Pashley is launching Roadfinder, a line of 4 new drop bar bikes: one highway, a second ‘X’ gravel variant plus e-bike variations of each. It is a enormous deal for Pashley, a model beloved for its conventional flat bar commuter and purchasing bikes, most of which occupy the budget- to mid-end of the market. In distinction, the Roadfinder drop bar assortment is a reduce above, marrying a light-weight metal body, constructed with 3D printed components, to carbon wheels and digital groupsets from the likes of Shimano and SRAM. There’s even a mechanical Campy Ekar model.
Will the Roadfinder programme go the additional mile, heralding a profitable new period for Pashley? I consider it might. The initiative has been set in movement by CEO Andy Smallwood, who joined the corporate simply seven months in the past, and lead designer Jon Cumberbatch.
Prime-tier builds profit from premium parts from manufacturers comparable to Campagnolo
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
Smallwood has kind, having beforehand headed up Boardman Bikes and, extra not too long ago, overseen the transformation of Ribble Cycles. Each males are additionally accountable for Pashley’s flat bar Pathfinder line, which dropped on the finish of 2024.
The 2 non-electric bikes share the identical metal frameset, whereas the rear hub-powered e-bikes use a revised model with an enlarged downtube to facilitate battery storage. Costs begin from £2,795/$3,995 and rise to £5,955/$8595 for the top-tier e-bike variations – a step or two up the pricing rung for a model that has, till now, saved most of its vary beneath the £2,000/$3,000 mark.
The e-bike variations retain a slim body aesthetic
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
“We wished to create a platform that may enchantment to a broad vary of riders and permit them to tackle quite a lot of terrains,” Cumberbatch instructed me once I caught up with him simply earlier than the launch. “The Roadfinder and its ‘X’ variants are constructed on the identical frameset and showcase its versatility.
“The geometry strikes a stability between highway and gravel with out venturing into aggressive off-road. Prime tube lengths are barely elongated and designed round a shorter stem for wheelbase stability and blended terrain dealing with. Stack is beneficiant for consolation and seat tube lengths are lowered for better standover and seat put up compliance. Moreover, fork offset will be adjusted by way of a flip chip to realize a special steering really feel relying on the terrain the rider chooses to deal with.”
Metal is the one deal
Pashley and proud. Make in Britain from British metal tubing
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
True to Pashley’s heritage, the body is barely out there in British metal. That’s Reynolds 853 tubing for the non-e-bike variations, a robust, light-weight, heat-treated metal materials that features an amalgam of carbon, manganese, molybdenum, silicon and copper. The e-bike body, which shall be subjected to totally different stresses and use circumstances, is constructed from a mixture of Reynolds 725, 631 & 525 tubing.
The non-e-bike fork is sourced from one other iconic tube model, this time from Italy. The versatile Futura Cross+ fork from Columbus is tuned for every part from speedy membership rides to off-road bike-packing journeys. E-bikes get a carbon fork too, however Pashley hasn’t revealed the model.
Why launch the Roadfinder?
“Once I visited the Pashley manufacturing unit for the primary time in a few years,” Andy Smallwood, Pashley CEO, instructed me, “the sensory expertise gave me goosebumps. The aroma of steel machining and fabrication, watching artisans at work and the texture of the fantastically hand-crafted frames they have been creating.
“Now we have a wealth of expertise of creating award-winning extremely revolutionary efficiency bikes on the highest degree, so placing all this collectively, Pashley is extraordinarily well-placed to develop on its present vary.
“The Roadfinder assortment is the second launch showcasing this new path for Pashley, carefully following our Pathfinder assortment which launched in Oct 24. What’s subsequent? There may be extra to return!
For me, a giant a part of the Roadfinder’s enchantment is that the body is hand-built in premium British metal by a small, expert British workforce available in the market city of Stratford-upon-Avon, but the value stays very aggressive.
