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2020 Boardman

MTR 8.9

A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

£1,600($2,146)
Weight30.9 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 140mm front
ForkRockShox Revelation RC
ShockRockShox Deluxe
Wheels27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetNX
BrakesSRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
MTR 8.9
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

24 mph

MTR 8.9

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'5" – 5'11"

LG

5'8" – 6'3"

XL

6'0" – 6'5"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

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.

Pros
  • Stiff and sorted frame

  • Excellent value for money

  • Modern geometry and sizing

  • Good mix of stability and agility

  • Lightweight for a full suspension bike

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
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.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
It really was a missed opportunity though, and because Boardman runs a two-year product cycle it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
MBR logoMBR
It'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.cc logooff.road.cc

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BikeRadar
Boardman MTR 8.9 review

Nov 2021 · Alex Evans

Versatile bike ideal for trail-centre riding, with plenty of upgrade potential to increase speed

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • When the riding gets more extreme, its limits start to become clear

  • Minimal water bottle clearance isn’t ideal

Read Review

Singletrack World
Boardman MTR 9.0 review: brilliant or bobbins?

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?

Read Review

off.road.cc
Boardman MTR 8.9 review

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.

Read Review

MBR
Boardman MTR 8.8 review - MBR

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.

Highs
  • Good fit and geometry.

Lows
  • Lacklustre rear suspension.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

6061 Alloy, smooth welded, dropper post ready

Fork

Rock Shox Revelation RC 140mm travel, boost 27.5, tapered, 15mm maxle / Rock Shox Deluxe RT, 210x55mm

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

15mm maxle / Rock Shox Deluxe RT

Bottom Bracket

SRAM GXP, 73mm

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

Fizik Ponente, alloy rails

Seatpost

Boardman Alloy, 31.6mm, 34.9mm QR seat clamp

TypeRigid

Pedals

Wellgo flats, 9/16”

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX, 11 speed, long cage

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

SRAM NX 32t

Shifters

SRAM NX, 11 speed

Cassette

SRAM NX, 11-42t, 11 speed (11-12-15-17-19-22-25-28- 32-36-42)

Chain

SRAM PC-1110

Brakes

SRAM Level T, 160 mm rotor

TypeSRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Boardman Boost 27.5" Tubeless Ready

Front Hub

Formula hubs, 32H, 110 / 148mm boost, M12xP1.5 thru-axle

Rear Hub

Formula hubs, 32H, 110 / 148mm boost, M12xP1.5 thru-axle

Tires

Vittoria Morsa TNT, 27.5x2.3”, tubeless ready. Kenda tube, presta valve

Rider Notes
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First added July 3

Last updated August 24

Not listed for 2,104 days