New Gravel Bike, Boardman ADV | First Ride, First Impressions

This is my first ride on my new new gravel bike, the Boardman Adv 8.9. Not ridden a drop bar bike since I was a teenager, so everything seems difficult including changing gears.
There is a storm coming, so I'm up against it, but there is enough time to give my first impressions of riding this bike.
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#themuddycyclist #boardmanadv

[@themuddycyclist]

Have I made a good decision buying a gravel bike? Would love to hear from gravel riders out there about that and any tips / routes too.

[@themuddycyclist]

@@MuchoArigato Appreciate the advice, not even looked at tyre pressures, yet! Definitely know what you mean about feeling twitchier than a MTB. Hoping I'll get used to that over time.

[@davidadams8736]

Realy nead to set it up properly before or makes bike look bad

[@themuddycyclist]

Absolutely, running pretty sweet now 👍

[@jamesf5611]

Just picked up the ADV 8.9E version yesterday and rode the bike the 9 miles home. Yes I know electric, but works for me. Great bike, feels terrific on the road and enjoying the drop down handlebars, all of which reminded me of why I loved long distance cycling when I was younger. Thanks for the tip on the gears, as was fiddling with them yesterday, but had to be careful as was on the main road for most of the journey.

[@themuddycyclist]

Pleased you are enjoying the bike, my gears continue to give me issues. I get them right and they start playing up again. Other than that have really enjoyed the bike, was on it yesterday for brilliant 60km on road/off road ride.

[@christianluff]

Really useful review, thanks. All the more useful as your chosen ride is on my doorstep! The media marketing machine has gradually chipped away at my self-control and has convinced me that I'd like a gravel bike too. I love my modern MTB but am often frustrated by how sluggish it is. I miss having a road bike, the lightness and stiffness but really don't trust today's traffic and crummy potholed roads to get back into road riding. I can definitely imagine how alien it feels with head down bum up depending down wet chalky mud. I guess the trick is to know when to pick the best bike for the conditions or route. Like you I've not ridden on road for decades. I wonder if I'm remembering the best bits with rose tints on! Hmmmm.... I need to do more research. Thanks for sharing your honest views, great stuff.

[@themuddycyclist]

Appreciate those kinds words. You are in a good position if you already have a. decent MTB, that is pretty much all I'm riding right now but over the year a gravel bike is a great option when conditions change or you want to change things up a bit.

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Great honest look at everyone's first gravel ride! Cheers Patrick!

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks Matt, time will tell how good a decision this is.

[@Martin-km4yz]

I'm picking one of these bikes on Saturday 😊

[@darrenelbrow5144]

Firstly, who set your bike up for you, and who didn’t explain how to change gears? 2nd I’ve ridden my Boardman ADV 8.9 for over 7000 miles around the New Forest and the Purbecks in Dorset. Ditch the stock tyres unless it’s very dry and no mud. I’ve run WTB Nano on mine with great success. Run them at around 45psi. The ADV is a very capable bike

[@themuddycyclist]

I bought the bike online, & unfortunately have never ridden a bike with gears like this. Last time I rode a drop bar bike, the gear change was on the down tube! Will definitely change the tyres, thanks for the tyre tip.

[@darrenelbrow5144]

The Muddy Cyclist I was lucky to have a good bike team at my local Halfords who set my bike up pretty well straight away. Keep at it with the Boardman, it works really well and is a very capable bike

[@malcolmhales8181]

I 2nd the WTB tyres, ridden 2000 miles. Pressures make or break a ride

[@themuddycyclist]

@@darrenelbrow5144 Will do, am enjoying the bike so far.

[@almaghrabee]

Would it not have been a better test once you were comfortable with the bike? I.e. test it out locally few miles and make adjustments before real test.

[@themuddycyclist]

Er, yes probably. But didn’t anticipate the issues I had. Plan on doing a long term review maybe after 12 months.

[@dstroud666]

I’ve got one too, it’s great now it has: 11-42 cassette, 43mm gravel king SK tyres and rear mech extender to cope with the 42 tooth sprocket.

