Lighter isn't always better. Sure it's impressive when you tell your buddies your bike weighs less than a box of feathers, but if you don't feel safe careening downhill on it, is it worth it? Boardman Bikes engineered the Elite SLS 9. 8 Road Bike Frameset to meet the demands of the pickiest, and safest, climbers. The SLS frame uses a high modulus carbon fiber monocoque construction. The definition of the monocoque process is hidden within the name -- "mono" being Latin for one, and "coque" being French for shell. So, as logic would have it, monocoque carbon fiber is formed as one piece in a single mold. This process allows virtually any tubing shape to be created. To develop a frame profile that maximizes strength, stiffness, and weight, the SLS was designed using Finite Element Analysis. FEA is a process by where specific loads applied by the rider to the frame are simulated but with far greater force. This helps to identify how the stresses and loads are distributed across each component. Using this information, material is placed where it is needed and removed where it isn't. For example, the down tube has been shaped to specifically address strength, stiffness, and weight. The one-piece monocoque design incorporates a one-piece carbon PF30 bottom bracket and optimized, oversized chainstays. This design transfers power from the crankset through to the drivetrain and wheel so that none of your watts are wasted. Additionally, the profile of the seatstays increases shock absorption and reduces weight of the frame. The complete frame and fork weigh in at approximately 850 grams.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
2 months ago
