Boardman SLR 8.6 vs Triban RC520 Disc
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
These two score within 1 point of each other for a typical all-round rider, so there is no single winner — the right one depends entirely on which of the differences below you care about.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Boardman SLR 8.6 is £250 cheaper — £650 against £900.
- Weight
- The Boardman SLR 8.6 is 0.5kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Triban RC520 Disc sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.51). The Boardman SLR 8.6 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Triban RC520 Disc takes 36mm tyres against 28mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Side by side
| Spec | SLR 8.6 | RC520 Disc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £650 | £900 |
| Weight | 10.0 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano Claris 2x8 mechanical | Shimano 105 R7000 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.51 | 1.56 |
| Tyre clearance | 28 mm | 36 mm |
| Lowest gear | 29 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 37 | 70 |
| Speed | 45 | 24 |
| Climbing | 43 | 40 |
| Value | 100 | 81 |
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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