[@themuddycyclist]

I like the look at those tyres, I’m not looking to ride through the really mucky conditions, so don’t want too much tread. Not planning on doing changing my cassette at this stage. Thanks for the advice 👍

[@cow-a-cyclist2545]

I have the same bike as you, I have had it for 3 years and did over 12,000 miles so far. It is still going strong but I have had to replace the rear wheel twice with warranty; the wheel rim started to fracture at the spoke holes, the first time was the worst as it pried a spoke out. But other than that the bike has been great. Oh and Halfords (where I purchased) didnt tighten the gear cable for the cassette so I had to tension and set my gears myself. Hmm I could do a long term review, this has got me thinking. I like seeing others with the same bike as me, kinda bike brothers :)

[@themuddycyclist]

Think you’ve just story boarded your next video, go make it 👍😊

[@stevenhargreaves6682]

Just bought the 2021 Boardman ADV 8.6 entry level bike yesterday and first thing that confused me was those gear levers. Last time I had drop racer, the levers where on the frame! I will go for a gravel ride soon but initial impressions are good. I had a mountain bike a few years ago and for opposite reasons to you I could never get use to it since I always had a drop racer. So now I feel I can control this bike better with drop handle bars and still have the option to go off road if I need to. It’s pretty light and fast uphill as well.

[@themuddycyclist]

😆, exactly the same as me, these shifters on the levels is a whole new world to me! Good luck with Boardman, I’m having a lot of fun on mine now.

[@mlee6050]

I be same, I only like Shimano for flat bar

[@malcolmhales8181]

WTB Nanos, I weigh around 78 kilos, I run 40f/45r psi, jobs a gooden. Recording position is obviously personal, but I set it up same as my rd bike. Chalk is always going to be kamikaze. I ride a Kinesis pro 6 crosser around the exact same trails/downs links as you. See you around.

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks for the tips, wave if you see me struggling up a hill!

[@TheSilentMajority777]

Hey thanks for the initial review I've just purchased this bike and will keep a eye out for further videos.

[@themuddycyclist]

Have fun with it, been out on mine since this video and had a better experience. 👍

[@HallMarc_Trails]

Great vid mate, i'm sure it will be fit for purpose once you've ironed out all the teething problems, i would probably look at getting more tread on those tyres though 😀👍

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks buddy. Think you might be right about those tyres!

[@mikegill1037]

Hope you enjoy it. Loving your first ride shakedown! Have to say I bought a gravel bike......rather than good compromise I'd say it's worst of all worlds. Buyer's remorse.

[@themuddycyclist]

Ahh, that’s my fear. Is a bit too close to a road bike? But going to give it more time, hopefully I’ll find the right conditions & terrain for it.

[@mikegill1037]

@@themuddycyclist Mine now has road tyres and is basically a heavy weight road bike. I was seduced by the hype.....back to my safe luddite conventions

[@darrenelbrow5144]

A gravel bike is never going to be an mtb. That’s not it’s thing. It’s an all day adventure bike that happens to be able to handle a bit of off road riding. My Boardman has done over 7000 miles in a year and done everything from 100 mile Road sportives to riding mtb single track and it flies on the gravel tracks of the New Forest. It’s the perfect type of bike for the rides I do here in Dorset. I’ve actually bought a second gravel bike now, a full carbon Orro Terra C which is easier to road ride but still like the dirty stuff

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Those adjusters at the front turn real easy when new, I undid them almost completely and added the smallest drop of thread lock the screwed back in to the right adjustment, been fine ever since. Definitely lose the peak, your neck will thank you👍

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks, gears much improved, though not quite 100% yet, will look again with your advice. Might treat myself to a new lid, just need to measure my head!

[@MrAnon-2024]

Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the gravel bike. I’m looking at possibly buying one but not rode a drop bar since I was a nipper! Only used to my MTB and flat bar hybrid.

[@themuddycyclist]

I was in the same boat. Felt like a big decision buying a bike that wasn’t a MTB.

[@almaghrabee]

I'm looking at getting one of these mainly because I want to do longer distance road biking with option of doing light trails on the way. I have a mountain bike for tougher trails.

[@themuddycyclist]

Well a gravel bike would fit the bill. Especially as you have a mountain bike for the more gnarly stuff.

[@almaghrabee]

@@themuddycyclist hoping for it to replace my hybrid which I have used for commuting and some longer rides on weekends.

[@drewcripps8214]

Defo get some cx tyres on there for this time of year!

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks, I’m realising that the hard way!

[@drewcripps8214]

@@themuddycyclist Schwalbe CX Pros are a good tyre for the mud - about £15 each so not expensive either!

