Following in the footsteps of the Gran Fondo endurance frame, Fuji has quietly launched its featherweight racer – the SL with disc brakes. Information at this point is somewhat thin, but Fuji's SL minisite is now populated with five previously unseen frames bearing discs.
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Based on what we know so far, the SL Disc's geometry is identical to the rim brake version except for the chainstays which are now 410mm, meaning the snappy, playful characteristics we loved about the SL should carry over to the disc-clad version.
Also, like the rim brake SL, the SL Disc has Fuji's size specific 'optimal range of trail' where the fork offset and head angle are tweaked depending on the frame size – in an attempt to maintain a consistent trail figure (and to avoid toe overlap) in all but the XXS frame size and provide uniform steering characteristics throughout the range.
Like the standard SL the 1-series frames get Fuji's C-15 high modulus carbon frame and FC-440 carbon fork, while the 2-series frames see the C-10 carbon. As you can imagine, the extra hardware and stopping power come with added weight and the flagship SL 1.1 Disc is claimed to weigh 6.33kg. It’s not in the same feathery league as the rim brake SL 1.1 (4.96kg), but it’s still an impressive figure none the less.
The new SL Disc also gets front and rear 12mm thru axles
The new SL Disc also gets front and rear 12mm thru axles, though the rear dropout is convertible. Based on what we know from the Gran Fondo, which has the same dropout specification, by undoing a 5mm nut and bolt on the dropout you can remove the threaded thru axle section and run a standard 135mm quick release skewer. The new SL Disc also appears to abide by the flat mount brake standard.
It's worth noting that the photos and spec lists for each of the new SL Disc frames differ slightly, which may mean the images feature rendered components or the specs have not yet been finalised.
Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet and we'll update this story as more information is released.
Fuji SL 1.1 Disc
SRAM Red ETap drivetrain, SRAM Red brake set (pictured with TRP brakes), Oval Concepts 935 carbon wheels, Vittoria Open Corsa 25c tyres, Oval Concepts 910SL Ergo bars, Oval Concepts 777SL stem, Oval Concepts 950 seatpost, Oval Concepts 934 saddle carbon rails, claimed weight 13.94 lbs / 6.33 kg.
Fuji SL 1.3 Disc
Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, Shimano Dura-Ace brakeset, Oval Concepts 935 carbon wheelset, Vittoria Open Corsa 25c tyres, Oval Concepts 910 Ergo bars, Oval Concepts 707 stem, Oval Concepts 950 seatpost, Oval Concepts 950 saddle carbon rails, claimed weight 16.23lb / 7.37kg
Fuji SL 2.1 Disc
Shimano Ultegra Di2 Drivetrain, Shimano Ultegra brakeset, Oval Concepts 527 wheelset, Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick 25c tyres, Oval Concepts 310 Ergo bars, Oval Concepts 313 stem, Oval Concepts 905 seatpost, Oval Concepts 734 saddle chromo rails, claimed weight 18.05lb / 8.19kg.
Fuji SL 2.3 Disc
Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, Shimano Ultegra brakeset, Oval Concepts 500 crankset, Oval Concepts 527 wheelset, Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick 25c tyres, Oval Concepts 310 Ergo bars, Oval Concepts 313 stem, Oval Concepts 905 seatpost, Oval Concepts 500 saddle chromo rails, claimed weight 19.40lb / 8.82kg.
Fuji SL 2.5 Disc
Shimano 105 drivetrain, Shimano 105 brakeset (pictured with TRP brakes), Oval Concepts 300 crankset, Vera Corsa DPD22 wheelset, Oval Concepts 310 Ergo bars, Oval Concepts 313 stem, Oval Concepts 905 seatpost, Oval Concepts 500 saddle chromo rails, claimed weight 19.11lb / 8.66kg.
More information: www.fujibikes.com/sl