“We selected metal for this challenge as we consider it creates an unrivalled trip expertise when used accurately,” mentioned Cumberbatch. “Reynolds 853 was the apparent selection with its spectacular energy permitting us to supply a lightweight and vigorous frameset with tube thicknesses all the way down to 0.45mm.
“With the bikes’ supposed use permitting for off-road using, doubtlessly absolutely loaded with luggage, we knew the body wanted to be strong however retain its trip high quality. The downtube is 38mm diameter and the chain stays are closely formed and ovalised giving the decrease half of the body its torsional rigidity and impression resistance. The higher half pairs slender seat stays with a lowered diameter and wall thickness prime tube to help within the feeling of compliance.”
3D printed body sections awaiting the construct
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
The second notion I discover simply as seductive is that this can be a conventional model, based mostly in Shakespeare nation, however one constructing very modern steel frames that incorporate trendy construct methods like 3D-printing and embrace components comparable to UDH-compatible dropouts.
“Our overarching design precept with the body was ‘Trendy Traditional’,” confirmed Cumberbatch. Sure, spherical metal tubes however with the thought-about use of 3D-printed components. Somewhat than tube-to-tube building, now we have created a circulation between tube transitions so as to add visible enchantment and enhance manufacturing accuracy while sustaining a silhouette that’s unmistakably metal.”
The elegant 3D-printed seat tube junction
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
Right here, Cumberbatch is partly referencing the distinctive 3D-printed seat tube/prime tube junction. It’s as trendy because it will get, however on the identical time, the flowery means it interfaces with the seat stays serves as what Pashley calls a model ‘signifier’, an homage to the custom of crafting frames from steel.
Dropouts are UDH appropriate
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
“There are nods to basic design components all over the place,” mentioned Cumberbatch, “together with pointed particulars on the prime tube junction, elegantly tapering straight seat stays and a stylised ‘P’ for Pashley on the rear dropout. Nonetheless, regardless of appearances, this can be a totally trendy frameset with via axles, UDH compatibility, inside cable routing from headtube to dropout, routing for dropper posts on ‘one-by’ builds, a T47 backside bracket, a 3D printed detachable entrance derailleur hanger and a Columbus carbon fork.”
The stylised ‘P’ on the dropout is a nod to the previous
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
Roadfinder and Roadfinder X
Entry-level Roadfinder with mechanical Shimano 105. Observe elective colour-matched guards/fenders
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
The Roadfinder is an endurance bike – extra precisely, an all-road mannequin – versatile sufficient to embody commuting, lengthy endurance rides, slower-paced group rides, touring, bike packing, and non-technical gravel using.
Geometry is relaxed, because of a excessive stack peak (598mm on a dimension medium/57cm) and a reasonable 72-degree head angle.
From launch, three construct ranges can be found: mechanical Shimano 105, Shimano 105 Di2, and Ultegra Di2. Within the latter top-tier guise, the Roadfinder advantages from a 36-mm-deep Parcours Alta carbon wheelset, Panaracer Gravel King semi-slick 700x35c tyres, a Zipp Service Course ending equipment, and a Brooks Cambium C15 saddle.
Pashley Roadfinder X with Campagnolo Ekar groupset
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
The ‘Roadfinder X’ options an similar metal body and Columbus carbon fork, however the remainder of the parts are, naturally, extra applicable for off-road adventures. The three builds are: Shimano GRX 610, SRAM Rival AXS and mechanical Campagnolo Ekar.
The upper tier X fashions profit from the identical 36mm deep Parcours Alta carbon wheelset, Panaracer Gravel King semi-slick 700x45c tyres, Zipp Service Course ending equipment and a Brooks Cambium C15 saddle.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the variations between the 2 bikes are little greater than groupset and tyre width. Select the close-ratio 1x, 13-speed Ekar variant, and supplied you’ll be able to stay with mechanical shifting, establishing for gravel or highway using is as easy as swapping the tyres.
