up with a great bike to ride. Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist that very true, I'll think about that, thanks a lot mate
I'm 5ft 10 and have the 8.9 in large, on long journeys get a bit of neck ache, I also have a gravel Boardman ADV 8.8 , a bit less reach which is fine in large, think I will try a shorter stem, I prefer the longer frame in some ways because less toe clip on the front on tight corners
Thanks for the comment. Might be worth having a look at your seat position as well (how far forward/back etc.), if you haven'talready? I know what you mean about sometimes preferring a roomier frame. I think the key is, once you've identified the overall 'right size' to go for, not to be afraid to make as many changes and small adjustments as you need to get the setup that works best for you. Happy cycling!
is it worth upgrading the brakes to disc breaks, they do an 8.9 disc that comes with different wheels also, i'm just wondering if its a good option ??
Disc vs. rim brakes on road bikes seems to stir up strong opinions in the cycling world. It's an interesting debate. In my own experience I've found the rim brakes absolutely fine and have never thought my SLR would be any better with discs. I might possibly be inclined towards disc though if I was using the bike daily all year round and in all weather. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Thanks for thw video and the advice......I am actually planning to buy this model of road bike, its worth mentioning that I never used a bike in London, never used a road bike either so I hope this will be a good one to start with 🙂, I will choose to have the bike collected by me from thw store and that I buy it from,is there any particular thing that I should look out for before I get on the road with is please?thanks for thw advice again and keel up the good video
Thanks for the comment! It's a great choice for a first road bike! Just lots of common sense things come to mind (not including components you can change straight away if you want!); if the store is building the bike for you give it a quick try in the car park/outside and don't be afraid to go back in and ask them to sort if you notice any issues (brakes rubbing or not working as they should, gears not properly shifting, anything maybe slightly damaged or bent etc., i.e. hold them to a proper bike build). They usually offer a free check after X amount of time or miles, so that might be something to consider too if you don't do your own servicing etc. Find a quiet spot initially, take a multi tool and just aimlessly ride around making the adjustments you need to get comfortable (seat height, how far forward/back, bar rotating for hoods position etc.) and making sure all the bolts seem tightened properly - I actually continue to do this for a few weeks on new bikes as it takes a while to get the position really dialled in, in my experience (and things can work loose on new bikes after the first few miles). I suppose if you're in London it's about getting really comfortable on the bike and with the handling, so you can be really focussed on the road conditions. Enjoy the new bike - stay safe and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist thank you so much for the reply and I will be back with a feedback on how things go, in the meantime safe roads and keep the videos coming 🙂
I wish these were available in the U.S. Over here it seems we're locked in to paying for the big brands such as Specialized or Trek with their inflated prices.
That's a shame. I think the only uk store that might have shipped one out (Tredz Bikes) suspended their international deliveries in 2020. The Triban and Van Rysel bikes from Decathlon are available in the US I think? If I hadn't bought the Boardman - and if they were ever in stock here - I'd have gone for a Van Rysel. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Hi I’m looking at buying my 1st road bike. What is the difference between the different Boardmans? 8.9, 8.6 etc. different price points etc. maybe you can give me some insight? Many thanks
Hi Scott. I'm not an expert on bikes, or particularly snobby when it comes to brands, so you'd get different views depending on who you ask. The Boardman bikes 'under' the 8.9 will be aluminium frames rather than carbon (so potentially a bit heavier), have fewer gears - so less of a spread between the highest and lowest gears - and may have frames that are slightly less aerodynamic. They will also have more 'basic' groupsets. My personal view is that if someone is just getting into cycling these things don't really matter that much (compared to just getting out, building up experience and fitness and enjoying your cycling), and even the basic groupsets on these bikes are really good. If your budget can stretch to something like the 8.9 (or something far more high spec and pricier), that's great but if it doesn't you will still end up with a decent bike if looking at the 8.6 or 8.8. I rode a budget Carerra 16-speed for years and did Land's End to John O Groats on it - and it never missed a beat! Also worth a look if the budget doesn't stretch to a Boardman. Good luck with whatever you choose, thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist amazing thanks for the reply. I’m just getting into cycling. I’m going to order the 8.6 XL frame on the bike to work scheme. Just hoping j don’t fall off in the 25mm tyres 😬
I purchased a Boardman Hybrid a couple of months ago to get me back into cycling after a long absence.
