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Today’s Deals2020 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| Weight | 14.0 kg |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 140mm front |
| Fork | RockShox Revelation RC |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | NX |
| Brakes | SRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc |
160cm – 172cm
167cm – 180cm
175cm – 188cm
183cm – 195cm
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 Revelation RC 140mm travel, boost 27.5, tapered, 15mm maxle / Rock Shox Deluxe RT, 210x55mm Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| 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 Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Wellgo flats, 9/16” |
| 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 Type: SRAM Level T Hydraulic Disc |
| 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 |
First added 3 July
Last updated 24 August
Not listed for 2,104 days