MTB Full Suspension

    • Boardman MTR 8.9 - Off Road CC "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." Read Article

      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.

      Those aren’t the only changes. It gets a lengthier reach and seriously tweaked the geometry to make it an even more capable machine. It also gets a dropper post on all models but the base MTR 8.6.

      On the subject of pedaling, the MTR’s 75.5° seat tube angle places rider weight at a really comfortable position over the pedals. Paired with the relative lack of pedal bob (it's not completely lacking) it makes for a keen and comfortable climber that doesn't sap too much energy. I’ve been able to wrench myself up climbs with surprising speed and comfort, making that one last descent extra appealing. Not that 'one last run' is ever a good idea...

      VERDICT

      If you’re looking for a solid first full-suspension bike, or you’re simply on a budget, it’s pretty tough to go wrong with the 2021 Boardman MTR 8.9. Its geometry is spot on for a range of riding; if you're a newbie it’ll grow with you as you progress, while if you're a veteran it’s ready and raring to be thrown down your favourite tracks. / 4.5/5

      Read the full review here Boardman MTR 8.9 Off.Road.cc
    • Boardman MTR 8.9 - MBUK "The Boardman MTR 8.9 shares its geometry and suspension with the more expensive MTR 9.0, and thanks to progressive geometry and a carefully procured spec, is designed to up the ante when it comes to trail riding thanks to plenty of easy-to-unlock speed if you decide to upgrade down the line." Read Article

      Boardman’s X7 triple-butted 6061 alloy has an angular, purposeful design, where its shock is mounted horizontally beneath the top tube. The bike’s cables are routed externally along the underside of the down tube, which should help make maintenance easier, but there’s a port on the rear of the seat tube for internally routed dropper post cables.

      Overall, the MTR 8.9 is comfortable, especially on less steep trails. The relaxed riding position its geometry generated didn’t mean I put too much weight through my hands, not being forced to lower my shoulders forwards towards the bars because of an over-stretched top tube. I also wasn’t forced too far over the back, needing to cling onto the bars with my fingertips, usually a problem on bikes with slacker seat-tube angles.

      Despite these issues, I really liked the feel of the MTR 8.9, and found it perfectly suited to a speedy trail-centre blast, especially when the climbs or descents remained fun rather than break-neck fast. It’s ripe for upgrades, which in this case I’d choose to make it a lighter, faster, mile-munching machine, rather than turning it into a downhill destroyer.

      VERDICT

      "A fantastic all-rounder with potential to turn into a rocket ship" 4.5/5

    • Boardman MTR 9.0 - Bikeradar "At a hotly contested price point, the Boardman makes a good case for your consideration, with a superb groupset, standout brakes and good suspension." Read Article

      Boardman’s MTR is a full-suspension mountain bike designed for all-round trail riding, and the 9.0 model tops the range with an upgraded X9 Alloy frame, 150mm RockShox Pike Select fork with Charger RC damper, and a 145mm Deluxe Select+ shock on the rear.

      The flagship frame features Boardman’s new X9 6066 series alloy. This new platform retains hydroformed tubes – shaped by having oil pumped through them while hot, to expand into moulds – and welds that have been smoothed off to present a clean looking and easier to clean frame.

      It rides with a confidence that belies its cost and would be a sensible purchase for any trail rider with an eye on steeper terrain and a budget of around £2,000 to £3,000. It’s not without its flaws, but they’re acceptable short-term and relatively cheap to rectify.

      VERDICT

      Great value, extremely fun trail bike for all riding abilities - 4/5

      Read the full review here Boardman MTR 9.0 Bikeradar.com
    MTR 8.6 £1,000.00 Using the same trail-ready geometry as it's bigger brothers the MTR 8.6 offers a lot of bounce for your buck.
    MTR 8.8 £1,350.00 The MTR 8.8 is the perfect bike for riders looking to get more serious with their trail riding.
    MTR 8.8 Women's £1,350.00 The MTR 8.8 is the perfect bike for riders looking to get more serious with their trail riding.
    MTR 8.9 £1,825.00 The previous flagship model the 8.9 gets upgrades and updates to improve what was already an unbeatable package.
    MTR 9.0 £2,225.00 The new MTR flagship bike and the 9.0 earns its 9 Series status thanks to an uncompromising specification.