Pashley has launched a new range of road, gravel and e-bikes set to teleport the venerable British brand into the 21st century.
Established in 1926, Pashley lay claim to being the UK's oldest bike brand. Famous for traditional models like the Countryman - think slender steel tubing, rim brakes and Brooks leather saddles - they have a reputation for quality and classic styling, if not necessarily being the first brand that springs to mind in relation to trailblazing the latest trends in cycling.
But last year saw a new CEO take the helm at Pashley, and Andy Smallwood - the man responsible for Ribble's eye-catching renaissance in recent years - now heads up a team aiming to replicate that success at Pashley.
The new Roadfinder, launched today, may be seen as the first statement of intent in Pashley's evolution. The bike is, in Pashley's words a "high-quality, performance focussed, exquisitely hand-crafted, super versatile bicycle that allows the rider to choose between road, off-road and any combination in-between - all from one frame platform."
The are in fact four bikes in the collection, all based around a Reynolds steel frame with Columbus carbon forks and mod cons like hydraulic disc braking, internal cable routing and the option for electronic gears.
The four models are the Roadfinder, Roadfinder E, Roadfinder X and the Roadfinder X E models: essentially that boils down to a road build and a gravel build, with each available in standard or e-bike form.
The bikes are not only designed, developed and tested at Pashley's UK based factory in Stratford-upon-Avon, but also constructed there by hand. Traditional craftsmanship is married to modern technologies with the introduction of 3D printed and laser cut stainless steel elements at structurally integral junctures.
The result is a modern steel frameset that Pashley say "beautifully amplifies the luxurious ride feel that a high-quality hand-crafted steel frame can offer."
"The brief for the Roadfinder project was to develop a collection of extremely versatile bicycles that give cyclists the ability to conquer multiple terrains, journeys and adventures on one beautifully hand-crafted machine," says Andy Smallwood, CEO, Pashley.
"From all-season endurance road rides, off-road gravel trails to bike-packing exploration, this is the 'Swiss Army Knife of Bicycles'.
"The Roadfinder collection also perfectly showcases and builds on our heritage of artisan frame-building, appealing to all riders who appreciate true versatility, performance and the unique ride experience you only get from a high-end steel frame, built by hand using the very best materials."
Next year marks Pashley's centenary, and as the brand rides towards its 100th birthday it is keen to herald its longstanding bike manufacturing and industry heritage, its master craftmanship and artisan legacy whilst spotlighting its dynamic evolutionary design and exciting future.
The brand is particularly proud of its attention to detail - for example, Pashley's new 3D printed seat tube and top tube junction pays homage to the tradition of the signature frame mark, where each individual frame maker would employ bespoke lug profiling that served as a unique signature.
Other refined details include the proud Pashley 'P' on the rear dropout, wrap around metallic graphics and exquisite aluminium head badge.
The result, we think you'll agree, certainly looks impressive: a fully integrated lightweight frame platform with internal cable routing, sleek profiling, seamless welds and striking sophisticated design.
While paying due respect to the brand's heritage, the Roadfinder implements numerous features designed to bring the bike bang up to date with the latest improvements in cycling technology.
That means you'll find UDH hanger compatibility,a T47 threaded bottom bracket, and even internal routing for dropper post.
Tyre clearance for up to 45mm will be music to the ears of gravel aficionados, while mudguard fixing points, front, rear & frame luggage capacity, internal dynamo routing on the fork, and multiple bottle mounts make this a highly enticing proposition for touring and bikepackers as well as daily commuters.
Each model is available in three colourways per model - in Blue Azur, Rich Burgundy, Oak Green - with stencilled and painted graphics for a premium finish, with further options available for a classic finishing kit and colour matched mudguards.
Fans of modern steel frames - and there are many, us included - will find plenty to like here. We're hoping to get a chance to test ride the new Roadfinder in coming weeks so stay tuned for a review as soon as we do.
Find out more about the new Pashley Roadfinder range at
In the frame: A closer look at the spec of the new Roadfinder range
The Roadfinder and Roadfinder X frame uses full Reynolds 853 tubing with full e-coating corrision protection prior to painting. The frames utilise unique 3D printed seat tube/top tube junctions, UDH compatible dropouts with internal cable routing, removable front mech hanger and internal cable routing guides. The machined 44mm head-tube leads into the Columbus Futura Cross+ carbon fork with flip chip drop-out.
The Roadfinder E and Roadfinder X E frame uses a combination of Reynolds 725, 631 & 525 tubing with a full e-coating corrosion protection applied prior to painting. 3D printed elements include: the signature seat-tube/top tube junction, removeable front mech hanger, internal cable routing guides and the Mahle activation controller housing and charge point. The frame also features a machine tapered head-tube allowing for a full carbon e-bike compliant Road/Gravel fork with tapered steerer with laser cut Mahle X20 compatible dropouts to complete the look.
"The design process for the new Roadfinder platform allowed us to look at combining a more endurance focussed geometry whilst maintaining a performance edge. We've introduced 3D printed elements to the frame to enhance the overall ride experience and to amplify the clean lines," comments Jon Cumberpatch, Lead Designer at Pashley.
The Roadfinder models in more detail: The Pashley Roadfinder is a versatile Road focused bicycle aimed at everything from endurance road riding, group rides, commuting, touring, audax and more... Featuring Shimano mechanical and Di2 groupset options, Parcours Alta carbon wheels and Zipp/Brooks finishing kit. Standard specification complete bike weights from 9.5kg.
The Pashley Roadfinder E is the electric version of the Roadfinder with the high performance Mahle X20 electric drive system at its heart. Standard specification complete bike weights from 13.2kg.
The Pashley Roadfinder X is a Gravel and off-road capable bicycle with specifications aimed at everything from mixed terrain riding, general gravel, gravel racing, off-road adventures bike packing and beyond... Featuring Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo Groupset options, Parcours Alta carbon wheels and Zipp/Brooks finishing kit alongside dropper post compatible with internal cable routing. Standard specification complete bike weights from 9.8kg.
The Pashley Roadfinder X E is the Electric version of the Roadfinder X with the high performance Mahle X20 electric drive system. Standard specification complete bike weights from 13.5kg.
Pricing
The Pashley Roadfinder Collection starts at £2,795, with framesets available from £1,595.
- Roadfinder 105 : £2,795 : USA $ 3,995 : EU € 3,695
- Roadfinder 105 Di2 : £3,995 : USA $ 5,695 : EU € 5,295
- Roadfinder Ultegra Di2 : £4,595 : USA $ 6,595 : EU € 5,995
- Roadfinder E 105 : £3,995 : USA $ 5,795 : EU € 5,295
- Roadfinder E 105 Di2 : £5,295 : USA $ 7,595 : EU € 6,995
- Roadfinder E Ultegra Di2 : £5,995 : USA $ 8,595 : EU € 7,995
- Roadfinder X Shimano GRX 610 : £2,795 : USA $ 3,995 : EU € 3,695
- Roadfinder X Rival AXS : £4,295 : USA $ 6,195 : EU € 5,695
- Roadfinder X Campagnolo Ekar: £4,595 : USA $ 6,595 : EU € 6,095
- Roadfinder X E Shimano GRX 610 : £3,995 : USA $ 5,795 : EU € 5,295
- Roadfinder X E SRAM Rival AXS: £5,495 : USA $ 7,895 : EU € 7,295
- Roadfinder X E Campagnolo Ekar: £5,995 : USA $ 8,595 : EU € 7,995
The Pashley Roadfinder is also available as a frameset in all three colours at £1,595 : USA $ 2,295 : AUS $ 3,495
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