New endurance racing bike from Spain: 3 models of the new BH SL1 presented

BH Bikes presents with the SL1* is a new endurance racing bike designed to close the gap in the Spanish manufacturer's entry-level carbon racing bike segment. The model is based on a frame made from Toray T400 carbon, which is manufactured using Hollow Core Internal Moulding (HCIM) technology. According to BH, this high-pressure internal moulding process enables more compact carbon walls with optimised wall thicknesses in critical areas. As a result, the frame should offer a good balance between weight, stiffness and durability. According to BH, the SL1 incorporates design elements and technical solutions from the higher-priced models of the BH Bikes brand and is aimed at road cyclists who want to cover longer distances.

BH Bikes SL 1: The frame

The frame of the BH SL1 is made from Performance Carbon Layup Toray T400, which is processed using HCIM technology. According to the manufacturer, this process is designed to eliminate internal and external irregularities and optimise the wall thicknesses in critical areas.

A key feature of the frame is the one-piece Compact Stay rear triangle, which is designed to ensure direct power transmission. The lateral stiffness is reinforced by a BB386EVO bottom bracket system and an oversized down tube.

Although the SL1 is designed as an endurance bike, BH says it has also taken aerodynamic aspects into account to maximise efficiency. The internal cable routing also contributes to the clean look and improved aerodynamics.

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Riding behaviour and geometry

The endurance geometry of the SL1 was developed for a comfortable and stable riding position. With a tyre clearance of up to 32 millimetres, the bike offers flexibility for different surfaces and purposes. The fork follows the design approach that BH has introduced on its latest models and is a central element of the overall look of the bike.

The BH SL1 promises a well thought-out integration of various components. The internal cable routing ensures a tidy appearance and improved aerodynamics. The seatpost clamp is also integrated, which not only offers aesthetic advantages but should also ensure a secure clamp.

The 12-millimetre thru-axles have hidden quick-releases that can be operated without tools. Another technical detail is the UDH dropout (Universal Derailleur Hanger), which ensures compatibility with various rear derailleurs and can be replaced more easily if necessary.

BH SL1: The three equipment variants

The BH SL1 is available in three different equipment variants that cover different price points and rider profiles. The top model SL1 4.5 costs 3999.90 euros and is equipped with the electronic Shimano Ultegra Di2 shifting group. The wheels are Vision Team TC30 Disc, the tyres are 28 millimetre wide Hutchinson Nitro tyres.

The middle model, the SL1 4.0, is available for 3299.90 euros and features a Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain and Vision Team 35 wheels with the same Hutchinson Nitro tyres in 28 millimetre width.

The entry-level SL1 3.5 model costs 2499.90 euros and is equipped with a mechanical Shimano 105 groupset, FSA cranks and Shimano RS171 wheels. Chaoyang Shark tyres in 28 mm are supplied.

All three models share the same carbon frame and the same endurance geometry, but differ in the electronic or mechanical gears and the wheels.

BH Bikes SL 1: Technical data

• Frame material: Performance Carbon Layup Toray T400
• Frame technology: Hollow Core Internal Moulding (HCIM)
• Fork: Full carbon fibre endurance fork
• Tyre clearance: up to 32 mm
• Bottom bracket: BB386EVO
• Thru axles: 12 mm with hidden quick release
• Dropout: UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
• Cable routing: internal
• Seat post clamp: integrated

Model variants & price

BH SL1 4.5

• Circuit/drive: Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Impellers: Vision Team TC30 Disc
• Tyres: Hutchinson Nitro 28 mm
• Price: 3999.90 Euro

BH SL1 4.0

• Circuit/drive: Shimano 105 Di2
• Impellers: Vision Team 35
• Tyres: Hutchinson Nitro 28 mm
• Price: 3299,90 Euro

BH SL1 3.5

• Circuit/drive: Shimano 105 (mechanical), FSA Gossamer crank
• Impellers: Shimano RS171
• Tyres: Chaoyang Shark 28 mm
• Price: 2499,90 Euro