Frame Upgrade? Boardman 9.8
Discussion
I currently run a Boardman Pro Carbon 2010 as my summer bike.
I Love it.
I'm getting tempted however by a Boardman Elite 9.8 frame, last year's model - either an SLR or the Air.
Both of which are available lightly used for a third of the new price.
Decision time soon, would I actually feel the upgrade?
I cant seem to find a frame weight for the current bike so a direct comparison is difficult, but has anyone tried the 9.8s and is able to provide a bit of feedback?
I Love it.
I'm getting tempted however by a Boardman Elite 9.8 frame, last year's model - either an SLR or the Air.
Both of which are available lightly used for a third of the new price.
Decision time soon, would I actually feel the upgrade?
I cant seem to find a frame weight for the current bike so a direct comparison is difficult, but has anyone tried the 9.8s and is able to provide a bit of feedback?
I think weight is irrelevant to be honest, the SLR or AIR are probably 100gs or so lighter than your current frame but the real difference will be in how the frameset performs, power transfer, rigidity and the perrenial favourite "lateral stiffness", the fork should be stiffer too which will really be noticeable when you turn in fast corners.
How does the geo compare? I'd assume the AIR/SLR is something like 73.25 deg headtube angle and a shorter headtube comapred to the Pro Carbon?
How does the geo compare? I'd assume the AIR/SLR is something like 73.25 deg headtube angle and a shorter headtube comapred to the Pro Carbon?
pablo said:
I think weight is irrelevant to be honest, the SLR or AIR are probably 100gs or so lighter than your current frame but the real difference will be in how the frameset performs, power transfer, rigidity and the perrenial favourite "lateral stiffness", the fork should be stiffer too which will really be noticeable when you turn in fast corners.
How does the geo compare? I'd assume the AIR/SLR is something like 73.25 deg headtube angle and a shorter headtube comapred to the Pro Carbon?
Weight wise there's probably 200g in it for the SLR and nothing for the air - although not having ridden an aero frame I can't quantify the frame benefit.How does the geo compare? I'd assume the AIR/SLR is something like 73.25 deg headtube angle and a shorter headtube comapred to the Pro Carbon?
Geo wise its as you suggest, I'd be slightly more stretched out that my current setup, not by a lot.
I'd be running a SRAM red / force mix and dura ace 7850 deep section clinchers.
I can't comment on Boardman, as I have never ridden one.
But as for aero, I have definitely been persuaded.
Just changed from a carbon regular frame Merida Scultura 904 to a carbon aero with deep section rims Merida Reacto Team.
The stats suggest an average guy would be 2mins 20 secs faster - all based on a 100km route and Tour magazines usual scientific approach.
My experience is commuting at an average of high 18 to low 19mph on the regular bike versus in 5 rides on the aero between 20.1 and 20.7mph.
On the only Saturday morning ride so far I was caught napping at the sprint for the sign, but then caught and passed my riding buddy that I never beat. He was on a Merida Scultura SL - poor lad is still in shock at how quickly I passed him.
Only note of caution is comfort, the Reacto is considered the comfiest of all aero bikes by Tour magazine. It is though less comfortable than the Scultura. The secret to its comfort is the cut out in the seat post allowing it to behave like a regular 27.2mm carbon seat post.
See if you can get a ride on an Air.
For me, the Reacto is a revaluation and I won't be swapping back!
But as for aero, I have definitely been persuaded.
Just changed from a carbon regular frame Merida Scultura 904 to a carbon aero with deep section rims Merida Reacto Team.
The stats suggest an average guy would be 2mins 20 secs faster - all based on a 100km route and Tour magazines usual scientific approach.
My experience is commuting at an average of high 18 to low 19mph on the regular bike versus in 5 rides on the aero between 20.1 and 20.7mph.
On the only Saturday morning ride so far I was caught napping at the sprint for the sign, but then caught and passed my riding buddy that I never beat. He was on a Merida Scultura SL - poor lad is still in shock at how quickly I passed him.
Only note of caution is comfort, the Reacto is considered the comfiest of all aero bikes by Tour magazine. It is though less comfortable than the Scultura. The secret to its comfort is the cut out in the seat post allowing it to behave like a regular 27.2mm carbon seat post.
See if you can get a ride on an Air.
For me, the Reacto is a revaluation and I won't be swapping back!
