The Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon is part of the company's newly unveiled 'four season fast' range of versatile road bikes – and the first thing it shouts is value! A high-quality carbon frame in terms of build and ride feel, a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset and loads of versatility for less than two grand is something of a rarity these days.
For more options, check our best road bikes buyer's guide.
Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon: Ride
I've ridden a lot of Boardman's SLR bikes over the years and they've always impressed me as being great all-round road bikes, while also offering excellent value. I don't think I'd be being overly harsh, though, by saying that this bike's predecessor, which by all accounts was very good, was getting a bit long in the tooth.
Boardman has made some big changes for this model, and not purely just for the sake of it, as the company has clearly put some real thought into the new design.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - top tube logo.jpg (credit: road.cc)Essentially, this is still a performance road bike at its heart, with relatively aggressive geometry that gives quick handling and makes the SLR feel generally nippy and nimble. Even with the ability to fit larger tyres and full mudguards, Boardman has managed to keep a directness and responsiveness.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - riding 2.jpg (credit: road.cc)The front end feels well balanced and gives you confidence through the bends while the rear end tracks perfectly. It feels really planted and I got a lot of pleasure and reward from seeking out technical descents.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - head tube.jpg (credit: road.cc)Both the frame and fork have sufficient stiffness where it is required, which was noticeable when descending at speed, especially through tight corners. Heavy braking created no issues for the fork even on poor road surfaces.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - riding 3.jpg (credit: road.cc)Take the spacers out beneath the stem and you have quite a low-slung front, which is Ideal if your goals are speed and getting as aero as possible. Although, even with the spacers fitted to this bike, my position felt more purposeful than on many endurance bikes I've ridden.
Being set up like this was a great compromise for switching between lunchtime blasts and longer rides that I used the SLR for.
I believe that Boardman has got the overall geometry spot on for what the SLR is designed to do. Most us who want a race bike don't race, so we don't necessarily need a bike that's been designed for the pro peloton, but we don't want an endurance bike either.
This SLR fits in the middle ground very nicely, delivering a riding position for going fast without any comfort compromises. Ultimately it focuses on real-world efficiency and practicality.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - riding 4.jpg (credit: road.cc)Speaking of comfort, the overall ride quality is good, coping well with both smooth and not-so-smooth road surfaces. It's far from the plushest carbon frame I've ever ridden, but factor in the price and it is genuinely impressive. The SLR does a great job of minimising the high-frequency buzz and takes most bumps and bangs in its stride. And for these qualities I'd put it on a par with Merida's Scultura Endurance range and Giant's Defy models.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - riding 5.jpg (credit: road.cc)Overall, Boardman has summed up the road bike most of us really need, especially here in the UK.
Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon: Frame & Fork
There are still some aluminium alloy bikes in the SLR range, such as the 8.8 and 8.6, as Boardman has presently only updated the carbon fibre models.
As with many brands, Boardman follows a tiered system for the grades of carbon fibre used, with C7 used for the base model SLR 8.9 and this 9.0 model, while bikes higher up the range use C10. Boardman doesn't go into the nitty-gritty of specific composite grades, but how it pans out in practice is that the more expensive grades are stiffer for a given amount of material. This means lighter frames can be made without sacrificing stiffness, with the cheaper offerings sometimes being a little more resilient to knocks and crashes.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - bottom bracket.jpg (credit: road.cc)It's a great quality frame and full-carbon fork with some really smart-looking paintjobs throughout the range – and Boardman backs up the quality with a lifetime warranty for the original owner.
As you can see from the section above, the C7 frame and C10 fork rides very well indeed and an all-up weight of 8.8kg in this spec is very respectable.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - seat tube junction.jpg (credit: road.cc)Looking at our photos you can see that the SLR is a clean, smooth-looking bike and it's no surprise to see a focus on aerodynamics.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0.jpg (credit: road.cc)After all, technology such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) allows you to 3D model a bike to see how it reacts to airflow, and it would be foolish not to use it when creating a bike like this. Add in finite element analysis (FEA), which gives designers the chance to understand how stresses and other physical effects will affect the frameset in real-world use, and you can take a lot of the guesswork out of the design before you even get to the prototype stage.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - front.jpg (credit: road.cc)Boardman tested the new SLR in Sliverstone's wind tunnel and says that it's 5.7W faster than the outgoing model across a -15° to +15° yaw sweep at 50km/h (31.1mph).
