Boardman Bikes

Elite SLS Disc 9.8 Road Bike Frameset - 2015

When the designers at Boardman Bikes noticed their sub-UCI weight, racing SLR frames being used not just by racers but by recreational riders as well, they saw a need to expand the line. Using technology from the SLR line, they developed a new frame and fork design for their SLS line, and have recently added the Elite SLS Disc 9.8 Road Bike Frameset to the group. With endurance riding in mind, the frame offers a few modifications in the name of comfort without sacrificing the light, stiff feel that made the SLR so popular.

Like the SLR, the SLS 9.8 is built as a monocoque frame using a mix of Toray T800 and T1000 unidirectional carbon. Creating the frame as one piece from a mold gives it increased strength, as does the unidirectional carbon, and while this frame is slightly heavier than the non-UCI compliant SLR, its construction keeps its overall weight low at a claimed 950g. The fork, also unidirectional carbon, weighs a claimed 400g and includes a tapered steerer connected to specially designed fork blade profiles for precise handling and stiffness. The SLS features a taller head tube than the SLR for a more relaxed, upright posture, and the reworked seat stays absorb more shock over long rides while the oversized chainstays remain stiffness for efficient power transfer.

The SLS 9.8 Disc joins the small-but growing group of road bikes adopting disc brake technology from the world of mountain bikes, and the frame also includes 15mm and 12mm thru-axles in the front and back to add stiffness and control and to better deal with torque created by disc brakes – the first in Boardman Bikes' road bike line to do this.

Boardman's goals for the SLS series primarily focus on comfort for riders spending hours in the saddle and stable, predictable handling — but it didn't want to sacrifice its style. Designers made sure to keep the overall look of the SLS 9.8 clean, with high-end features fit for its status as part of their Elite line. The frame is ready for internal cable routing and is compatible with both mechanical and Di2 componentry. It provides clearance for tires measuring up to 28mm.