TheLemming said:
I currently run a Boardman Pro Carbon 2010 as my summer bike.
I Love it.
I'm getting tempted however by a Boardman Elite 9.8 frame, last year's model - either an SLR or the Air.
Both of which are available lightly used for a third of the new price.
Decision time soon, would I actually feel the upgrade?
I cant seem to find a frame weight for the current bike so a direct comparison is difficult, but has anyone tried the 9.8s and is able to provide a bit of feedback?
I'd be surprised if you didn't feel the difference. I Love it.
I'm getting tempted however by a Boardman Elite 9.8 frame, last year's model - either an SLR or the Air.
Both of which are available lightly used for a third of the new price.
Decision time soon, would I actually feel the upgrade?
I cant seem to find a frame weight for the current bike so a direct comparison is difficult, but has anyone tried the 9.8s and is able to provide a bit of feedback?
My mate started on a Felt of some type - around the £1.5 to 2k mark. Then after a couple of years picked up the 9.8 aero frame and was blown away by it. The biggest single thing for him I think, was amazement at how responsive the frame was when he put down the power. Instant power transfer and pick up.
Were I to stack on of my (expensive) non-Boardman frames tomorrow, the 9.8s would be high on my list of replacements.
Currently looking at an Air 9.4 (last years model).
Lightly used, right size, looks mint, Dura ace, factory tubulars, bars changed (to the ones I'd have picked anyway) and a rotor crank. The price is right.
I'm torn, it just doesn't on paper look like that much of an upgrade over my 2010 pro carbon running a force / red mix and DA 7850 wheels.
Same weight 7.2kg, the only real upgrade is the Aero frame and seatpost.
Need to make a decision pretty promptly.
Lightly used, right size, looks mint, Dura ace, factory tubulars, bars changed (to the ones I'd have picked anyway) and a rotor crank. The price is right.
I'm torn, it just doesn't on paper look like that much of an upgrade over my 2010 pro carbon running a force / red mix and DA 7850 wheels.
Same weight 7.2kg, the only real upgrade is the Aero frame and seatpost.
Need to make a decision pretty promptly.
I'll sell you my AiR frame if you like:
http://twitpic.com/e8keea
Joking aside, I'd buy another one, and I'm hoping that the bike shop are able to source a replacement. Looks awesome, just the right amount of stiffness, rides really nice. The confidence I have in fast corners is miles higher than on my ribble. And at a great price.
http://twitpic.com/e8keea
Joking aside, I'd buy another one, and I'm hoping that the bike shop are able to source a replacement. Looks awesome, just the right amount of stiffness, rides really nice. The confidence I have in fast corners is miles higher than on my ribble. And at a great price.
Edited by BMWBen on Monday 21st July 15:20
BMWBen said:
I'll sell you my AiR frame if you like:
http://twitpic.com/e8keea
Joking aside, I'd buy another one, and I'm hoping that the bike shop are able to source a replacement. Looks awesome, just the right amount of stiffness, rides really nice. And at a great price.
Damn I looked at the pic before reading the rest of the post... http://twitpic.com/e8keea
Joking aside, I'd buy another one, and I'm hoping that the bike shop are able to source a replacement. Looks awesome, just the right amount of stiffness, rides really nice. And at a great price.
How did you do that?!
Twistygit said:
Just wondering if there is any difference in the frames on the cheap carbons the £999, £1200 and £1600? So if I bought the cheap one and if I liked I could upgrade stuff as it wore out
To the best of my knowledge (and a quick check of the Boardman website to see if they listed anything I wasn't aware of) the frame on the Team Carbon, Pro Carbon and Pro Carbon SLR is identical.There are no cosmetic differences and they quote the same T-700 UD carbon construction.
Sound like a plan
I have an SLR. It's a thug of a bike. It is structurally perfect and as light as is possible (860g) to give the strength needed. If you push the pedal, all of its design is to ensure that every 0.0001% of every watt goes into moving you forward.
The forks are aero, the huge boxy downtube and bottom bracket are not.
It doesn't pretend to be slippery, but neither am I. If you want get up a hill quick or want to sprint, it's the weapon of choice.
I love mine and it never ceases to reward me.
The forks are aero, the huge boxy downtube and bottom bracket are not.
It doesn't pretend to be slippery, but neither am I. If you want get up a hill quick or want to sprint, it's the weapon of choice.
I love mine and it never ceases to reward me.
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