UK bike brand Pashley has unveiled the Roadfinder SL, a lightweight steel road bike designed specifically for high-performance riding on tarmac.
Unlike its more versatile siblings in the Roadfinder collection – the Roadfinder and gravel-oriented Roadfinder X – the new Roadfinder SL is a purpose-built road bike aimed at… ‘riders seeking all-day speed, precision handling and the unique feel of a hand-crafted steel frame.’
The Roadfinder SL has been engineered around a principle of lightweight performance. Made using a custom Reynolds 853 ‘SL’ tubeset developed exclusively with Reynolds, the frame weight is just 1,698g. The design features reworked butting profiles, 3D-printed dropouts, a slimmed-down seat lug and a stainless steel bolt-on front derailleur hanger to help cut weight without compromising strength.
Jon Cumberpatch, Lead Designer at Pashley, said the team “re-evaluated every component of the frame fabrication,” with wall thicknesses and internal structures optimised for weight saving – including a 30g reduction from the left-hand dropout alone.
Pashley adds that the result is a responsive and lively ride quality with excellent power transfer and vibration absorption – suited for everything from chain gang rides to long-distance gran condos.
Each Roadfinder SL is hand-built at Pashley’s factory in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, combining traditional techniques with modern technologies. The frame features TIG welds alongside brazed and silver-soldered joints and fittings. Colour options include Hyper Violet with Gold and Thunderstorm Blue with Neon Yellow.
Andy Smallwood, CEO of Pashley, stated that the Roadfinder SL exemplifies “how traditional British craftsmanship and ingenuity is at the forefront of bicycle design… As we ride towards our 100th year, we are excited about the future and the innovation to come.”
Technical details
- Reynolds 853 ‘SL’ tubing
- Carbon Columbus Futura Disc SLX fork
- Internally routed brake hoses
- T47 bottom bracket
- 12mm thru axles
- UDH compatibility
- Max tyre clearance: 32c
- Discrete mudguard mounts
- Designed for electronic groupsets
- Builds and pricing
Available in five sizes, the Roadfinder SL can be customised or ordered with one of four build options:
- 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
