Boardman ADV 8.9 Size Chart: Resolve the 177–179cm Overlap
The Boardman ADV 8.9 size chart includes an overlap. At 177–179cm tall, a rider falls within both the small and medium height recommendations on Boardman’s ADV 8.9 catalogue entry 2403. That overlap is a reason to compare the rest of the chart and try the bicycle, rather than a mistake that must be solved by automatically choosing the larger or smaller label.
Boardman ADV 8.9 size chart: height and inside leg
| 2403 chart | Small | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended height | 170–179cm | 177–183cm |
| Recommended inside leg | 74–82cm | 78–85cm |
| Stack | 559mm | 578mm |
| Reach | 376mm | 385mm |
These are the manufacturer’s figures for the inspected entry, not individual fitting guarantees. A height measurement that overlaps two recommendations does not erase the inside-leg guidance or tell you how either bicycle will feel.
For example, an enquiry about a 178cm rider should include the measured inside leg too. If that measurement sits outside one recommendation, tell the fitter rather than looking only at the height row. Proportions and the rider’s existing position remain relevant to the assessment.
Use geometry to describe the difference
In this chart, medium adds 19mm of stack and 9mm of frame reach relative to small. Those differences describe the listed frame geometry. They are not a direct measurement of where a particular rider’s hands or saddle will end up after the complete bicycle is set up.
During a fitting enquiry, explain whether your existing bicycle feels too stretched, too low or otherwise unsuitable, and bring its useful measurements if available. That turns a size label into a more concrete discussion. Do not assume that changing one component will make two differently sized frames equivalent.
The overview of Boardman’s bicycle families helps distinguish the ADV from other ranges. A small or medium label elsewhere in the range is not a substitute for this model’s geometry table.
Try the actual configuration
Arrange a comparison of the candidate sizes with an appropriate retailer or fitter. Discuss the riding position and the sort of journeys you intend to make, rather than trying to win an argument with one number from the chart. Give any relevant comfort or mobility concerns to the person assessing the fit.
Make sure the bicycle being considered corresponds to the catalogue record. Other ADV entries can retain similar height bands while changing some geometry or fitted contact points. A used bicycle can also have a different stem, bar, saddle or other setup from its original specification.
Keep the selected size and the agreed setup with the frame identification after a fitting. You can revisit the Boardman topic for the relevant catalogue references, but the useful outcome is a suitable actual bicycle, not a rule that every rider of one height must choose the same label.
FAQ
Does 178cm automatically mean medium?
No. It falls in the overlap on this chart. Include inside leg, intended position and an assessment of the actual bicycle.
Does the 9mm reach difference equal a 9mm change at my hands?
Not necessarily. Frame geometry and the final contact-point position are related but different measurements; the complete setup also matters.
Can I use this table for every ADV 8.9?
No. It follows catalogue entry 2403. Check the specification of the exact version being considered rather than assuming identical figures.
Primary references: manufacturer reference 1 (https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2403-adv-8.9.html).
Photograph credits and permissions
Photograph 1
Original title: My Boardman Bike
Creator: Peter C; creator URI: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pmcowley
Original source URI: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pmcowley/3306171226/
License / permission: CC BY 2.0
License / permission URI: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
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