[@leesaunders7232]

Schwalbe CX Comp are a decent shout as the tread meams they can also be used on tarmac 👌 Plus, they're as cheap as chips. Seen them on Wiggle for 9 quid! 🤑🤑🤑

[@stevenhargreaves6682]

Hello again, the bike seems pretty good to me but I do miss some suspension. I struggle to keep up with someone on a mountain bike along bumpy trails. I was just wondering if you have fitted mudguards to the bike yet? If not, are there any you would recommend. I am finding the 40mm tyre width bit of niche size.

[@themuddycyclist]

I’ve found the bike performs best on the smoother trails and fire roads. If it starts getting a bit bumpy you will miss suspension. Try searching out some less technical bridleways and quiet country roads. Don’t have mudguards yet, might sort out for the winter, think my tyres are 38mm, not sure if that makes much difference.

[@stevenhargreaves6682]

@@themuddycyclist Thanks for your reply. Yes, you’re right, they are 38mm tyres. Had some SKS Bluemels 45mm 700c matt black mudguards fitted. They look good though the front ones rattle slightly when turning corners and on really bumpy canal trails. I’m pretty pleased with the bike at the moment. I find the gears are little noisy when using some of the upper gear configurations but overall it’s been good.

[@philstadnicki7882]

I highly recommend wtb resolute tyres- tubeless obviously

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks for the tip, haven’t chosen new tyres yet, mine have been ok in the dry conditions we currently have, but will have to change when the rain comes.

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

Love the Orange why did they put that much black on it

[@themuddycyclist]

You talking about the livery? I think it looks pretty good.

[@cleodiesellick3322]

Looks awesome ! Nice bike:) looks a nice place to ride looking quite rainy tho 😹

[@themuddycyclist]

It’s certainly better in the sun ☀️👍

[@EvtheNev]

Nie looking bike. Have often thought about picking up a gravel bike to go with the MTB

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks. I’m pleased with the bike, it’s opened so much more cycling options for me 👍

[@rich7860]

Just watched this amazing how far you have come on it. In regard to the wheels you gone Tubeless? Thinking about punctures on gravel etc?

[@themuddycyclist]

No, still on tubes. Waiting for my first puncture then I’ll probably do something about it!

[@gileschenery3645]

@@themuddycyclist got my first puncture 4o minutes on foot away from the dealership smdh

[@themuddycyclist]

Nightmare, whisper it but still waiting for my first puncture!

[@billbalding3705]

Climb out from waterhall is always slippery. Tyre choice counts for a lot on a gravel bike. I'd go for a wider tyre with more tread if you'll be riding it a lot on the South Downs - will be easier to handle and way more comfortable

[@themuddycyclist]

Thanks Bill, have you any different tyre recommendations?

[@davelloyd8454]

@@themuddycyclist granfondo-cycling.com/the-best-gravel-tire-2/

[@themuddycyclist]

Dave Lloyd Brilliant, thanks 🙏

[@billbalding3705]

It's bit niche, but if your frame can take it something like this should be good: www.tritoncycles.co.uk/components-c9/tyres-c125/surly-knard-700x41c-tyre-p10577 The one previously mentioned will give you speed and a fair bit of grip but probably won't give you the level of tread needed to get up steep slick climbs like waterhall in the winter. Great for summer though.

[@billbalding3705]

Also it's probably a given at this point but setting it up tubeless will give you a more comfortable ride as you can run lower pressures

[@lettymorris5364]

planning to do a long version of LEJOG (mainly on road with a bit of off road). Would you recommend Adv 8.9? Wondering if it's good enough on the road, as well as gravel

[@themuddycyclist]

Definitely, it’s very good on the road, probably better than it is on gravel (with those tyres)

[@lettymorris5364]

@@themuddycyclist thank you!

[@richardlewis9427]

No offence meant here,but surely you would notice the seatpost height and handler alignment before you got on it ? And those gears sound terrible did Halfords set it up before you purchased it or did you take it boxed ? Halfords aren’t known for their mechanical ability the staff aren’t even cytech trained which is very worrying considering their biggest seller are bikes

[@themuddycyclist]

The bike wasn’t bought at Halfords, it was Tredz (not sure there’s much different). It was delivered boxed, gears have been a problem on & off ever since. That’s the risk when buying online.

