Just would like to say thankyou for an honest review of a bike made for the average road rider. I know people who would say that £1000 was way to expensive for any bike, but they have only ever bought BSOs, so do not know what they are missing. I have a sub £1000 carbon bike which I have had for seven years and have covered many thousands of miles on it, upgraded from sora to 11 speed 105 and it is a solid platform. I now also have a Ribble SL Endurance Disc which I paid £3000 for and apart from the discs it is essentialy the same bike. £3000 is a staggering expense and was only possible through the cycle to work scheme, but I have friends with 6k, and 7k super light rocket bikes with whom I ride, and on my old carbon bike I keep up with and outride them. Don't be fooled by the hype of the superbikes, the bike is only as good as the rider.
Thanks, Dave and I couldn't agree more with what you've said here! For one of my early 'big rides' (pre channel) I rode the length of the UK on a sub £500 aluminium road bike (Claris 8 speed if I remember right) and never once felt lacking in comfort or that I needed more out of the bike. Nice to have that experience 'in the bank' as it helps take a lot of the hype with a pinch of salt! Appreciate the comment and here's to a fun year ahead keeping up with those superbikes! 🙂
Just ordered this bike and you were the first video review I’d looked at and you were the reason I bit the bullet and forked out £1200 😂 so if I don’t like it it’s on you!! 👀😂 nah great video mate inspired me to buy one and I hope I love it as much as you love yours
That's a grand ride with 'big numbers' and some beautiful countryside. Both climbs out of Sutton-in-Craven are monsters, kudos for taking that route over to Oakworth & Ox. That's a good real-world assessment of the bike and I think reliability and serviceability are often overlooked in today's bike media. Minimal fuss, expense, or time in the workshop - ideal.
Thanks. When I got to Oxenhope I knew I'd make it back in one piece (just about!). I've done the ride up from Keighley to Howarth (many moons ago) and I don't remember it being anywhere near as crazy as that Sutton climb. The joys of not knowing the roads you're on or what's in store. Yes, a bike that's reliable and 'easy to work on' definitely gets my vote.
I’ve actually just bought an slr 8.9, not the same year as yours, the one before that came in the gorgeous red and black finish and it’s a beautiful bike to ride. Yes tiagra is a step down from 105 but frame wise it feels like a pure out and out race bike. Great bike for the money. It says a lot when people give give your bike a second look haha
Just ordered this at Halfords after watching your video. It’s on sale for £840, plus I save nearly £300 using Cycle2Work scheme. It’s cheaper than many second hand lower spec bikes. Looking forward to getting it
@@carlaostler9439 I could have, but I work for myself and the saving would only been another £80 and I’d need to fill in extra tax paperwork. There’s a 25% balloon payment at the end of the C2W hiring period which nobody realises, so I could have saved £300 but then need to pay back £220 in a years time. If I was an employee I would have taken advantage
I have the SLR 8.9 in large, on rides over 40miles my biggest issue is neck ache ,I think I will go down the shorter stem route as mine is 120 mm, my longest ride just overe100 miles. Here in Cornwall you can't go anywhere without hills but I have learned to love them and have even taken part in a couple of hill climb competitions on the SLR and done reasonably well. My original tyres perished before the tread wore out and now I have a couple of Continental sport tyres which roll brilliantly
Yes, same issue for me (neck ache) if I use the stock stems on road bikes. Shortening the reach a bit and raising the bars and the aches disappear, at least for me. At some point in the future I might try a 'proper bike fit' as I'd be interested to see how the results compare with how I like to set my bikes up. I remember those Cornish hills from doing John O Groats to Lands End a few years ago! - lovely part of the UK for cycling though. Thanks for the comment, will check out those tyres, and happy cycling!
I have the 8.9 Disc....use it as my Winter bike, it is HEAVY, mostly due to the wheelset. 105 is the lowest spec I have on my bikes but it works really well silky smooth shifts and the disc braking is good too with excellent modulation, only downside is the shifter likes to chew through the cables (design fault).....need to upgrade the wheels but as I only use it for Winter/rain I haven't bothered.
