Boardman Bikes: A Comprehensive Guide

Boardman Bikes, a name synonymous with cycling innovation and performance, offers a comprehensive and diverse range of bicycles catering to a wide spectrum of riders and disciplines. From the thrill of road racing to the ruggedness of mountain trails, and the practicality of urban commuting, Boardman has a bike designed to meet your specific needs. Spearheaded by the expertise of 'the professor' himself, Chris Boardman, a former Hour Record Holder, Olympic gold medallist, and Tour de France yellow jersey wearer, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of bicycle design since its inception in 2007. This commitment to excellence is evident in their bikes, which have been raced to victory on the Olympic stage by athletes like Nicole Cooke and Sarah Storey. Furthermore, the establishment of the Boardman Performance Centre, complete with a public-use wind tunnel, underscores their dedication to rigorous research and development, bringing cutting-edge technology to the everyday cyclist.

Understanding the Boardman Range: An Overview

Navigating the Boardman bicycle range can initially seem a little daunting, given its breadth. However, the brand has simplified its labelling system to make selection more straightforward. Bikes are now broadly categorised into '8 series' and '9 series' models. Generally, the higher the series number, the more performance-oriented the machine, often featuring lighter materials and more advanced components. Conversely, the lower series models are typically more value-focused, offering excellent performance and features at a more accessible price point. This guide aims to demystify the range, providing detailed descriptions of key models to help you make an informed decision.

Boardman Road Bikes: Speed and Endurance

Boardman's road bike collection is a testament to their commitment to speed, efficiency, and rider comfort. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a weekend enthusiast, there's a Boardman road bike designed to elevate your riding experience. The range is broadly split into the higher-performance '9 series' and the more accessible '8 series'.

Boardman SLR 9.6: The All-Rounder Race Machine

The SLR 9.6 stands out as Boardman's premier carbon frame race bike. It masterfully balances aero-optimised design with a lightweight construction, making it a perfect all-rounder. The frameset utilises Boardman's proprietary C10 carbon fibre blend in critical areas, significantly enhancing its strength-to-weight ratio. The geometry is thoughtfully engineered to strike a harmonious balance between an aggressive, low race position and a more upright endurance setup, ensuring comfort even on the longest rides. The integration of Shimano's Ultegra Di2 electronic groupset provides seamless and precise shifting, a dream for any serious cyclist. The compact 50/34t chainset, paired with an 11-30t cassette, offers a versatile gear range suitable for climbing and flat sections alike. A key differentiator from its predecessor, the SLR 9.2, is the enhanced aerodynamic focus, notably featuring the Alexrims ALX845D wheelset with a 45mm deep carbon fibre rim boasting a blunt, U-shaped profile, designed to slice through the air with minimal resistance.

Boardman SLR 8.9: Aerodynamics Meets Affordability

The SLR 8.9 is Boardman's answer for an aerodynamic bike that doesn't break the bank. It inherits the same aerodynamic frame and fork design as the top-tier SLR 9.6, offering exceptional performance at a lower price point. While it swaps disc brakes for reliable rim stoppers, its endurance-friendly geometry remains a key selling point. With clearance for up to 28mm tyres and integrated mudguard mounts, the SLR 8.9 proves adaptable for riding in less-than-ideal weather conditions or on grittier road surfaces. The drivetrain has seen a significant upgrade from the previous 10-speed Shimano Tiagra to the 11-speed Shimano 105, complemented by a FSA Gossamer chainset for smoother gear changes and reduced weight. The bike is fitted with 25mm Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Graphene 2.0 tyres on Boardman's tubeless-ready SLR wheelset and finished with Boardman's own finishing kit, meticulously designed to match real-world data sets for both male and female riders.

Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc: Aluminium Excellence with Practicality

The SLR 8.8 Disc is a remarkable achievement, showcasing Boardman's ability to craft a high-spec aluminium bike that could easily be mistaken for carbon, thanks to its cleverly hidden welds. It features a carbon fork, making it an ideal choice for riders who prioritise speed without compromising on practical qualities. This bike is perfectly suited for daily commutes, sportives, and general road riding. Equipped with Tektro mechanical disc brakes, it offers ample stopping power, even in challenging conditions. The inclusion of mudguard and pannier rack mounts further enhances its versatility, making it a dependable year-round companion. The matt silver finish is complemented by 28mm Victoria Rubino tyres mounted on Boardman SLR tubeless-ready wheels, and a reliable 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset.

Boardman SLR 8.6: Entry-Level Performance

As the entry-level model in the Boardman SLR range, the 8.6 offers an affordable yet capable riding experience. Its triple-butted aluminium frame and carbon fork have undergone a recent redesign, which Boardman states provides improved rear-end compliance while retaining the frame's aero-inspired tubing profiles. The bike is equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Claris groupset and an FSA Tempo chainset. It also features Vittoria Zaffiro tyres on Boardman SLR tubeless-ready wheels. Practicality is further enhanced with mudguard and rack mounts, and the bike is finished with Boardman's signature male and female finishing kits.

Boardman Cyclocross and Gravel Bikes: Adventure Awaits

For those who crave adventure beyond the tarmac, Boardman offers a robust collection of drop-bar off-road bikes, categorised as CXR (Cyclocross) and ADV (Adventure). The CXR range is geared towards aggressive riding and racing on rough terrain, while the ADV models are designed with a more relaxed, upright geometry for comfortable exploration of bridleways and dirt paths.

