Boardman Air 9.8
Discussion
Has anyone got one?
What do you think of it?
Have you ridden other "high end" bikes previously and how do you think it compares?
I am considering splashing out in the New Year and one of these is on my short list. Just wanting some opinions from people who have experienced said steed.
Let the discussion commence.
(I'm off to make some pop corn)
What do you think of it?
Have you ridden other "high end" bikes previously and how do you think it compares?
I am considering splashing out in the New Year and one of these is on my short list. Just wanting some opinions from people who have experienced said steed.
Let the discussion commence.
(I'm off to make some pop corn)
High end Boardmans are quite rare, A £5k Boardman is in Cyclist this month, not sure what model it was but I got the impression they liked it, 9.8 looks nice, Sram Red is a thing of beauty and functions as well as any mech groupset, alu Zipp SL finishing kit is decidely meh on a £5k bike though.
You can buy the 9.8 framseset for £1600 from Bike Science or Tri UK and then build up a better bike than the Boardman spec and still save around £1k...
You can buy the 9.8 framseset for £1600 from Bike Science or Tri UK and then build up a better bike than the Boardman spec and still save around £1k...
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 8th December 13:48
There are a few out there.
I've recently been offered a 9.4 air and a 9.8 frame in my size. Still very tempted by both as I know they are both still for sale.
Secondhand they take a major nosedive.
Quantifying how much of an upgrade the current AIR frameset is over my Pro-Carbon race prep frame is the only thing stopping me - I cant find any way of comparing the two apart from weight - which is almost identical.
I've recently been offered a 9.4 air and a 9.8 frame in my size. Still very tempted by both as I know they are both still for sale.
Secondhand they take a major nosedive.
Quantifying how much of an upgrade the current AIR frameset is over my Pro-Carbon race prep frame is the only thing stopping me - I cant find any way of comparing the two apart from weight - which is almost identical.
There were 4 or 5 Boardmann AiRs in my old club. Ranging from the 9.2 up to 2014 9.8. I have a 9.2s (which is the 2013 Ultegra 6770 Di2 version). Obviously the new 9.8 is a little bit more aero, and I’m not sure if the Carbon lay-up is that different between the models (other than the point 2, 4, 8 etc denotes finishing kit & drive train differences); but I’d try and ride one before you dive in.
I bought mine as a wet weather / commuting bike, so compromised a little on the set-up and run it on Racing Ones and more winter biased tyres (it wants for Aero wheels); but it feels blunt compared to my other bikes. I could be doing it an injustice as component / other bikes are higher spec; but the ride is a bit insipid and doesn’t feel as fast (power transfer) hence I never take it out. In fact its sitting rather forlornly in the man cave relegated to Turbo duties. That’s probably very unfair to it, but I should have brought the Cervelo R3 I tested at the same time.
I’d imagine the best comparative would be something like a Canyon Aeroroad at this price point (although the Aero features on the 9.8 are very trick and had on the significantly more expensive Look 795); or maybe the Cervelo S3 / S5?
I think its totally worth being pushy with salespeople to test ride bikes at these sort of levels. Ride and feel is so subjective and you are parting with serious cash (most wouldn’t buy a car for 3, 5, or 10k etc without testing it).
If however you do like it, I think Pablo’s point makes a lot of sense. Build one with your own component spec in mind as it’ll probably be cheaper.
I bought mine as a wet weather / commuting bike, so compromised a little on the set-up and run it on Racing Ones and more winter biased tyres (it wants for Aero wheels); but it feels blunt compared to my other bikes. I could be doing it an injustice as component / other bikes are higher spec; but the ride is a bit insipid and doesn’t feel as fast (power transfer) hence I never take it out. In fact its sitting rather forlornly in the man cave relegated to Turbo duties. That’s probably very unfair to it, but I should have brought the Cervelo R3 I tested at the same time.
I’d imagine the best comparative would be something like a Canyon Aeroroad at this price point (although the Aero features on the 9.8 are very trick and had on the significantly more expensive Look 795); or maybe the Cervelo S3 / S5?
I think its totally worth being pushy with salespeople to test ride bikes at these sort of levels. Ride and feel is so subjective and you are parting with serious cash (most wouldn’t buy a car for 3, 5, or 10k etc without testing it).
If however you do like it, I think Pablo’s point makes a lot of sense. Build one with your own component spec in mind as it’ll probably be cheaper.
(Old picture but it's packed away for the winter)
I have one, it's my 'n+3' so is rarely used. It has top end Mavic wheels and a rare SRAM Red TdF special edition yellow groupset if that makes sense.
I have 3 Colnagos, I love them because of their fantastic comfort, good looks and the feel of them.
The Boardman is something else. It's the fasted, most reactive bike I have ever ridden, the SRAM gear change feels electric, perfectly precise each time. It delivers and extra 2mph on every ride I have used it for.
It's a great piece of kit and with the right groupset, makes a great bike so if you want one, go for it.
I just wish I used mine more.
The framesets in the range are identical so whether its a 9.0 or a 9.8, it will be the same frame. That said, as with all frames, only the best QC ones are reserved for being sold naked and the 9.2S and 9.8 are the naked frames.