The SLR works with both mechanical and electronic groupsets with all cables and brake hoses hidden within the frame. Boardman has also hidden the seat clamp, while the seatstays are dropped low for improved airflow.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - seat post bolt.jpg (credit: road.cc)James Ryan, the SLR's designer, dropped this bike off with us and showed us the rest of the range, and he was keen to point out that this bike hasn't been designed for a WorldTour team – but for riders like you and I where performance is important, but not at a cost of having a bike you can't just jump on and ride if the weather conditions aren't right, or if your route takes you on poor road surfaces not suitable for a race machine.
First up, tyre clearance. The SLR range will take up to 36mm tyres, which is impressive for a road bike that hasn't slipped into the 'all-road' category and gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to routes and even terrain.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - seat stays.jpg (credit: road.cc)On a 36mm tyre it's possible to ride on hardpacked gravel tracks or canal routes without compromise, and if you wanted to try your hand at a long-distance event like an audax or sportive then having that extra volume in the tyre means less stress on your contact points.
You also get an extra set of bottle cage mounts underneath the down tube for a bit of extra load carrying capabilities.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - down tube underside bosses.jpg (credit: road.cc)The three bolt mounts on the top of the down tube give you some adjustability for larger bottles, or when using a frame bag.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - downtube bosses.jpg (credit: road.cc)There are also mudguard mounts hidden inside the fork legs and the seatstays, and while any full mudguard will fit, you will need to modify the stays slightly. If you don't fancy the faff of that then Boardman has worked with Kinesis to develop a Fend-Off mudguard designed specifically for the SLR's frameset.
The Fend-Off SLRs cost £60, and while I haven't seen them in the flesh, I will say that the Fend-Offs I fitted to my own Fairlight were the easiest mudguards I have ever installed and remain quiet and rattle free.
With guards fitted the tyre clearance drops to 32mm, which for me is more than plenty on a road bike and matches that found on many other brands' similar offerings.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - fork clearance.jpg (credit: road.cc)Another neat touch is the inclusion of a universal derailleur hanger (UDH).
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - rear mech.jpg (credit: road.cc)Geometry-wise, the SLR is available in five sizes, ranging from XS to XL with corresponding top tube lengths of 525mm to 585mm.
This is a medium with a top tube of 555mm, head tube of 151mm and a seat tube of 500mm due to the frame's compact, sloping top tube.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - seat tube detail 2.jpg (credit: road.cc)Stack and reach figures are 563mm and 388mm respectively, and in terms of angles, it's 72.5 degrees at the head, and 73.5 degrees at the seat tube.
There is also a women's model (the 8.9), available in three sizes.
Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon: Finishing Kit
This model comes with a Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical groupset.
The 105 groupset sits midway in Shimano's road line-up above Claris, Sora and Tiagra, all of which are soon to be replaced by CUES, and it now comes with a 12-speed cassette. Above it in Shimano's hierarchy are 105 Di2, Ultegra and Dura-Ace.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - cassette.jpg (credit: road.cc)Compared with the previous iteration of 105 the STI levers have had a major makeover, which has improved ergonomics, benefitting comfort and performance.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - lever.jpg (credit: road.cc)This groupset has cemented itself as the range's 'all-rounder' and it's done that based on how good it is in terms of shifting and braking while still representing good value.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - front disc brake.jpg (credit: road.cc)The only non-groupset component we've got on the SLR is the FC-RS520 chainset, which looks similar to the 105's, but I think it cheapens the overall look a little.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - crank.jpg (credit: road.cc)Performance-wise I couldn't tell any difference, and the 50/34T chainring and 11-34T cassette combo gives you a great spread of gears for all kinds of riding. The 1:1 ratio bottom gear is perfect for hilly days, while you won't run out of a gear to push against in the 50/11T max ratio.
