Overview
The SLR 8.6 is our entry-level road bike – but that’s not to say that it’s a basic machine. With a hidden weld aluminium frame, a full carbon fork, and Shimano’s slick-shifting Claris gears, this is a bike which delivers market-leading performance without breaking the bank.
The 6061 alloy frame is triple-butted which ensures a stiff and efficient ride without adding weight. With dropped seat stays and the carbon fork, there’s still plenty of comfort on offer too. Complementing the light-weight frame and fork, a compact 50-34 tooth chainset and 11-32 tooth cassette give an easy bottom gear for climbing, and the high-quality Vittoria Zaffiro tyres balance grip, rolling resistance and puncture protection when heading down the other side.
Deep drop Tektro brakes allow clearance for up to 28mm* tyres, and mudguard and pannier rack mounts add practicality and year-round usability.
Contact Points:
Working with Chris Boardman, data from hundreds of bike fits and insight from bike fit experts, we have made simple changes to the contact points of the SLR range. Using advanced pressure mapping and real-world testing we’ve shown that the Boardman SLR saddle will provide long-ride comfort for the majority of people. Bar width and crank length are also reduced vs previous bikes to make sure they are suited to the fit needs of real cyclists, not just based on old traditions. These changes also reduce the rider’s frontal area, which has been wind tunnel tested to reduce drag, meaning less effort required for the same speed.
Highlights
Lightweight Triple-Butted Aluminium frame and full carbon fork offer a fast but comfortable ride
Shimano Claris 8 speed shifters and derailleurs give reliable and smooth gear changes
A compact 50/34 chainset and 11-32 cassette gives a wide spread of gears for climbing and descending
Vittoria Zaffiro tyres deliver great puncture protection, grip and low rolling resistance Boardman SLR Wheels are tubeless-ready, so can be easily upgraded to run without tubes
Mudguard and pannier rack mounts offer an extra dose of year-round practicality.
*tyre clearance is 25mm with mudguards fitted.