Now I've got the bug back and my mileage is rising I'm looking to upgrade.
I cycle mostly on road/cycle paths, though there are a few country lanes which are potholed/not so well maintained.
Would this in your opinion be a suitable upgrade ?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Lee. Thanks for the comment. Potholed and poorly maintained roads are quite hard to avoid, aren't they?; especially in the UK. There are limits to how comfortable you could make the ride over more rough surfaces, and other road bikes (for example allowing for wider tyre clearance - i think the Boardman maxes out at 700x28c) might be worth checking out if that's a key consideration. Generally speaking though I'd say it's a nice upgrade from a hybrid bike ... but it all depends on what kind of riding you're aiming for, and where. Good luck with the next bike, whatever you go for. Happy cycling!
Hi Great video thanks for that. I'm 6 "2 in height and looking to get this. I was thinking of finding a large frame size??
Thanks for the comment. L sounds right for your height. Even better though if you have chance to visit a store and try the size before buying. Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist ok thanks pal
Really enjoy my bike...only downside is when a chain dropped it really cracked the carbon off.
change the wheels to hunt wheels and was much more responsive. recommend doing this.
@@ninderb have you a link? what is the tyre thickness on this please>?
Same here I found the paint can easily chip so I have black electrical tape now covering all the superficial marks!!
@@paulegan3860 I went for hunt 50, 28 wide.
Between your triban 520 and boardman SLR 8.9 which one would you choose for road riding I’ve been looking between these bikes and giant contend AR 3 and I’m leaning to 520 which one would you choose and why please and thank you
Hi Jorge. That's a difficult question but if I could only have one I'd go for the Triban. I enjoy short, zippy club rides or a quick evening blast after work and the Boardman is a bit more of a 'road bike' in that regard (lighter, faster, looks the part I suppose) but mainly I'm not really bothered about speed or having a fancy brand bike, so for it's versatility in terms of set up options (currently I run larger tyres and a massive cassette on the back for easy hill climbing all day long), general comfort and the fact I can attach panniers and even tour on it, the Triban would be the one (if I could only have one). Hope whatever decision you make turns out to be the right one for your preferred style of riding. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist thanks you very much I’m starting on my cycling journey I’m a run looking to add in some serious cycling training miles I’m not fast but I find my old Fuji royal is just not good enough to go for more then 40 miles before I’m done and plus it’s my wife’s bike so it’s size is smaller then i should be riding which I think I need my own bike and getting a entry level endurance bike seems so complicated with all the options for road bikes
Would anyone know what weight of rider this bike supports ...im 120Kg a heavy bloke ...cant seem to find an answer to this question..thanks in advance
Hi Dan. I got an owner's manual with mine. Never opened it before but I've just checked it and it says "Unless otherwise stated, adult bicycles are designed to carry a rider of up to 120 Kg and up to 20 Kg of luggage". There's then a few sentences about young adult bikes and fastening luggage securely before ending with "The maximum total weight of the cycle, rider and luggage should never exceed 160 Kg." The maths doesn't quite add up there but that's what it says. Please take with a pinch of salt (info from a stranger on the Internet) but hope this helps. Happy cycling!
Hi onemore....thank you for the reply ..its much appreciated.....thats good to know ....I plan to buy a bike this August ...and that one is getting great reviews all around...I think I will bite the bullet and go for it
Thanks for the video brother, I last rode a bike when I was 21, it was a 350 quid Carrera my dad bought me for Xmas when I was 18. I'm 32 now and suddenly became overwhelmed with the feeling of riding again.
Not really a question just wanted to say thank you, and get your opinion on how much of a difference this Boardman will be to my previous? (it was basic but I loved it)
On the cycle to work scheme it seems like an easy choice for me, is there anything I should consider that I might be missing?