Boardman CXR 8.9: Conquering the Rough Terrain

The CXR 8.9 is Boardman's aluminium cyclocross bike, engineered for rapid traversal of rough terrain, boasting race-derived geometry. The SRAM Apex 1x11 gearing system ensures low maintenance and simplifies gear changes, even on the most demanding sections. Reliable stopping power is provided by SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes, offering consistent performance you can trust. The bike is finished with the popular Donnelly Crusade PDX tyres on Boardman wheels, providing ample grip for tackling muddy conditions.

Boardman ADV 8.9: Versatile All-Terrain Explorer

The ADV 8.9 is Boardman's answer for a bike that excels on rough off-road terrain, as well as being a capable companion for potholed commutes or sportives. Its alloy frame and carbon fork have been upgraded to a thru-axle design, which Boardman claims enhances handling precision and disc alignment. Compared to their road bikes, the ADV 8.9 features a slackened front end and a dropped bottom bracket, contributing to more confident and stable off-road riding. The longer wheelbase and shorter stems further contribute to a comfortable and stable experience on varied terrain. The ADV 8.9 range now benefits from Shimano's gravel-specific GRX drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. The 2x10 setup, paired with an 11-36t cassette and a 48-32t FSA Omega chainring, provides a wide gear range suitable for both fast tarmac riding and steep, slippery off-road gradients. Tubeless-ready 38mm Schwalbe G-One All Round TLE tyres and Boardman SLR wheels complete this impressive package without breaking the bank.

Boardman ADV 8.6 Women's: Accessible Adventure

The ADV 8.6 represents the entry-level adventure bike in the Boardman range, drawing design and specification cues from the previous ADV 8.8 but at a more accessible price point. Boardman states that the alloy frame and carbon fork maintain the same stable and predictable handling geometry as the ADV 8.9, but utilise quick-release wheels. Mirroring the gearing ratios of the ADV 8.9, the ADV 8.6 features a Shimano Sora drivetrain and an FSA Velo Pro chainset, along with mechanical Tektro disc brakes to help manage the cost. Reflecting Boardman's belief in the importance of tyres, the ADV 8.6 is fitted with tubeless-ready 38mm Schwalbe G-One ALLround TLE tyres on Boardman SLR wheels.

Boardman Hybrid and Urban Bikes: Everyday Versatility

Boardman's hybrid and urban bike ranges are designed for practicality, comfort, and versatility, catering to commuters, city dwellers, and recreational riders. Hybrid bikes blend characteristics of road and mountain bikes, offering resilience for country paths while remaining comfortable and efficient on smoother surfaces. Flat handlebars provide a more upright riding position, ideal for those who prioritise visibility and comfort over outright speed.

Boardman HYB Range: Commuting and Leisure

The HYB range shares a common foundation with a triple-butted 6061 X7 aluminium frame, a one-piece bar and stem, and adjustable ergonomic grips. The key differences lie in the fork and componentry. The lower-end HYB 8.6 is equipped with alloy fork blades, while the HYB 8.8 and HYB 8.9 models feature full carbon tapered forks for improved vibration damping and reduced weight. For optimal braking, all HYB bikes are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes, with varying specifications: Tektro HD-M275 on the HYB 8.6, Shimano MT200 on the HYB 8.8, and the superior Shimano MT400 on the HYB 8.9. The top two models, the HYB 8.8 and 8.9, feature a simpler single-chainring setup for streamlined shifting, while the HYB 8.6 has a double-chainring configuration. All models are equipped with mudguard and pannier rack mounts, enhancing their suitability for wetter weather and longer journeys.

Boardman URB 8.6 and 8.9: City Slickers

The URB 8.6 and URB 8.9 represent Boardman's dedicated urban bike fleet, perfect for navigating city streets with agility and ease. Boardman has prioritised everyday practicality in the design of the URB range. Both models feature an aluminium frame with a geometry that promotes an upright, relaxed riding position, ensuring excellent head-up visibility in traffic. The URB 8.6 comes with an alloy front fork, while the URB 8.9 upgrades to a carbon fork, which helps to absorb the impacts of imperfect road surfaces. Fitted with grippy and durable 32mm Vittoria Randonneur Tech tyres with puncture protection, these bikes minimise maintenance issues. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable and powerful stopping. Mounts for mudguards and pannier racks make the URB range easily adaptable for adverse weather conditions and for carrying extra gear. A standout feature of the top-of-the-range URB 8.9 is its Gates Carbon Belt Drive paired with a Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal gear hub. This innovative combination eliminates the need for chain cleaning, significantly reduces maintenance, and prevents grease marks on clothing, making it the ultimate choice for hassle-free city riding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boardman Bikes

What makes Boardman bikes stand out?

Boardman bikes are distinguished by their innovative design, often incorporating technologies developed through Chris Boardman's extensive racing experience and the brand's investment in R&D, such as their performance centre with a wind tunnel. They offer a wide range of bikes that balance performance with value.

Where can I buy Boardman bikes?

Boardman bikes are primarily available directly from Boardman's own channels and through Halfords, a major UK retailer.

What is the difference between the 8 series and 9 series Boardman bikes?

Generally, the 9 series models are higher performance, often featuring lighter materials like higher-grade carbon fibre and more advanced componentry. The 8 series models are typically more value-focused, offering excellent performance at a more accessible price point.

Are Boardman bikes good for commuting?

Yes, Boardman offers several models well-suited for commuting, including the URB and HYB ranges. These bikes often feature practical additions like mudguard and pannier rack mounts, durable tyres, and comfortable, upright riding positions.

What types of bikes does Boardman offer?

Boardman offers a comprehensive range, including hybrid, urban, road, cyclocross, gravel, mountain bikes, and time trial bikes, catering to a diverse array of cycling disciplines and rider preferences.