[Closed] How much better are newer bikes?

The simple answer is that it's not about the bike and you'll get some fun out of it. That said things have changed quite a bit recently. Some things make a big difference, some not so much. In your situation I'd probably ride what you've got, especially as there are limited stocks of new bikes and it's winter. Boardman stuff is ok. Then maybe tweak it a bit as you go. Some things you can do: Different stem and bars to get a better riding position. Dropper post. Better/bigger forks (cheaper bikes tend to have pretty poor forks). Other stuff can be swapped as stuff wears, eg 1x drive train or new tyres. You can always move those bits onto a new frame at a later date.

The frame doesn't have holes for a dropper post and the wheels are not tubeless compatible - is that likely to be an issue, or am I just looking for an excuse to spend money!

You can get an externally routed dropper, or, in a frame of that value, just drill a hole.

Tubeless tyres are lots of faff for marginal gains.

Pretty sure I had a 2014 model. Really lightweight and a fast XC bike and a lovely Reba fork. TBF I got a Whyte T129 as N+1 it and it was such a big difference I sold the Boardman as it just then felt wrong

So, yes, big difference if you do more trail than XC and a dropper post.

You could convert the Boardman to tubeless with Stans rim strips and add an external dropper post.

I would try and have a go on mates bikes (or hire bikes) to understand the difference.

If you're just starting, I'd focus on building your kit up first (decent bag, pedals, shoes, clothing etc).

Ride the bike you've got, get used to it and see where you are further down the line. If you really take to it, then consider an upgrade.

I'd look into at least a dropper post that would suit the bike.

When me and my missus started I had a Voodoo Hoodoo and she had some sort of Carrera. We rode them for a while and by the time I'd moved my Hoodoo on, there wasn't an original part on it. Was probably the blingiest Voodoo around haha.

She moved onto a Cube Stereo 140 (I think) and I had a 2016 Stumpjumper. Had loads of bikes and no money since 🙂

I'd just ride what you've got and see what side of mtbing takes your fancy more..I'd take tubeless over a dropper post any day of the week.

If you are set on a “new” bike and you can find one I’d add a used On One Scandal to your list.

2014 isn’t exactly old and most Boardman bikes where well received, so I guess you’d need to spend more than £800 to make a significant enough difference.

Which bike is it you have, what kit is on it what is the condition.

If it’s half good and working, I’d be very much inclined to leave it as is and have fun riding.

Should you then find you don’t like something about it, change that specifically so you enjoy the ride and feel comfortable. When you get to that stage and want to upgrade the whole bike, at least you’ll then have an idea what to look for in your next bike.

The frame doesn’t have holes for a dropper post and the wheels are not tubeless compatible – is that likely to be an issue,

You can drill a hole. Do it carefully and the frame will be fine. I wouldn't worry too much about tubeless. Pros and cons to it, so ride a bit first and see if it is worthwhile

or am I just looking for an excuse to spend money!

A new bike is always great, no need to find an excuse. Problem is that you won't really know what you want yet. Get a few miles in with what you have and it'll really help any future purchasing.

I’d try riding what you have and see if you enjoy it. Save up a bit more cash whilst doing that - hardtail get really good about the £1k Mark I think - when you start to see Bomber Z2 forks and the top end Recons rather than the cheapie ones.

I wouldn’t worry too much about tubeless for now - it’s good but not essential.

A dropper post is a game changer for me - you can get Brand X externally routed ones - and they’re pretty reliable / decent value.

Tubeless tyres are lots of faff for marginal gains.

They're much less faff than changing an inner tube in a wet muddy tire in the middle of wet muddy trail in the cold and dark while you mates stand around getting cold.

I'm still riding a 2015 T130. Geometry is perfect for me. Not found a trail bike as light and mines not even carbon.

It was a big upgrade from my previous bike but not much has changed since 2015 other than getting heavier.

Right now I would say just ride it, even if only for a few months. Chances are the bike is more capable than you are right now (it was the case for me when I started out at least)
I am saying this from the position of someone who started MTB in autumn 2020 and has not followed the above advice (and probably should have).

It would be very easy to go and buy a modern version of what you have, and the temptation to spend 'a little bit more' will continue to nag away the longer you let it. The result could very easily be owning a bike that is just not suited to where you ride most. Instead get a few hundred miles under your belt and a feel for where you will realistically ride the most. Then come back and get some recommendations for the most suitable bike (like I should have done...).

Also, get an externally routed dropper. £125 ish (unless you buy used), easy to fit and will make a big difference regardless of where you ride. You can also upgrade to a 1x drivetrain fairly easily if you wanted and get a wider range cassette on the back (I did this before buying and it got me used to 1x life)

Massive improvements in bikes 2013-2018 in terms of geometry, materials, components. Everything since is incremental IMO. Especially in enduro category with carbon, dropper posts, GX Group, post juicy era brakes and Pike / 36 forks.

For low to mid price hard tail not much has happened since outside of droppers and GX that would get me to trade up if I had something I was happy with. As a semi pro XCer yeah but for everyday trading a Boardman for a Voodoo is a bit of a sideways move.