Boardman has specced a 160mm rotor for the front disc and a 140mm for the rear, which provides more than enough stopping power for all road riding conditions.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - rear disc brake.jpg (credit: road.cc)The SLR 9.0 uses an alloy two-piece system stem called the SLR ICR and Aero Alloy handlebar. In fact, no model in the range uses a one-piece cockpit as James Ryan points out that for most people an integrated cockpit doesn’t work.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - bars 3.jpg (credit: road.cc)He says: “We could fit one and add another £300 to the retail price, but someone might just take it off straight away as the combination of the stem length and handlebar width doesn’t work for them.”
Each bike comes with a size-specific setup with this medium model going for a 100mm stem and 400mm handlebar, though Boardman sells the components individually should you want something else, with a stem costing £48 for example.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - stem.jpg (credit: road.cc)The setup here looks smart, though, and the bar's shallow drop gives you plenty of access regardless of how flexible you are.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - drop bars.jpg (credit: road.cc)The carbon seatpost has plenty of adjustment that allows you to slide the saddle forwards and backwards, providing you with an inline position or 15mm of layback. This really helps to let you dial in your fit.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - saddle 1.jpg (credit: road.cc)This post comes as standard from this model upwards, with the 8.9 SLR getting a round aluminium post – though you could upgrade to this carbon post for £80; should you want to run a round post on any model you can get a spacer from Boardman.
The saddle is a Prologo Scratch M5 PAS with steel rails.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - saddle 2.jpg (credit: road.cc)I like Prologo saddles and found this one excellent. I'm a fan of the narrow nose and minimal padding, which worked well when I wanted to get forward in a race position.
The wheelset uses Alex's 30mm-deep alloy rims, which help the bike's 30mm tyres maintain their shape.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - rim.jpg (credit: road.cc)While the wheels are fitted with inner tubes, everything is compatible with going tubeless. You'll just need sealant, valves and tape.
The performance of the wheels impressed me. They arrived well tensioned and running true, staying that way until the end of the review period. I also found no issues with stiffness and the ride quality is decent.
Their weight is reasonable too, so they don't hamper your acceleration or climbing, which can be the case with some wheels on bikes at this price, those specced with Mavic's Aksiums for instance.
The Goodyear Eagle tyres have a grippy compound and decent rolling resistance, and I was generally impressed when I improved them. Tyres are an area where some bike brands scrimp to save some money, so I'm glad to see Boardman has specced these that have an RRP of £50 each.
2025 Boardman SLR 9.0 - tyre.jpg (credit: road.cc)They have a good ride feel and the R:Shield breaker belt helps keep the punctures at bay.
Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon: Value
The SLR range starts with the £1,400 SLR 8.9 Carbon that has a Tiagra groupset and Boardman wheels, with this SLR 9.0 next in line at £1,800. The 9.2 with 105 Di2 costs £2,500 while a grand more sees an upgrade to Ultegra Di2 and Zipp 303 S wheels.
The range is topped off with the SLR 9.8 that features SRAM's excellent Red groupset and a set of Zipp's 404 Firecrest wheels for £5,500.
The whole range looks to be great value.
For comparison, I recently reviewed Ribble's Allroad SL, another road bike with added versatility. On paper it has similar capabilities to the SLR with tyre clearances of 35mm (32mm with mudguards) a carbon frameset and a mechanical 105 groupset.
But the Ribble's geometry is more endurance based, and I wasn't a massive fan of its ride quality. It's also heavier and, at £1,999, more expensive.
Merida's Scultura Endurance lives up to its name by having slightly more relaxed geometry than the SLR, which means a stack about 20mm taller for the same size frame. It has other similar attributes to the Boardman too, with 35mm of tyre clearance (32mm with guards), hidden mudguard mounts and internal cabling.
The 4000 has a carbon frameset, a 105 mechanical groupset and costs £2,250.
The SLR reminds me of Giant's Defy range. A fast, performance-based frameset with geometry backed off a bit from full-on race bike, and plenty of versatility. The geometry is similar, though the Defy wins on tyre clearance at 40mm – though without the option for fitting mudguards.
