When it comes to urban commuting, the choice of your bike can make or break your experience. Today, we’re comparing two of the most talked-about models in the sub-£1000 range: the Boardman HYB 8.9 and the Boardman MTX 8.9.
Both are hybrid bikes designed with the urban cyclist in mind, but each has its unique strengths.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Boardman HYB 8.9 | Boardman MTX 8.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £880 | £950 |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs | 27.3 lbs |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Carbon | Suntour NCX (air) |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 speed | 1 × 11 speed |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Rigid | Suspension |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Lookin Gel | Selle Royal Essenza |
| Tires | Schwalbe Marathon Racer | Schwalbe Tyrago |
| Intended Use | Urban commuting, speed | Urban & light off-road |
| Comfort & Handling | Sporty & responsive | Comfortable & adaptable |
Detailed Comparison
Frame and Build
Both bikes boast a triple-butted 6061 X7 alloy frame with hidden welds, providing a sleek design and durable build suitable for daily commuting.
Forks and Handling
The HYB 8.9 features a lightweight carbon fork with a tapered steerer for responsive handling and reduced road vibration. On the other hand, the MTX 8.9 is equipped with a Suntour NCX E Air LO fork, offering 63mm of travel with an adjustable air spring and lockout capabilities for a plush ride on varied terrain.
Gearing Up for Efficiency
Gearing is a crucial factor for commuters, especially when navigating city streets. The HYB 8.9’s Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain provides a wide range of gears, making hill climbs and speedy flats manageable. The MTX 8.9 isn’t far behind, with an 11-speed setup that still offers versatility for most urban landscapes.
Comfort and Control on the Commute
Seating and Posture
The HYB 8.9 is fitted with a Selle Royal Lookin Gel saddle and a rigid Boardman Alloy seatpost, catering to riders looking for a firm and sporty feel during their ride. Conversely, the MTX 8.9 comes with a Selle Royal Essenza saddle and a 31.6mm alloy post equipped with a 45mm suspension system, offering additional comfort and shock absorption for uneven surfaces.
Steering and Stability
Both bikes feature an alloy handlebar, but the MTX 8.9’s riser bar, which includes a 9-degree bend and 15mm rise, provides a more upright riding position conducive to urban commuting. This setup not only enhances control over rougher terrain but also aids in rider visibility in traffic.
Braking Systems and Safety
When it comes to stopping power, both the HYB and MTX 8.9 are equipped with Shimano MT400 hydraulic disc brakes. However, the type of rotors and the brake setup can influence the braking performance. The HYB 8.9 uses Shimano RT54 rotors, whereas the MTX 8.9 opts for Shimano RT-56 rotors, both sized at 160mm for consistent stopping power in various weather conditions.
Wheelset and Traction
The wheelset is another critical aspect of commuter bikes, affecting traction, control, and ride quality.
Wheels and Rims
Both models ride on aluminium rims, with the HYB featuring Boardman HYB-specific rims and the MTX sporting Boardman MTX rims. The front hub on the MTX 8.9 is a Formula 15x100mm Thru Axle, offering a sturdier wheel attachment compared to the HYB’s Shimano HB-M4050 front hub1.
Tires for the Urban Jungle
The HYB 8.9 rolls on Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires, known for their speed and puncture resistance—ideal for smooth city roads. The MTX 8.9, with its Schwalbe Tyrago tires featuring a Kevlar guard, is better equipped to handle the occasional detour through parks or cobblestone streets.
Performance and Versatility in Urban Terrain
Pedal Power
Both bikes come with FSA Gossamer Mega Exo cranks, with the HYB 8.9 sporting a 44t ring and the MTX 8.9 using a similar 1X – 44T setup. These cranks are known for their reliability and power transfer, ensuring that every pedal stroke counts whether you’re accelerating on a green light or pushing up a steep incline1.
Shifting Gears
Shifting is seamless on both models, with the HYB 8.9’s 12-speed Shimano Deore rear derailleur providing a broad range to tackle diverse urban landscapes. The MTX 8.9’s 11-speed counterpart is just as robust, with a slightly narrower range suitable for city riding and occasional off-road excursions1.
On-the-Go Adjustments
The MTX 8.9 stands out with its air-sprung fork featuring a lockout and adjustable settings, allowing riders to fine-tune their suspension on the fly—a valuable feature when transitioning between smooth asphalt and cobblestone paths. The HYB 8.9’s carbon fork, while not adjustable, offers natural vibration damping properties for a consistently smooth ride1.
Value for Urban Cyclists
Price Point
With a slightly higher MSRP, the MTC 8.9 positions itself as a premium option, justified by its suspension fork. The HYB 8.9, while less expensive, offers its own value with a lightweight carbon form and a sleeker appearance—features that enhance desirability and performance in a variety of urban scenarios.
The Final Verdict: Boardman HYB vs MTX
After considering the specific needs of the urban commuter, the verdict takes into account not just the specifications, but also the value for money:
| Feature Comparison | Boardman HYB 8.9 | Boardman MTX 8.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £880 | £950 |
| Weight | ~10.4kg | ~12.4kg |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Carbon (responsive handling) | Suntour NCX (air, comfort) |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 (speed & efficiency) | 1 × 11 (reliable performance) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Rigid (sporty feel) | Suspension (comfort) |
| Saddle | Selle Royal Lookin Gel | Selle Royal Essenza |
| Tires | Schwalbe Marathon Racer (speed) | Schwalbe Tyrago (durability) |
| Intended Use | Urban commuting (focus on speed) | Urban & light off-road (versatility) |
| Comfort & Handling | Sporty and responsive | Comfortable and adaptable |
| Commuter Score | 92/100 | 89/100 |
Both bikes score high for urban commuting, but the HYB 8.9 edges ahead slightly in terms of performance and efficiency, while the MTX 8.9 is more versatile and comfortable, especially on varied surfaces.
Whether you prioritise a lightweight, fast ride or a comfortable, versatile journey through the city’s varied terrains, both the Boardman HYB 8.9 and MTX 8.9 offer compelling features for the discerning urban cyclist.