The Boardman MTX 8.6 is described as a "a versatile multi-terrain bike with a 63mm suspension fork, 2X9 speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes"
I bought it as a cheap way of trying out some off road stuff. As a roadie I wanted to try something with front suspension, flat bar and more relaxed geometry
It's a good bike but a lot of the off road riding near me is very hilly and so my only gripe with it was the weight (in excess of 14.5kg in a medium).
After about 6 months of use I decided that the front suspension fork wasn't really required for the kind of riding I was doing and so I swapped it out for a rigid MTB fork, saving around 2kg
The wheels are also on the heavy side and the internal width is rather narrow relative modern gravel trends. So I bought a Hunt X Wide gravel front wheel which meant that the front 42mm tyre sat little wider. It also means I can run a wider tyre, even up to a 2.2.MTB tyre. Changing the front wheel also saved me about 350g
I'm less keen to change the rear wheel as the tyre clearance is limited by the frame, it's 45mm max.
It now weighs 11.8kg rather than the 14.5kg originally
So now I have a lighter bike which is more suited to the kind of riding I do. Very pleased with, especially given the value
The Boardman HYB range would also be a good gravel bike option but I'm not sure of the tyre clearance on those. I think it may be 35mm? I'd want to go wider than that.
You could certainly use the MTX off the shelf, with suspension fork, as a gravel bike no problems. Especially if you are in an area with few big hills but rough terrain. It's just for me and the riding I do a rigid fork and a lighter bike is more suitable and practical
Cost:
Boardman MTX 8.6 £480 (on sale)
AliExpress carbon MTB fork £57.59 (inc postage)
Hunt X Wide alloy front wheel £99.60 (on sale/clearance)
Total: £637.19
Given the price of most gravel bikes on the market today, I'd say that represents good value. Boardman have always offered good spec for the price, IMO
by BeagleBagleBoy