The 9.x denotes the spec of components, only if you buy a factory built bike. All frame only sales are badged 9.8. One of the clubs I ride with has a lot of AiR owners, mostly riding in the 20+mph groups.
I have the SLR as opposed to the AiR. It blows away anything else I have ridden. It's stiffer than anything I have ridden by some margin, yet is a sub 800g frame. It's a true climbing/sprinting weapon but will still give you 18+mph average on a 100 mile sportive.
I have only ever seen two other SLRs, which is something else I like.
Quality wise, all the Elite owners I know of are really pleased with their bike's construction and performance.
The 9.x denotes the spec of components, only if you buy a factory built bike. All frame only sales are badged 9.8. One of the clubs I ride with has a lot of AiR owners, mostly riding in the 20+mph groups.
I have the SLR as opposed to the AiR. It blows away anything else I have ridden. It's stiffer than anything I have ridden by some margin, yet is a sub 800g frame. It's a true climbing/sprinting weapon but will still give you 18+mph average on a 100 mile sportive.
I have only ever seen two other SLRs, which is something else I like.
Quality wise, all the Elite owners I know of are really pleased with their bike's construction and performance.
Thanks Shipley. First hand data which is what I'm after.
I should have specified that I would be looking at the 9.8 with Durace Di2 and my club is affiliated to a store which would give me 10% off list price.
I may be tempted by the frame only and build myself as some of the factory finishing kit is not quite what I would pick.
Good info so far. Keep it coming.
I should have specified that I would be looking at the 9.8 with Durace Di2 and my club is affiliated to a store which would give me 10% off list price.
I may be tempted by the frame only and build myself as some of the factory finishing kit is not quite what I would pick.
Good info so far. Keep it coming.
Fully built the DA9070 version is the 9.8S; its also list @ 8k (3k) more than the Red Version (although it does come with Firecrests). Would have to be cheaper to build up youself - Service Course can be improved upon, especially on an aero bike. CycloPark (I think shop is called Velo Refined) in Gravesend deal Borardman Elite frames; they might be able to let you test ride one (on the track) fully built.
TKF said:
Impressive. A wonder all the pros don't ride them to much easier victories.
Most of them do - or something comparable similar. All the grand tour teams have an aero bike in the lineup and the brownlees have been very successful on the 9.8 air.I'm probably 2mph faster on my nice bike compared to my winter bike. Its nicer, lighter, more comfy, more aero and frankly I push it harder because its that bit faster. - a bit of hyperbole always creeps in when we talk about something we love.
Wish I could justify one:
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/demobikes/index.html
AiR 9.8 Dura Ace Di2 2014 Large. 20% off.....
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/demobikes/index.html
AiR 9.8 Dura Ace Di2 2014 Large. 20% off.....
Dammit said:
I think these are nice frames but you will lose a lot more in depreciation than you would with say a Cervelo.
That is the most PistonHeads comment yet, lol.PistonHeads. Depreciation matters, lol.
I will not be selling any of my bikes ever. They become wall mounted objects d'art once I have finished riding them.
I'd really like some more objective opinions from people who own or have ridden them. People who have maybe tried other high end bikes and have something to compare them to.
I'm very close to buying an Air now.
The final question is - is it worth it over and above a half decent semi-aero carbon frame (such as my Boardman Pro-Carbon 2009) - I'm torn, whether it's secondhand or a new build on a new 9.8 Air frame is another question that's going to be financial rather than anything else once the decision to get one is made.
Frame weight is within a couple of grams, so the alternative is going lightweight and building on an SLR frame for a KG less all in.
The final question is - is it worth it over and above a half decent semi-aero carbon frame (such as my Boardman Pro-Carbon 2009) - I'm torn, whether it's secondhand or a new build on a new 9.8 Air frame is another question that's going to be financial rather than anything else once the decision to get one is made.
Frame weight is within a couple of grams, so the alternative is going lightweight and building on an SLR frame for a KG less all in.
I've got one. It's awesome. Perfect balance of stiffness and comfort, looks stunning, does 5-10 mins less on my hour training loop than the winter bike. They're also quite rare which is nice. Not because they're unpopular mind, the shop I bought mine from was selling out every batch they got immediately.
Ignore the "depreciation", you'll pay 3k less than for a Cervelo, sooooo.... meh!
Well, I say I've got one, but actually it's the 9.8 frame with the 9.2s components from the 2013 model as the frame was replaced after a crash.
Ignore the "depreciation", you'll pay 3k less than for a Cervelo, sooooo.... meh!
Well, I say I've got one, but actually it's the 9.8 frame with the 9.2s components from the 2013 model as the frame was replaced after a crash.
Edited by BMWBen on Monday 5th January 18:04
shipley said:
(Old picture but it's packed away for the winter)
I have one, it's my 'n+3' so is rarely used. It has top end Mavic wheels and a rare SRAM Red TdF special edition yellow groupset if that makes sense.
I have 3 Colnagos, I love them because of their fantastic comfort, good looks and the feel of them.
The Boardman is something else. It's the fasted, most reactive bike I have ever ridden, the SRAM gear change feels electric, perfectly precise each time. It delivers and extra 2mph on every ride I have used it for.
It's a great piece of kit and with the right groupset, makes a great bike so if you want one, go for it.
I just wish I used mine more.
Damn my midget genes!
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