Boardman SLR 8.6 vs Liv Avail 2
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Boardman SLR 8.6 comes out ahead (76% against 73%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Boardman SLR 8.6 is £100 cheaper — £650 against £750.
- Weight
- The Boardman SLR 8.6 is 0.3kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Mudguards
- Only the Boardman SLR 8.6 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | SLR 8.6 | Avail 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £650 | £750 |
| Weight | 10.0 kg | 10.3 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano Claris 2x8 mechanical | Shimano Claris 2x8 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.51 | 1.52 |
| Tyre clearance | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Lowest gear | 29 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | No |
| Comfort | 37 | 50 |
| Speed | 45 | 37 |
| Climbing | 43 | 43 |
| Value | 100 | 90 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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