Perseverance & proof

    No one would argue that the last year has been a tough and challenging time for everyone. Cycling has been a welcome outlet and a companion to many. To those who classed themselves as cyclists before the pandemic, to those finding cycling for the first time or coming back to it, the bicycle offers a way to escape, exercise, improve mental well-being, and for those on the front lines, a safer way to commute and get around.

    As with many cycling brands, we have had to respond to the unprecedented interest in cycling and demand for bikes. This increase, combined with global shortages and manufacturing challenges, meant we have worked harder than ever to meet our customer's expectations and our high standards to uphold our legacy of delivering award-winning bikes.

    The first of our 2021 range hit the roads, trails and tarmac less than 12 months ago and since then has amassed a multitude of awards for their design, performance and value. In such a challenging year, we wanted to pick out some of the key highlights, starting with the recently announced cherry on the cake (so far), being awarded the coveted Cycling Plus Bike of The Year with the SLR 9.4 Disc.

    Cycling Plus Bike of the Year - Overall Winner - SLR 9.4 Disc

    To be included in the Cycling Plus annual awards is high praise indeed and to have two of our bikes included and tested is something we are incredibly proud of. Their Bike of the Year feature is "the world's biggest bike test" for road and gravel, performance and endurance machines. This year 21 bikes ranging from £1775 to a mind-blowing £11,750 from the world's best manufacturers went head-to-head, with one bike chosen to take the outright title.

    "Boardman's SLR 9.4 has taken our ultimate accolade for 2021 by being a bike that balances all aspects so very, very well. It's comfortable, rapid, smooth, and above all, huge fun to ride, and it's welcome to know that the talented team behind the SLR set out with a singular vision for the new SLR, and in our opinion, they've absolutely nailed it!" 

    5 Stars

    Cycling Plus Magazine / May 2021

    Cycling Plus Bike of the Year - Best Value – ADV 9.0

    Launched in November of last year, the ADV 9.0 has quickly become one of our most popular models. Replacing the previous 650B alloy version, the 700c all carbon affair strikes a delicate balance between its weight, handling and comfort, encouraging you to go faster and further on and off-road.

    "Superb go anywhere machine that represents the best value in gravel, bar none"

    5 Stars

    Cycling Plus Magazine / May 2021 

    Bikeradar Bike of the Year - Best Budget Bike – ADV 8.9

    The original ADV 8.9 launched in 2018 and quickly became a firm favourite thanks to its versatility. For the 2021 edition, we wanted to retain the ADV's versatility but improve the recipe by adding thru-axels front and rear and upgrading the groupset to Shimano's gravel-specific GRX.

    "All in all, the ADV 8.9 is another excellent bike from the seemingly all-conquering Boardman stable. It's the usual great value that we'd expect from Boardman."

    4.5 Star

    Bikeradar / May 2021 

    T3 - Platinum Award Winner - SLR 8.8 Disc

    Our flagship alloy road bike received a significant update for 2021, with disc's as standard, smooth welds; the 8.8 Disc is designed for people who want a fast, comfortable bike that's also practical: Sportives, the daily commute, or just riding for fun.

    "The Boardman SLR 8.8 Disc is possibly the best road bike (well) under £1000. The SLR 8.8 Disc gives you all the features of a modern road bike is a great value package. There's plenty of gear range, and the disc brakes give reassuringly effective stopping power. Boardman has made compromises to hit the bargain price, but they're cleverly chosen and don't detract overtly from the Bike's performance. - 5/5

    5 Stars

    T3 / March 2021

    A previous winner of Off-road.cc's bike of the year award, the 2021 MTR 8.9, had a lot to live up to. Evolving from its 27.5" predecessor to the much more able 29" wheel size, getting longer and lower frame geometry and running four-pot brakes and SRAM's 12-speed NX Eagle groupset, this triple butted alloy trail tamer is up to the taks.

    "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

    4.5 Stars

    Off-Road.cc May 2021 

    MBUK Magazine – MTR 9.0

    The MTR 9.0 is the new MTB flagship, designed to be the perfect machine for UK trail riding, earning its 9 Series status thanks to an upgraded X9 Alloy frame, stunning paint fade, hidden welds and an uncompromising specification.

    "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. At a hotly contested price point, the Boardman makes a good case for your consideration, with a superb groupset, standout brakes and good suspension."

    MBUK Magazine / February 2021

    Cycling Plus Magazine – Best on Test - SLR 9.2 Disc

     Another SLR road series win, this time for the younger brother of the 9.4. Using the same frame, fork and finishing kit as the Bike of the Year, the 9.2 takes advantage of Shimano's excellent Ultegra mechanical groupset.

    "The frameset is the star here - with top-grade construction and a pro-level lightness in its chassis, not to mention the further weight-saving carbon Seatpost. Add in Shimano Ultegra and some excellent (and light) wheels shod with truly great tyres, and you've got a contender for the best-value performance bike of 2021."

    "Impressive everywhere, good-looking and a fine ride all round. Superbly balanced handling; great chassis and good components."

    4.5 Star

    Cycling Plus Magazine / January 2021

    Evening Standard – ES Best Top Pick Award – SLR 8.9

    The SLR 8.9, previously the (Road Team Carbon) is hands down our most celebrated and awarded bike so the 2021 version had some big shoes to fill.

    "Recently updated and renamed, Boardman has upgraded their most popular carbon road bike (and the good news is, it won't completely break the bank). The SLR 8.9 looks slick with its faded design and cables neatly tucked away. The main difference between this and the old version is the high-performance Shimano 105 gears – something that you don't always see on a carbon road bike, with carbon forks, at this price point."

    Evening Standar / October 2020

    Cycling Weekly – Editor Choice – SLR 8.9 Women's

    Not to be left in the shadow of the gent's version, the women's specific version of the SLR 8.9 took an Editor Choice Award back in September 2020 receiving a nine out of ten, highlighting its comfort, versatility and value for money.

    "I have tested assorted Boardman bikes going right back to the brand's early days and have seen the design evolve over the years. So for me, riding a Boardman feels like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers. Old slippers suggest reliable if a little old and tired. However, this design is anything but that. The SLR includes some good quality components for its price point, notably having a full carbon fibre frame and forks with the Shimano 105 groupset. It has a neat finish with internally routed cables and cool paintwork if looking stylish is your thing. Finally, the frame is specially designed to be versatile enough to ride the SLR 8.9 in different settings while providing comfort." 9/10

    4.5 Stars

    Cycling Weekly September 2020

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