Hi Martin - thanks for the videos. I've had my Boardman SLR 8.9 about as long as you - I brought it because I had an earlier aluminium Boardman stolen and because I liked it so much I brought the nearest similar bike - also bikes were in short supply at the time and it was readily available at Halfords. I'm an older cyclist (much older!) and I was dubious about buying a bike above my station but it's been fine for me a speed machine in comparison with my earlier steel bikes. I've done about 9000 miles on it now - found it a bit bumpy to start with and the sharp turn on the bars and thin tape gave me some trouble on my left hand. I've also changed to Schwable tyres after a series of punctures. I thought I'd have to change the seat but it's suited me fine. Two slight niggles - I've never been able to adjust the front mech to avoid some touching and where the cable comes out of the rear mech at an angle the cable has worn a slot in the housing - I'm sure this is hindering the rear change. Have you had to have a new chain and chainring? Again thanks for the videos - I'm ok for my local hills in South Derbyshire but sure I'd be struggling with your Peak District climbs. Brian.
Hi Brian. Appreciate the comment and nice to hear you're enjoying your Boardman. That's some good mileage (in my book!). I think with the little niggles you sometimes reach the point where a quick trip to the local bike shop is in order (well, I do anyway). Glad it's not just me that finds the bar tape a bit thin. I use Cinelli cork tape on my other bikes and the cushioning is so much better, just not got round to the Boardman as yet. Yes I've replaced the chain one or twice so far. I actually bought a chain measuring tool a few months back as I'm sure over the years I've changed a few chains too early. Enjoy those Derbyshire hills and happy cycling!
I got a 90mm stem with 7% and flipped it. And put gp5000 tyres on mine. Rides amazing still for me 13months in. I wanna get carbon wheels for my upgrade
Hi Martin, Another great video. I’ve seen a few people talk about the wheels on the SLR 8.9 not being very good. Mainly them being a right bugger to change tubes in the event of a puncture. Apparently because the wheels are tubeless ready it makes getting the tyre of and on again very tight. Just wondered what your experience (and anyone else’s) is with this?
Thanks again, Neil. I haven't noticed the tyres being an issue to get on or off (more than with any other bike at least). I have Schwalbe tyres too, which are notorious for being quite difficult. I've been been using a 'Tyre Glider' for a while now - made by a company called Rehook, not sponsored :) - and it's a great bit of kit, in my view way easier than using tyre levers.
Thanks. I’ve seen those online. I’ll see how I get on with the bike and may have to invest in one. Thanks for all your videos on the SLR 8.9 I bought a new one from Halfords on Friday which should arrive tomorrow. Managed to get 28% off with various deals and voucher codes so did quite well.
What site did you get your name stickers off. And did you have enough room on the B screw when you changed the cassette. Many thanks. I'm looking at this bike at the moment and really appreciate your honesty with all your videos. Would be great next year to organise a cycle ride with you.
Yes the cassette went on no problem and I don't remember any major faff re-indexing etc. The stickers were from a Czech company called Bicistickers and I can't for the life of me remember how I ever came across that company! 🙂
Great video and good to know I’m not the only person who opts for 70mm stems. I’m still relatively new to this and just wanted to know if you needed to increase the chain length to accommodate the larger cassette? Best wishes 👍🏼
Hi, thanks for the comment. The same chain was fine in my case (a bit of re indexing of the gears was all that was needed). I think the largest cog increasing by just 4 teeth was 'within tolerance' for the chain and derailleur but if you went much larger it probably would be a case of a chain with a few more links needed. Happy cycling!
All subjective here but I wouldn't say I found the 'factory settings' really aggressive but I do have a relatively short torso/arms and long lower body so bringing the reach in a bit always works for me. As I'm not particularly focussed on speed either the modest raise adds a noticeable bit of extra comfort. I could probably live without both adjustments but just find this works for how I like to ride.
