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Today’s Deals2020 Boardman
MTR 8.8
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
£1,250($1,677)| Weight | 31.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 140mm front |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe R |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 |
| Groupset | Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'5" – 5'11"
5'8" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'5"
None yet.
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Summary
The Boardman MTR trail bike series offers a mix of high value and performance, with a stiff and efficient frame that encourages adventurous riding. While it excels in geometry and kit selection, some models suffer from suspension tuning issues and component choices that limit their potential. The latest revisions have significantly improved suspension performance and ride quality, making it a competitive option in its price range.
Stiff and sorted frame
Excellent value for money
Modern geometry and sizing
Good mix of stability and agility
Lightweight for a full suspension bike
Lacklustre rear suspension in some models
Over-damped and lifeless rear shock
Poor component choices in some builds
Lack of a dropper post
Sketchy tyres in certain conditions
Boardman’s FS range delivered top-value full-suspension trail bikes for years, so its four-bike MTR line-up is big news for bargain hunters.
BikeRadarIt really was a missed opportunity though, and because Boardman runs a two-year product cycle it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
MBRIt's not just a good bike for the money; it's a bike that's more than capable of shaming machines double or triple the price.
off.road.ccFeedback?
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Nov 2021 · Alex Evans
Versatile bike ideal for trail-centre riding, with plenty of upgrade potential to increase speed
Accelerates quickly and holds speed well
Supportive suspension makes it fun to ride on the descents
Comfortable, neutral riding position is spot-on for most trails
When the riding gets more extreme, its limits start to become clear
Minimal water bottle clearance isn’t ideal
Oct 2021 · Barney Marsh
Barney batters the Boardman MTR 9.0. Boardman’s blingiest bouncy bike, but is this affordable full-sus Brilliant, or bobbins?
Jun 2021
The MTR 8.9 is Boardman’s trail-ready full suspension rig aimed towards aggressive riding. While the geometry isn’t pushing boundaries and its build isn’t mega blingy, Boardman has hit the nail on the head – it balances a stellar ride with wisely-picked kit. The fork is a point of contention, however. 2021 Vitus Escarpe 29 CR review Marin Rift Zone 2 2020 review Best mountain bikes you can buy for under £2,000 The MTR has come a long way since we tested its last iteration in 2018. The bike now rolls on 29” hoops and gets a bump in travel, pairing 150mm at the front to 145mm at the rear.
Oct 2018 · Alan Muldoon
With smooth double pass welds and a matt finish the alloy frame on the mid-range Boardman MTR 8.8 could easily pass for carbon.
Good fit and geometry.
Lacklustre rear suspension.
| Frame | 6061 Alloy, smooth welded, dropper post ready |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Recon RL, 140mm travel, boost 27.5, tapered, 15mm maxle / Rock Shox Deluxe R, 210x55mm Travel: 140mm |
| Shock | 15mm maxle / Rock Shox Deluxe R |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA BB-7100, 73mm, Mega Exo |
| Headset | FSA Orbit C-40 ACB, 1 1/8” - 1.5” tapered, Integrated |
| Stem | Boardman Alloy, no rise, 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Boardman Alloy, 15mm rise, 9 degree bend, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Boardman MTB by Velo, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Boardman Alloy, 31.6mm, 34.9mm QR seat clamp Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Wellgo flats, 9/16” |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore Shadow+, 10 speed, long cage |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | FSA Gamma Pro Mega Exo 34t |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, 10 speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore, 11-42t, 10 speed (11-13-15-18-21-24- 28-32-37-42) |
| Chain | KMC X10 S |
| Brakes | Shimano M315, 160 mm rotor Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Boardman Boost 27.5" Tubeless Ready |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Formula hubs, 32H front and rear, 141mm Boost QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula hubs, 32H front and rear, 141mm Boost QR |
| Tires | Vittoria Morsa, 27.5x2.3”, wire bead. Kenda tube, presta valve |
First added July 3
Last updated August 24
Not listed for 2,104 days