If you're just starting out and have 800 quid, and a working bike, IMO keep that 800 quid in your pocket and just ride your bike.

Things like droppers, 1x, tubeless, etc are all great but will easily munch up 1/4 of your budget before you even have a feel for the sport.

I would give it six months and just ride the Boardman. It won't be a total deathtrap. Drop your saddle for descents to get it out the way and it should all be fine.

After six months you'll have a much better feel for the bike, and a more informed sense of what type of stuff you enjoy riding. You may even have some MTBing mates who might e.g. give you a go on their bikes so you can compare, etc.

There's some great advice here, thanks!

I guess from my reading on here and online, I've been seduced by marketing crap that I need something "newer". Through axles / 1 x gears / tubeless / dropper posts / more travel suspension all sound like they make everything better and so it's easy to get carried away!

Yup - ride it and either upgrade as it wears or save up to replace it

Tyres are probably the most important / best value upgrade

I'd just ride that Boardman. Find out what you need the next bike to be better at- climbs, drops, whatever. Don't upgrade the bike you've got, just ride the crap out of it then sell it when you know what kind of bike the next one needs to be.

Tubeless tyres are lots of faff for marginal gains. Are one of the first changes I’d make!

seriously, even without grip benefits, just avoiding thorn punctures is worth it. Avoiding pinch punctures a close second. And being able to run lower pressure without worrying about pinches is next.

It needn’t take much budget if that’s an issue, old school ghetto will still work even with your existing rims & tyres for the cost of two 24 inch tubes, but strips/tape & new tyres work too.

For the rest, I agree; just ride what you have, and form an opinion as you go. Try and get some test rides, see what others rode and if they’re faster/having more fun/riding terrain you want to. Then ask them.

And then make a call, depending on what comes in stock. If bikes ever co e back in stock!

If you really want to upgrade, keep saving your pennies. Ride the bike you've got, cause in todays market. 800 quid is unlikely to get you much better than what you have.

Keep riding and saving up to you get till at least £2k, probably closer to £3k+ tbh. By that time you'll be a more experienced rider, you'll have read and lusted over a lot more bikes and will start to have a grasp of things like geometry and style of riding that suits you most, you'll have a better idea of the style of trails you want to ride.

And you'll be able to get yourself an absolutely rocking hardtail or start to get yourself involved in full suss at a decent level.

So keep riding, keep saving I say. (also, keep asking people for a quick shot of their bike so you can get an idea of what you like)

If you want to upgrade your current bike, look at tyres before anything else imo. If you want to go faster, get lighter xc orientated tyres, if you want more grip on the downhill, get bigger(heavier) stickier tyres. (tyres are a compromise though, so trial and error may be involved, as I say try other peoples bikes if you can.)

A BrandX dropper post would be the first thing I'd do.

You can convert any rims to tubeless using the "ghetto" method of splitting an inner tube open to use as a rim strip and art latex as sealant.

I'd replace the front tyre with something reasonably grippy while I was at it - even if it still has lots of tread, the rubber hardens up over time and the tyre loses grip. You can rotate the old front tyre to the back if you don't want to bin a partly worn tyre.

I am riding a 2008 bike and have upgraded over the years.
The best change was tubeless and light tyres.

The next was , and I never thought I would say it is 1x from 3x.

I don’t have a dropper post and never will for the cross country flat trails around Coventry. I prefer the less weight and simplicity.

Main thing is get out and ride and have fun. You can do that on any bike.

How much better are newer bikes?

about 1.4%, plus or minus about 2%ish

Just ride what you have for now, over time you will probably develop a taste for a more particular style of riding than others,
At that time you may or may not feel you “need” a different bike, and can look with your riding style in mind
Till then, keep saving to increase you budget, talk to riding buddies and even get a go in their machines occasionally but spend a bit on decent riding gear,that could be quickest cheapest path to more enjoyment

17.4%

The simple answer is that it’s not about the bike

Well it is, to an extent. I mean, no matter how great of a guitarist you are you'll sound better on a better guitar. Likewise bikes - better ones are better to ride, if you can take advantage of them.

That said, there is no such thing as 'better' in absolute terms with MTBs. Only better for a particular purpose. And as a beginner you won't know what that purpose is or what you actually want from a bike. And one of the key attributes of a bike is cost and the Boardman you already have scores highly on that.

Ride what you have until you think you need something else based in YOUR view not that of marketers trying to sel you stuff.

Also £800 gets you nafd all these days in bikes but it does get you a fair bit of kit and clothing. I'd much rather ride a cheaper bike in appropriate clothing than the other way round.

I guess from my reading on here and online, I’ve been seduced by marketing crap that I need something “newer”. Through axles / 1 x gears / tubeless / dropper posts / more travel suspension all sound like they make everything better and so it’s easy to get carried away!

Yes. It'd be like someone who's just passed their driving test thinking about which sports car to get and which adjustable damper is best.