Pashley debuts all-new Roadfinder SL Reynolds 853 road bike

Pashley has unveiled its lightest steel road bike – the Roadfinder SL – with a stated frame weight of 1,698g.

The Roadfinder SL has been designed to “blend race bike performance with all-day epic ride capability whilst continuing to embody the unmistakable ride quality of hand-crafted steel – the antithesis of a do-it-all road bike.”

To further emphasise the performance focus, a 8.64kg full build option, based on a 54cm Raw frame, is kitted out with Campagnolo Super Record.

The Roadfinder SL, “optimised for fast days on tarmac”, achieves that 1,698g frame weight with the use of Reynolds 853 air-hardened steel.

With lightweight as the brand’s focal point, Pashley points out that this involved re-designing and fine-tuning every element of the Roadfinder to create a road-focused bike designed with performance-focused road riders in mind. 

Jon Cumberpatch, Lead Designer, Pashley: “We re-evaluated every component of the frame fabrication. This involved redesigning and removing material from every 3D printed element without compromising its structural integrity. It involved a new custom 853 tubeset produced in collaboration with Reynolds – made specifically and exclusively for the Roadfinder SL. Positions of tube butts and wall thickness all came under additional scrutiny for weight reduction, the top tube for example now has reduced butt lengths and a central portion that is only 0.4mm thick.” 

Distinctive in design, the Roadfinder SL showcases the brand’s innovation and skilful capabilities of pairing artisan hand-craftsmanship and traditional frame-making techniques with modern technologies and applied manufacturing.

Expertly handmade from start to finish in Pashley’s factory based in the UK and using a unique Reynolds 853 ‘SL’ tubeset – the fabrication of the frame employs the same level of meticulous skill to produce as the Roadfinder, with fine TIG welds combining with brazed and silver soldered joints and fittings.

Strikingly finished in Hyper Violet and Gold or Thunderstorm Blue and Neon Yellow colourways, the Roadfinder SL has been specifically created to herald its proposition and boldly stand out.

“This new SL range is a shining example of how traditional British craftsmanship and ingenuity are at the forefront of bicycle design and a truly world-class product. To ideate, design, manufacture and build here in the UK is testimony to the long-standing heritage of the Pashley brand. As we ride towards our 100th year, we are excited about the future and the innovation to come. This launch is great for me too – I’ve already got one on order and can’t wait to ride it.” Andy Smallwood, CEO, Pashley.

Key features

• Made from Reynolds 853 ‘SL’ tubing, weight is reduced with “totally remodelled 3D printed elements including the dropouts and seat lug and refined wall thicknesses & internal structures across the frame (the left-hand dropout, for example, has been reduced in weight by 30g).” 
• A 3D printed stainless bolt-on front derailleur hanger and the carbon Columbus Futura Disc SLX fork further keep weight down.
• The frame has a max tyre clearance of 32c. A T47 bottom bracket, 12mm thru axles and UDH compatibility.

The frameset has been designed specifically for the latest electronic groupsets with internally routed brake hoses combined with seamless 3D printed tube transitions to create an incredibly clean-looking bike that retains classic road frame proportions. All-season capability is supported with discrete mudguard mounts. 

Builds & specs

The Roadfinder SL is available in five sizes and two colourways: Hyper Violet with Gold or Thunderstorm Blue with Neon Yellow. As with all Pashley bikes, you can customise to your own specification or choose one of the four recommended builds:

• Shimano 105 Di2, £3,950
• Shimano Ultegra Di2, £4,995
• Shimano Dura Ace Di2, £8,495
• Campagnolo Super Record 13 speed £8,995
• Frameset £1,795