@@onemorecyclist great thanks for that. I was just looking at the prices online and the disc version is 550 more than the rim brake version for the same bike. My cars brakes are way cheaper than that 😂
I honestly didn't notice any difference in handling going from 100mm to 70mm with a rise on the Boardman, except it's way more comfortable for me personally (although obviously not everyone's cup of tea). I have found on other road bikes shorter stems making the front feel weird (not sure how else to describe it) - and you do need to watch out for knees hitting the bar ends when out of the saddle if you go too short - but on this one it's been fine for me. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
To give me a guide can I ask your height and which frame size you went for please? I’m 5’10 and looking online seem to be between small and medium size frame. Thinking this bike might be my first road bike…
Hi, thanks for the comment. With the usual caveats (advice from a stranger on the Internet, always good to try a bike for size in store if possible etc.) I'd be inclined to go for the medium. I'm 5'11 and I could put the seat post a bit higher and quite a bit lower. I find the reach on road bikes a bit of a stretch generally (possibly have a slightly shorter torso for my height and/or a bit less flexible in my old age) but by swapping the stem out to a 70mm this worked fine for me (so there are options if the reach is a stretch straight out of the box). If in between sizes I personally prefer the 'roomier' frame, especially for riding out of the saddle on climbs for example. Hope this helps and enjoy the new road bike when you get it!
@@onemorecyclist sorry to hijack an old comment, but I am also considering either this bike or the ADV equivalent - I am 5'7" - I assume this means a "small" is best for me? I am confused because on previous bikes (from cheaper manufacturers) I have always gone medium but the boardman size guide is different to anyone else!
@@arunchandar2757 yes, 'S' would appear to be the right size based on your height, although it's so difficult to be definitive with these rough size guides. I could lower the seat on my medium by 10cm (our height difference) but it would look to me like I've crossed 'the threshold' where a smaller frame would be a better setup. Hope this helps. If in doubt maybe see if you can get to a store with a Boardman road or gravel bike in stock (even if not the exact model) and try the frames for size? Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist Thank you thats helpful. I did try a store yesterday but they only had large and medium in stock, and I felt fine on the medium - but whether I would be fine after hours/days/weeks of riding is another matter. I will try a small in another store, and comforted by the 14 day return policy too! Cheers
If I did it again I'd come back more via Keighley to avoid the crazy Sutton and Haworth climbs (beyond my fitness level at the moment without a bit of walking!). I plotted my route out on Komoot after I got back to grab the distance and elevation but didn't save it, unfortunately. Basically though from the Rochdale side down the valley, up to Heptonstall, Slack Bottom, Colne, Skipton, back via Sutton, Oakworth, Haworth, Oxenhope, over the top back down to Hebbo. The road between Heptonstall and Colne is a little gem.
I think we go with whatever we're comfortable with, don't we? I'm pretty heavy myself these days (at least compared to pre pandemic days) and don't find rim brakes an issue if they're set up and maintained properly. That said they don't compare with hydraulic discs for stopping a wheel spinning instantly. I have heard on a road bike though these (hydraulics) can tend to lock up the wheels more easily, making heavy braking quite hazardous? No idea if that's true or not - only ever ridden mechanical disks on road and not something I've noticed on the mtb with hydraulic discs (unless I'm purposefully intending to skid etc.). Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist Yes hydraulic discs really do bite. I was given a bike with caliper brakes and found the brakes pretty useless, but maybe I just have to replace the pads as I've heard they go hard over time. Enjoy your channel, some interesting topics. Cheers
Just would like to say thankyou for an honest review of a bike made for the average road rider. I know people who would say that £1000 was way to expensive for any bike, but they have only ever bought BSOs, so do not know what they are missing. I have a sub £1000 carbon bike which I have had for seven years and have covered many thousands of miles on it, upgraded from sora to 11 speed 105 and it is a solid platform. I now also have a Ribble SL Endurance Disc which I paid £3000 for and apart from the discs it is essentialy the same bike. £3000 is a staggering expense and was only possible through the cycle to work scheme, but I have friends with 6k, and 7k super light rocket bikes with whom I ride, and on my old carbon bike I keep up with and outride them. Don't be fooled by the hype of the superbikes, the bike is only as good as the rider.