To our eyes, the Traditional construct seems incongruous
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
Frames are absolutely anti-corrosion e-coated earlier than portray and can be found in Azure Blue, Oak Inexperienced and Wealthy Burgundy colourways. A ‘Traditional Ending Equipment’ comprising the Zipp Service Course ending equipment in silver, along with a Brooks B17 tan saddle is on the market, however to my style the silver parts jar with the darkish chainset and mechs. Others could adore it.
Each bikes can be found in a broad vary of sizes – XS, S, M, L and XL (roughly 53, 55, 57, 58 and 60cm) – so match shouldn’t be an issue for many of us.
Nonetheless, as a result of the body is constructed by hand in small portions, the geo and tube lengths will be personalised to order, doubtlessly making the Roadfinder an accessibly priced custom-built bike.
The Roadfinder weighs in at 9.5kg in commonplace spec, whereas the X is simply 300g heavier.
Framesets are additionally out there individually, priced at £1,595/$2,295.
Roadfinder E and Roadfinder X E
Pashley Roadfinder X E in Campagnolo Ekar construct. It is not that straightforward to inform the e-bikes from the common bikes
(Picture credit score: Pashley)
The Roadfinder E and X E are pushed by a Mahle X20 rear hub electrical motor, with a 250W battery hid within the downtube. The body bears a robust resemblance to the non-e-bike body however as talked about beforehand, the metal tubing is a barely totally different spec and naturally the downtube is thicker.
Nonetheless, as a result of these are rear-motor e-bikes, Cumberbatch and his group have been in a position to retain a comparatively slender aesthetic, so neither bike screams ‘e-bike’. Weight can be very manageable at 13.2kg.
Groupset and element choices are similar to these out there for the non-e-bike fashions.
Worth and conclusion
I consider Pashley is on to one thing right here. As we turn into extra conscious of the injury that carbon can inflict on the surroundings, steel frames – metal and titanium specifically – are having fun with a resurgence of curiosity.
If the model had remained staunchly conventional, this might have been a distinct segment bike—probably a really uninteresting one, too. However by combining true craftsmanship with trendy construct methods, top-tier parts, and a up to date aesthetic, Pashley has developed a motorcycle that calls for our consideration.
We’re but to trip any of those bikes, but when their construct high quality and trip traits stay as much as expectations, then they signify wonderful worth.
Specs
- Roadfinder – 105 Mechanical
Worth: £2,795/$3,995
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: FZR XC/Shimano/Sapim Race
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7100
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder – 105 Di2
Worth: £3,995/$5,695
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 R7150
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder – Ultegra Di2
Worth: £4,595/$ 6,595
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 N/A
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder E – 105 Mechanical
Worth: £3,995/$5,795
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: FZR XC/Shimano/Sapim Race
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7100
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder E – 105 Di2
Worth: £5,295/$7,595
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta X20
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 R7150
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder E – Ultegra Di2
Worth: £5,995/$8,595
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta X20
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King, Semi Slick, 700x35C
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X – Shimano GRX 610
Worth: £2,795/$3,995
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: FZR XC/Shimano/Sapim Race
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C
Groupset: Shimano GRX 610 1×12
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X – SRAM Rival AXS
Worth: £4,295/$6,195
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C
Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS 1×12
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X – Campagnolo Ekar
Worth: £4,595/$6,595
Body: Reynolds 853
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Columbus Futura Cross+ Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C
Groupset: Campagnolo Ekar 1×13
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X E – Shimano GRX 610
Worth: £3,995/$5,795
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: FZR XC/Shimano/Sapim Race
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C Shimano GRX 610 1×12
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X E – SRAM Rival AXS
Worth: £5,495/$ 7,895
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta X20
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C
Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS 1×12
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15
- Roadfinder X E – Campagnolo Ekar
Worth: £5,995/$8,595
Body: Reynolds 725
Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL
Fork: Highway/Gravel Full Carbon
Wheels: Parcours Alta X20
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King X1, 700x45C
Groupset: Campagnolo Ekar 1×13
Electrical Drive System: Mahle X20, 250W Battery
Ending Equipment: Zipp Service Course
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C15