BIKE OF THE YEAR 2022:
BUDGET WINNER
Boardman ADV 8.9
£1,150 Well-specced all-rounder with hydraulic discs
Weight 10.75kg (M) Frame X7 aluminium Fork Carbon Brakes Shimano hydraulic discs Gears Shimano GRX RX400, 48/32, 11-36 Wheels Boardman ADV Finishing kit Boardman bar, stem, seatpost and saddle, Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE Addix 40mm tyres
The Good
Great handling; excellent component spec; willing ride
The Bad
Bar can be harsh over rougher stuff
Perfect position
The position is upright enough for perfect visibility and relaxed arms, but with sufficient scope to tuck in for headwinds and descending
Going low
Thanks to FSA’s sub-compact 48/32 chainset and the wide-range Shimano 11-36 cassette, you get a super-low 32×36 bottom gear
Going large
The ADV 8.9 has a 31.6mm alloy seatpost, but thanks to the exposed seat tube, dropped stays and plush saddle, comfort is impressive
BOARDMAN HAS TAKEN the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach with its ADV 8.9, as it has remained unchanged for 2022. And, given how much we liked it last time around, why not?
At first glance you could mistake the ADV 8.9 for carbon, but it’s actually made from 6061 aluminium, with a tapered allcarbon fork, and comes with Shimano’s GRX 400 10-speed gravel kit.
The wheelset, bar, stem, seatpost and saddle are Boardman’s own, and 40mm tubeless-ready Schwalbe tyres round out a solid line-up.
I tested the ADV on long tarmac rides to remote dirt and gravel tracks, lengthy climbs and technical trails, with some bridleway mud for good measure. My concerns that it might feel a little short were dispelled on my first ride.
The 44cm bar is wider than on most equivalent-sized road bikes and has a modest six-degree flare – sensible on a bike that may well see commuting duties. The Boardman makes light of tarmac, its Schwalbe tyres rolling along with little noticeable resistance. When sitting and pedalling, the bike feels smooth and efficient, its stiff alloy frame ensuring your efforts don’t go to waste. When standing on the pedals climbing, the frame easily resists pedalling torque. This also contributes to the ADV 8.9’s predictably fine handling, both on and off-road.
The gearing covers all bases, from fast downhills to climbing walls. Gear shifts are slick, and the cherries on top are the hydraulic disc brakes. Their relentlessly dependable performance in all conditions breeds enormous confidence and allows you to get the best out of the bike.
Boardman’s ADV 8.9 demonstrates again why it’s such a strong all-rounder. It’s fun and engaging to ride, with decent speed and comfort, and a specification that’ll please nearly all of us. As it comes, the bike is a great package. The areas that could be improved are few, the simplest being a tubeless conversion allowing lower tyre pressures. Cushioned bar tape, a carbon seatpost or ShockStop stem could be options too, but none are essential, as the ADV 8.9 proves every time I ride it.
Verdict
A proven class-leading all-rounder with a satisfying performance at a great price