Thanks, Dave and I couldn't agree more with what you've said here! For one of my early 'big rides' (pre channel) I rode the length of the UK on a sub £500 aluminium road bike (Claris 8 speed if I remember right) and never once felt lacking in comfort or that I needed more out of the bike. Nice to have that experience 'in the bank' as it helps take a lot of the hype with a pinch of salt! Appreciate the comment and here's to a fun year ahead keeping up with those superbikes! 🙂
I love my S:R 8.9 Changed wheels seat and crank to a 105. It's such a great bike to ride.
They really are great bikes, aren't they? Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Just ordered this bike and you were the first video review I’d looked at and you were the reason I bit the bullet and forked out £1200 😂 so if I don’t like it it’s on you!! 👀😂 nah great video mate inspired me to buy one and I hope I love it as much as you love yours
Yikes! :). Great choice and hope you enjoy getting out on the new wheels!
That's a grand ride with 'big numbers' and some beautiful countryside. Both climbs out of Sutton-in-Craven are monsters, kudos for taking that route over to Oakworth & Ox.
That's a good real-world assessment of the bike and I think reliability and serviceability are often overlooked in today's bike media. Minimal fuss, expense, or time in the workshop - ideal.
Thanks. When I got to Oxenhope I knew I'd make it back in one piece (just about!). I've done the ride up from Keighley to Howarth (many moons ago) and I don't remember it being anywhere near as crazy as that Sutton climb. The joys of not knowing the roads you're on or what's in store. Yes, a bike that's reliable and 'easy to work on' definitely gets my vote.
I’ve actually just bought an slr 8.9, not the same year as yours, the one before that came in the gorgeous red and black finish and it’s a beautiful bike to ride. Yes tiagra is a step down from 105 but frame wise it feels like a pure out and out race bike. Great bike for the money. It says a lot when people give give your bike a second look haha
It really is a great bike for the money, isn't it? Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Just ordered this at Halfords after watching your video. It’s on sale for £840, plus I save nearly £300 using Cycle2Work scheme. It’s cheaper than many second hand lower spec bikes. Looking forward to getting it
That's an absolutely cracking deal. Hope you enjoy the new bike and happy cycling!
Did you get Cycle2Work on top of the sale price?!
@@carlaostler9439 I could have, but I work for myself and the saving would only been another £80 and I’d need to fill in extra tax paperwork. There’s a 25% balloon payment at the end of the C2W hiring period which nobody realises, so I could have saved £300 but then need to pay back £220 in a years time. If I was an employee I would have taken advantage
I have the SLR 8.9 in large, on rides over 40miles my biggest issue is neck ache ,I think I will go down the shorter stem route as mine is 120 mm, my longest ride just overe100 miles. Here in Cornwall you can't go anywhere without hills but I have learned to love them and have even taken part in a couple of hill climb competitions on the SLR and done reasonably well. My original tyres perished before the tread wore out and now I have a couple of Continental sport tyres which roll brilliantly
Yes, same issue for me (neck ache) if I use the stock stems on road bikes. Shortening the reach a bit and raising the bars and the aches disappear, at least for me. At some point in the future I might try a 'proper bike fit' as I'd be interested to see how the results compare with how I like to set my bikes up. I remember those Cornish hills from doing John O Groats to Lands End a few years ago! - lovely part of the UK for cycling though. Thanks for the comment, will check out those tyres, and happy cycling!
Great vid mate fantastic to hear about trips on a normal person's bike lol!. Easy to make lighter as well!!. Real good value for money!.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, plenty of room to upgrade and make lighter. Happy cycling!
I have the 8.9 Disc....use it as my Winter bike, it is HEAVY, mostly due to the wheelset. 105 is the lowest spec I have on my bikes but it works really well silky smooth shifts and the disc braking is good too with excellent modulation, only downside is the shifter likes to chew through the cables (design fault).....need to upgrade the wheels but as I only use it for Winter/rain I haven't bothered.
Glad you are thinking smart about forgetting your helmet. It happens. Stay AWESOME good man. Beautiful bike
Thanks for the comment. Happy cycling!
I have the SLR 8.9 it's a great bike I've done a few upgrades to mine new wheels being the things that transformed it the most.