The biggest difference though is the price. The Defy Advanced 2 comes with a 105 mechanical groupset and the same crankset as the Boardman SLR – and a £2,699 price.
Boardman SLR 9.0 Carbon: Conclusion
The SLR 9.0 shows a balanced, well-thought-out idea of what is arguably the best all-round road bike for many of us. The geometry gives a fast, efficient bike regardless of whether you have the mudguards fitted or not, and you have the versatility of being able to comfortably ride in all kinds of conditions. Not only does it tick all of those boxes, but it comes at an incredible price too.
Verdict
Fast, fun, versatile and efficient – the welcome update makes this a road bike for all conditions
road.cc test report
Make and model: Boardman SLR 9.0
Size tested: M
About the bike
List the components used to build up the bike.
Headset: ACROS 1.5in
Bottom Bracket: BB386EVO
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 RD-R7101 12-Speed
Brakes: Shimano 105 BR7170 Hydraulic Disc
Cassette: Shimano CS-R7101, 11-34 Tooth, 12-Speed
Shifter: Shimano 105 R7170 12-Speed
Chain: Shimano CN-M6100, 12-Speed
Cranks: Shimano FC-RS520, 50-34 Tooth
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-R7100 12-Speed
Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 PAS Steel
Seat Post: Boardman Two Position Aero D-Shaped Carbon
Stem: Boardman SLR ICR
Handlebar: Boardman Aero Alloy
Handlebar Tape: Boardman Textured
Wheelset: Alex Alloy Road 30mm, Tubeless Ready
Tyre: Goodyear Eagle Tubeless Ready 700 x 30mm
Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?
Boardman says: "Faster, more versatile, and even better value, the new SLR is aero-optimised to be breakaway-fast and ultra-distance comfortable. Summer through winter, ride or race, the SLR is the perfect option for those looking for one performance bike to ride week in, week out, year-round."
Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options
The new SLR Carbon range starts with the 8.9 & 8.9 Women's at £1,400 with this SLR 9.0 is next at £1,800. The range topper is the SLR 9.8 at £5,500, but that comes with SRAM Red AXS and deep-section Zipp wheels.
Frame and fork
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?
A very good quality frame and fork throughout.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?
Both the frame and fork are created from carbon fibre, the frame being Boardman's C7 grade while the fork is C10.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?
The geometry is reasonably aggressive without being as extreme as a pure race machine.
How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?
The stack and reach figures give a ratio of 1.45 in this size, which is peformance road bike territory.
Riding the bike
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.
Overall, the SLR has a good ride quality and coped well with varying road surfaces.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?
The SLR feels stiff throughout the frame and the fork.
How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?
For the price and build the overall weight is decent, which when paired with the geometry makes the SLR an efficient bike to ride.
Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?
No
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Responsive
Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?
The SLR has quick handling that has a direct feel to it making it a lot of fun to ride fast. I never found it to be a handful though.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?
The Goodyear tyres have a supple ride feel, which helps the bike overall and I got on well with the Prologo saddle.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?
The alloy handlebar is stiff enough for out-of-the-saddle efforts and the wheels showed plenty of lateral stiffness.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?
The 105 groupset gives a good range of gearing for added efficiency.
The drivetrain
Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?
The 105 mechanical groupset offers a great balance of performance, reliability and value.
Wheels and tyres
Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?
Decent quality wheels that performed well throughout the review period.
Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?
Good all-rounder tyres that are great to see on a bike at this price.
Controls
Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?
A good selection of kit, which while not flash works well and offers plenty fo comfort. The adjustable seatpost is a bonus.
Anything else you want to say about the componentry? Comment on any other components (good or bad)
I'd have preferred the 105 chainset rather than the non-series option, but this affected the aesthetics rather than the performance.
Your summary
Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes
Would you consider buying the bike? Yes
Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes
How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
The SLR is very well priced compared to the competition from the likes of Ribble, Merida and Giant as you can see from the comparisons in the review.
Use this box to explain your overall score
This SLR model scores solidly across all aspects of the way it rides while winning bonus points for being good value.
About the tester
Age: 46
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
Fast, fun, versatile and efficient – the welcome update makes this a road bike for all conditions