Pashley has unveiled two very different British-made bicycles, reviving the appeal of lightweight rim-brake road bikes with the new Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition while adding electric assistance to its Skyline mini velo.
Announced on Thursday, 12 November, the launches reflect two sides of the Stratford-upon-Avon manufacturer’s approach to bicycle design in its centenary year.
The Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition is a £1,795 steel frameset built for riders who prefer traditional caliper brakes. The Skyline E, meanwhile, combines compact 20-inch wheels with a Mahle X30 electric motor, with complete bikes starting at £2,695.
Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition brings calipers back to a modern road frame
Hydraulic disc brakes now dominate the high-end road bike market, but Pashley believes there remains a place for calipers, particularly among riders building lightweight, performance-oriented steel bicycles.
The Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition takes the existing Roadfinder SL platform and reworks it around rim brakes, with redesigned 3D-printed stainless-steel components and Pashley’s exclusive Reynolds 853 SL tubing.
The resulting frame weighs a claimed 1,624g in a raw 54cm size, although this excludes the fork and other components.
Its construction combines TIG welding, brazing and silver-soldered joints, incorporating 3D-printed dropouts, a seat lug and a removable front derailleur hanger.
Photo Credit: Pashley Cycles (manufacturer press image)Despite its traditional appearance, the frameset accommodates contemporary components. It supports mechanical and electronic rim-brake groupsets, uses a T47 bottom bracket and offers internal cable routing.
Tyre clearance is limited to 30mm, reinforcing its distinction from the more versatile disc-brake models in the Pashley Roadfinder range.
Pashley CEO Andy Smallwood describes the new model as his ‘guilty pleasure’, highlighting the opportunities for riders to combine traditional frame design with modern equipment.
The Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition is available exclusively as a frameset, encouraging owners to select their preferred wheels, brakes, drivetrain and finishing components.
The bicycle shown in Pashley’s launch photography uses Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 components, Zipp 404 rims, Hope hubs and Ritchey Classic finishing kit. These components illustrate a possible build and are not included in the £1,795 price.
Five sizes are available, from XS to XL, with Firenze Red and Thunderstorm Blue colour options.
Skyline E adds Mahle electric assistance to the compact mini velo
Pashley’s second announcement expands the Skyline mini velo range with an electrically assisted model.
The Skyline E retains the compact proportions and 20-inch wheels of the original bicycle, but incorporates Mahle’s XS X30 system.
Its rear-hub motor produces a claimed 250W and 45Nm of torque, drawing power from a removable 171Wh battery.
Unlike electric bicycles that conceal larger batteries inside their frames, the Skyline E uses Mahle’s compact battery arrangement. Pashley says the removable unit can also function as a USB-C power bank for compatible devices.
The frame is manufactured using Reynolds 725, 631 and 525 steel tubing, with mounts for luggage racks, accessories and other equipment.
Two complete-bike configurations are available.
The Skyline E Riser, priced from £2,695, uses upright handlebars, Shimano Cues 1×10 gearing, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres.
The Skyline E Drop, priced from £2,999, features drop handlebars, Shimano Cues U6030 hydraulic controls and Schwalbe Billy Bonkers tyres.
Both use a 42-tooth chainring with an 11-39 cassette and include a Brooks Cambium C15 saddle.
The Skyline E is available in three sizes, S, M and L, with Earl Grey, Bottle Green and Mustard Yellow colour options.
Optional accessories include front and rear racks, an additional battery, colour-matched mudguards and a dropper post.
Pashley is also offering a Skyline E frameset, although a separate frameset price has not been provided.
The company has published further Skyline E details on its website.
Pashley’s new bike prices and specifications
| Model | UK starting price | Key specification |
|---|---|---|
| Roadfinder SL Rim Brake Edition | £1,795 | Reynolds 853 SL steel frameset, caliper brakes, claimed 1,624g raw-frame weight |
| Skyline E Riser | £2,695 | Mahle X30 assistance, 20-inch wheels, Shimano Cues 1×10, upright bars |
| Skyline E Drop | £2,999 | Mahle X30 assistance, 20-inch wheels, Shimano Cues 1×10, drop bars |
The Roadfinder is aimed at enthusiasts looking to build their own performance road bicycle, while the Skyline E targets riders seeking a compact assisted bike for commuting and leisure riding.
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Photo Credit: David Pintens / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