What wheels did you upgrade to…?
Hi Martin - thanks for the videos. I've had my Boardman SLR 8.9 about as long as you - I brought it because I had an earlier aluminium Boardman stolen and because I liked it so much I brought the nearest similar bike - also bikes were in short supply at the time and it was readily available at Halfords. I'm an older cyclist (much older!) and I was dubious about buying a bike above my station but it's been fine for me a speed machine in comparison with my earlier steel bikes. I've done about 9000 miles on it now - found it a bit bumpy to start with and the sharp turn on the bars and thin tape gave me some trouble on my left hand. I've also changed to Schwable tyres after a series of punctures. I thought I'd have to change the seat but it's suited me fine. Two slight niggles - I've never been able to adjust the front mech to avoid some touching and where the cable comes out of the rear mech at an angle the cable has worn a slot in the housing - I'm sure this is hindering the rear change. Have you had to have a new chain and chainring? Again thanks for the videos - I'm ok for my local hills in South Derbyshire but sure I'd be struggling with your Peak District climbs. Brian.
Hi Brian. Appreciate the comment and nice to hear you're enjoying your Boardman. That's some good mileage (in my book!). I think with the little niggles you sometimes reach the point where a quick trip to the local bike shop is in order (well, I do anyway). Glad it's not just me that finds the bar tape a bit thin. I use Cinelli cork tape on my other bikes and the cushioning is so much better, just not got round to the Boardman as yet. Yes I've replaced the chain one or twice so far. I actually bought a chain measuring tool a few months back as I'm sure over the years I've changed a few chains too early. Enjoy those Derbyshire hills and happy cycling!
I got a 90mm stem with 7% and flipped it. And put gp5000 tyres on mine. Rides amazing still for me 13months in. I wanna get carbon wheels for my upgrade
Great video mate and the bikes great value for money. The route looks epic.
Thanks, mate. Yes it was a cracking ride.
Hi Martin,
Another great video.
I’ve seen a few people talk about the wheels on the SLR 8.9 not being very good. Mainly them being a right bugger to change tubes in the event of a puncture. Apparently because the wheels are tubeless ready it makes getting the tyre of and on again very tight.
Just wondered what your experience (and anyone else’s) is with this?
Thanks again, Neil. I haven't noticed the tyres being an issue to get on or off (more than with any other bike at least). I have Schwalbe tyres too, which are notorious for being quite difficult. I've been been using a 'Tyre Glider' for a while now - made by a company called Rehook, not sponsored :) - and it's a great bit of kit, in my view way easier than using tyre levers.
Thanks. I’ve seen those online. I’ll see how I get on with the bike and may have to invest in one.
Thanks for all your videos on the SLR 8.9 I bought a new one from Halfords on Friday which should arrive tomorrow. Managed to get 28% off with various deals and voucher codes so did quite well.
What site did you get your name stickers off. And did you have enough room on the B screw when you changed the cassette. Many thanks.
I'm looking at this bike at the moment and really appreciate your honesty with all your videos. Would be great next year to organise a cycle ride with you.
Yes the cassette went on no problem and I don't remember any major faff re-indexing etc. The stickers were from a Czech company called Bicistickers and I can't for the life of me remember how I ever came across that company! 🙂
Well done
Great video and good to know I’m not the only person who opts for 70mm stems. I’m still relatively new to this and just wanted to know if you needed to increase the chain length to accommodate the larger cassette? Best wishes 👍🏼
Hi, thanks for the comment. The same chain was fine in my case (a bit of re indexing of the gears was all that was needed). I think the largest cog increasing by just 4 teeth was 'within tolerance' for the chain and derailleur but if you went much larger it probably would be a case of a chain with a few more links needed. Happy cycling!
hey man! marathon tyres like me. My Trek bike is not a million miles removed from what you have there. Looks great
I realised that your bike is carbon fibre, mine isn't I confess
I know you lifted the stem. As its a race rather than endurance model (i think!?) Did you find the position very aggressive like full on race bikes ?