Cheers :)
Hi David. Thanks for such a nice comment and really great to read that you're getting back into cycling! I actually cycled John O Groats to Lands End on my first road bike (also a Carrera - cheap, bottom of the range components but set up properly and it was faultless), so I have a lot of time for bikes that the cycling elite would turn their nose up at. The Boardman I've reviewed here is a slight step up towards the pricier bikes, lighter and more aerodynamic, a bit more responsive when you put some power through the pedals, a bit easier on the hills etc. That being said if I were daily commuting (you mentioned cycle to work) I might be tempted with something more like a gravel or hybrid bike - bit more robust (than carbon) with disc brakes for really bad weather. I have (and have reviewed on here) a Triban RC520 and this is a great value all rounder/commuter and would definitely be worth considering on the cycle to work scheme - that's how I got mine in fact. Stay safe and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist interesting!! You've given me a lot to think about, I will check out the bike and your other vid. It makes sense to get a more versatile gravel friendly bike for year round commutes but I can't resist the fast ones!
There would be weekends where I want to do long distance and thrash it around, the impression my friends give is anything less than a speedy racer is sub par and a waste of time.
Am happy to have heard your opinion!! If you could only have one of those two bikes for all scenarios which you pick?
This is why people end up with more than one bike (in my case 4!). If I could just have one between the Triban and Boardman it would be the Triban. Not because it's better but it's more of an all rounder for the kind of cycling I do. Enjoy shopping around and have fun on whatever bike you decide on!
@@onemorecyclist now that I have a job and some income something tells me I won't stop at one :'D
Thanks for your time man absolutely buzzing to get back on the bike again, was a pleasure to talk it through with you.
Hi, just wondered if you could enlighten me on the wheelset. Are they QR or Thru type, and are they any good? Cheers👍
Hi, thanks for the comment. They are QR and in my experience pretty bombproof and do the job fine on UK roads. I had a loose spoke on the rear but as I mentioned in the video I just don't think the bike was put together with much care in the factory. Easily sorted. So i'd say the wheels are probably worthy of an upgrade on this bike in due course but out of the box are perfectly fine. Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist Thanks for the info. I'm guessing they are also cup and cone rather than cartridge bearings. I love wheels that use cartridge bearings (mavic aksium etc) as the old style are are pain in the backside to fettle. 👍
how are the rim brakes? is it worth going for the disc model, despite being heavier?
Thanks for the comment. How good brakes are is pretty subjective and to some extent depending on conditions you ride in etc., but in my own experience I'd say i have as much confidence overall with these rim brakes as I do with mechanical disks on my other road bike. Nowhere near as good as hydraulic disk brakes though. Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist hello, I thought they had hydraulic brakes already fitted? This is what’s stated on Halfords and other bike outlets
Hi. I believe there's a disk version of the bike with hydraulic brakes. I have the rim brake version. Happy cycling!
I’m thinking about getting this bike what frame do you think would be ideal for a 5 foot 10 man who’s around 100kg?
You're right on the boundary between a small and medium frame, according to the official size guide for these bikes. If you can get to a store and actually 'try one for size' that would perhaps be the best thing to do. I'd probably say - but feel free to ignore this as it's really just my own preference here - aim for a medium size and then swap out the stem to something a bit shorter if you find it slightly stretched out at the handlebars. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling, whatever bike you end up with!
Thinking about getting one of these, I’m 5ft 8 what size do you think would suit me?
Hi Aaron. Thanks for the comment. The official size guide suggests S would be right for your height, but if you can the best thing is always to pop to a store and try one out for size. Hope you get the right fit and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist thanks for the advice, Happy cycling!
If only it was a 105 groupset bike I would consider it
it is!
@@paulegan3860 not the crank and rim brakes and if you want to change it to 105 you will need an adapter in the BB 😢
@@vbmlbb71 pops right in £20 on Amazon I've upgraded mine to DT swiss PR1600 wheels transformed the bike.
Do you think this bike would be good for some amateur/local racing?
Hi. Racing is a little outside my area of experience but you can certainly wind this bike up to some serious speeds and it still handles well (in my opinion). I suspect if you raced on it you'd be up against some much lighter bikes ... but it might be fun trying to take some of these on! Happy cycling.
how is the riding when it rains? is it ok?
It’s ok ideally you need better tyres compared to the stock ones
Got continental 4 seasons on my 8.9 SLR yes a bit expensive but I don't think you'll get better wet grip from any other tyre.