Pashley isn't ready to consign rim brakes to the history books just yet, launching a new Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition.
The bike draws inspiration from the disc brake Roadfinder SL, blending the brand’s own Reynolds 853 SL tubes with the classic aesthetic and claimed weight advantages of caliper brakes.
It features a claimed frame weight of 1,624g for a 54cm raw (unpainted) frame, and is available as a frameset only paired with a full carbon fork, priced at £1,795.
Pashley CEO Andy Smallwood describes the new bike as his “guilty pleasure”, citing the combination of traditional road bike aesthetics, lower weight and straightforward maintenance as reasons why he believes caliper brakes still have a place in modern road cycling.
Pashley says the Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition is intended to offer a more contemporary take on the traditional steel race bike, combining hand-built construction with modern manufacturing techniques.
Unique steel tubes and 3D-printed parts
The Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition uses Pashley's exclusive Reynolds 853 SL air-hardened steel tubing.
These include 3D-printed stainless steel components, including the dropouts and seat lug, alongside reduced wall thicknesses, plus neatened internal structures throughout the frame. A 3D-printed stainless steel bolt-on front derailleur hanger is included.
Pashley says the result is a 1,624g frame weight, based on a 54cm unpainted frame. The frame also features fine ‘TIG’ welds alongside brazed and silver-soldered joints and fittings. The entire frameset is handmade in the company's UK workshop.
A full-carbon fork completes the frameset.
Pashley claims the combination of materials and construction delivers a lively ride, precise cornering and stability, alongside comfort and vibration absorption.
Modern compatibility, classic braking
Despite its traditional braking arrangement, the Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition retains a number of contemporary features.
The frame has clearance for 30mm tyres (remember, most of the latest major-brand rim brake calipers topped out at 28mm before the focus switched to disc brakes), a T47 threaded bottom bracket and fully internal cable routing. It can also fit mudguards and can sport mechanical or electronic rim-brake groupsets.
The frameset is available in five sizes, from XS to XL, and two colour options: Firenze Red and Thunderstorm Blue.
A frameset for custom builds
The Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition will only be available as a frameset.
Smallwood says the decision is intended to encourage riders to build their own “retro-modern” creations, combining the frame's traditional aesthetic with contemporary component technology.
"For me caliper brakes with their classic aesthetic, inherent weight advantage and ease of maintenance have never gone away," he says.
The Pashley Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition frameset costs £1,795 / $2,695 / €2,395 / AU$3,895.