All subjective here but I wouldn't say I found the 'factory settings' really aggressive but I do have a relatively short torso/arms and long lower body so bringing the reach in a bit always works for me. As I'm not particularly focussed on speed either the modest raise adds a noticeable bit of extra comfort. I could probably live without both adjustments but just find this works for how I like to ride.
@@onemorecyclist great thanks for that. I was just looking at the prices online and the disc version is 550 more than the rim brake version for the same bike. My cars brakes are way cheaper than that 😂
I've been considering a shorter stem on my bike to shorten the reach. How did you find the handling after shortening the stem by 30mm?
I honestly didn't notice any difference in handling going from 100mm to 70mm with a rise on the Boardman, except it's way more comfortable for me personally (although obviously not everyone's cup of tea). I have found on other road bikes shorter stems making the front feel weird (not sure how else to describe it) - and you do need to watch out for knees hitting the bar ends when out of the saddle if you go too short - but on this one it's been fine for me. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
To give me a guide can I ask your height and which frame size you went for please? I’m 5’10 and looking online seem to be between small and medium size frame. Thinking this bike might be my first road bike…
Hi, thanks for the comment. With the usual caveats (advice from a stranger on the Internet, always good to try a bike for size in store if possible etc.) I'd be inclined to go for the medium. I'm 5'11 and I could put the seat post a bit higher and quite a bit lower. I find the reach on road bikes a bit of a stretch generally (possibly have a slightly shorter torso for my height and/or a bit less flexible in my old age) but by swapping the stem out to a 70mm this worked fine for me (so there are options if the reach is a stretch straight out of the box). If in between sizes I personally prefer the 'roomier' frame, especially for riding out of the saddle on climbs for example. Hope this helps and enjoy the new road bike when you get it!
@@onemorecyclist sorry to hijack an old comment, but I am also considering either this bike or the ADV equivalent - I am 5'7" - I assume this means a "small" is best for me? I am confused because on previous bikes (from cheaper manufacturers) I have always gone medium but the boardman size guide is different to anyone else!
@@arunchandar2757 yes, 'S' would appear to be the right size based on your height, although it's so difficult to be definitive with these rough size guides. I could lower the seat on my medium by 10cm (our height difference) but it would look to me like I've crossed 'the threshold' where a smaller frame would be a better setup. Hope this helps. If in doubt maybe see if you can get to a store with a Boardman road or gravel bike in stock (even if not the exact model) and try the frames for size? Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist Thank you thats helpful. I did try a store yesterday but they only had large and medium in stock, and I felt fine on the medium - but whether I would be fine after hours/days/weeks of riding is another matter. I will try a small in another store, and comforted by the 14 day return policy too! Cheers
Was the 11-34 a straight swap without any adjustments etc
Micro adjustment to the front derailleur, otherwise yes a straight swap.
Have you got a link for the route ?
If I did it again I'd come back more via Keighley to avoid the crazy Sutton and Haworth climbs (beyond my fitness level at the moment without a bit of walking!). I plotted my route out on Komoot after I got back to grab the distance and elevation but didn't save it, unfortunately. Basically though from the Rochdale side down the valley, up to Heptonstall, Slack Bottom, Colne, Skipton, back via Sutton, Oakworth, Haworth, Oxenhope, over the top back down to Hebbo. The road between Heptonstall and Colne is a little gem.
Helmet?
Being a heavy-ish rider who lives on top of a hill I couldn't brake properly without discs.
I think we go with whatever we're comfortable with, don't we? I'm pretty heavy myself these days (at least compared to pre pandemic days) and don't find rim brakes an issue if they're set up and maintained properly. That said they don't compare with hydraulic discs for stopping a wheel spinning instantly. I have heard on a road bike though these (hydraulics) can tend to lock up the wheels more easily, making heavy braking quite hazardous? No idea if that's true or not - only ever ridden mechanical disks on road and not something I've noticed on the mtb with hydraulic discs (unless I'm purposefully intending to skid etc.). Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclist Yes hydraulic discs really do bite. I was given a bike with caliper brakes and found the brakes pretty useless, but maybe I just have to replace the pads as I've heard they go hard over time. Enjoy your channel, some interesting topics. Cheers