[@Ajajambo]

@@themuddycyclist mate just pop to Halfords you would be surprised these days their staff are propre trained. I had the same problem with MTB gears never click in the correct number. Took it to my local store the manager said let rid it for few minutes, within 30 seconds he was already tweaking the cables near the gear changer and then quick stop to re-aligne the back derailleur and that was it! Every change of gear was slotting in correctly with no skipping or nose, it as white as a mouse

[@themuddycyclist]

That’s good to hear, think I’ve got the gears sorted now 🤞

[@Ajajambo]

@@themuddycyclist great

[@DanButcher-rm7ej]

How do you find it on road? I like the spec coming from a mtb want something faster on road but not a flat out racing bike. My mtb is a struggle on hills want to go further faster.

[@themuddycyclist]

It performs very well on the road, the tyres barely slow it down.

[@jamesf5611]

After singing its praises the bike has to go back. Had instant loss of tyre pressure couple of days ago due to faulty inner tube. That was manageable. On turning bike upside down realised they front fork had a massive chip out of the base of it. Either it’s been in accident, which is weird for a brand new bike,’or Halfords were knocking lumps out of it. Really disappointed and not sure whether to look for another brand.

[@themuddycyclist]

Sorry to hear that, sounds like the tubes is an easy fix (go tubeless?), but the damaged fork is disappointing. Hopefully it doesn’t impact on the ride quality.

[@JamesDownes]

I'm seriously thinking of giving this bike a go would you recommend to someone coming from cross country MTBing

[@themuddycyclist]

You are in exactly the same position I was in, yes would recommend it, but you’ll need to change the tyres if you’ll be taking it off road much.

[@mertsagcan]

Looking for a gravel bike around 1000$ 1500. I will use as a commuter should have rack. Any suggestion ? How much should i pay for a good bike. Topstone , cona dove , trek check poind , merlin ??

[@themuddycyclist]

Sorry my gravel bike knowledge is very limited. I’ve only ridden the Boardman Adv 8.9 & not even sure it’s available outside the UK.

[@waynetucker4898]

Would it make a good touring bike?

[@themuddycyclist]

Not used it for that, but I would have thought so.

[@jameslazer819]

Did you drop your tyre pressure? Most of the wheel spin can be resolved at around 45 psi.

[@themuddycyclist]

No I didn’t, tyres are quite firm, what psi would you recommend?

[@jameslazer819]

@@themuddycyclist If I am mainly riding road, I go for around 55psi. If I am off road or expect to do anything loose like gravel, mud or sand I go down to 45psi. Honestly, if you haven't tried 45 yet, you are in for such a treat! The comfort in comparison to high pressure is just mind blowing. Even on road 45 doesn't come with too much rolling resistance issues, modern gravel tyres perform well at low pressure regardless of surface.

[@themuddycyclist]

That’s great advice, thanks. Will definitely try that on next gravel bike ride. 👍

[@jameslazer819]

@@themuddycyclist No worries, let me know what you think 👍

[@triciamcintyre4947]

Been wanting a gravel bike for ages,had hard tail MTB all my life,it's not as if you can change from drop bars to a flat bar if you can't get used to it,I think that's what's stopping me from getting one earlier.👍🚴

[@themuddycyclist]

Go for it is what I say, I’ve not regretted it. Totally used to the bars now.

[@triciamcintyre4947]

Cheers

[@takitobutface6805]

im very tempted to buy this bike from halfords to experience gravel bike

[@themuddycyclist]

Go for it, gravel riding is fun 👍

[@mlee6050]

Same, at moment my planned builds are 7.3kg Trek Emonda ALR and a 12.8kg Trek Slash (Enduro mountain bike) Curious if you felt weight of bike as being a nice weight for gravel riding before I pick to buy one

[@peterharrison8756]

Have you let Halfords build your bike, a big mistake take it to a proper bike shop.

[@themuddycyclist]

It came pre-built, I just had to put on the bars, but regret not taking it to a proper bike shop to set up the gears.

[@peterharrison8756]

@@themuddycyclist I once made the same mistake. Good bikes ruined by half wits.

[@jayshah8455]

Have you even ever ridden a bike before that day!

[@themuddycyclist]

🤔

[@muzman777]

Just what I posted mate.

[@stevemerrigan2091]

N

[@muzman777]

Have you just started riding bikes mate? WTF?

[@kendu5636]

Sad

[@muzman777]

Noob trying to convince is he rides all the time. I think not.