"The R3 is the biggest step for us so far in the road bike sector," says company boss Thomas Bingelli, who has primarily focussed the brand on mountain bikes to date. But the "Swiss bike king", as the Berner Zeitung recently labelled him, wants more and, in addition to the core business in the Alpine republic, is also setting his sights on the German market. "So that we can keep up with the Canyons and Cubes, we are lowering the price points," Bingelli told TOUR.
Thömus Sliker R3 Ultimate: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: from 6.8 kilogrammes
- Frame/fork weight: 850/360 grams (size 54)
- Aerodynamics: 25 watts faster than Sliker Pro Ultimate
- Stack/Reach/STR: 576/392 millimetres/1.47 (size 56)
- Max. tyre clearance: 34 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Prices: from 4490 CHF (approx. 4800 Euro)
The Sliker R3 Ultimate is a modern competition all-rounder with a wide range of applications. The carbon frameset has been trimmed for lightweight construction for demanding mountain stages. The frame in size 54 is said to weigh 850 grams, while the Swiss company quotes a weight of 360 grams for the fork. A good average value for an all-rounder like the Thömus. The frames of aerodynamically optimised specialists are around 100 to 200 grams heavier. Overall, complete bikes from 6.8 kilograms are possible. According to chief developer Markus Eggimann, the same carbon fibres are used as for the traditional Bianchi brand. The frame and fork are manufactured in China, with the Swiss using the same factory as established manufacturers.
In terms of aerodynamics, the new model should benefit from a co-operation with Swiss Side. Compared to the previous top model, the Sliker Pro Ultimate, the new bike is around 25 watts faster. Thömus did not provide an absolute figure for the aero performance. The measurements in the GST wind tunnel, which TOUR also uses for its tests of competition bikes, were carried out with a "naked" bike at 45 km/h and with two water bottles. In addition to the frameset, the fully integrated cockpit and the bottle cages are also aerodynamically optimised. The handlebar/stem unit alone is said to save three watts.
"With the R3, you should not only reach your destination faster, but also more efficiently," says product designer Magnus Almgren. The Swede makes no secret of the fact that the new Sliker is a racing bike that is not particularly comfortable per se. However, the large tyre clearance of 34 millimetres and a carbon seat post on all model variants should promise the necessary suspension comfort. Thömus recommends a tubeless 30-millimetre tyre with reduced pressure.
Thömus Sliker R3 Ultimate: Equipment and prices
The Sliker R3 Ultimate is only available in Germany via the online configurator. Each component can be selected individually, and there is also a colourful range of paint finishes to choose from. At market launch, however, the bike can only be fitted with four electronic groupsets from Shimano (105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace) or SRAM (Red AXS). A total of six frame sizes are available, and the seating position is comparatively moderate according to the geometry table. A long wheelbase and plenty of fork travel indicate an unagitated steering behaviour.
When asked, the Swiss have so far only communicated prices in Swiss francs. Accordingly, the basic model with 105 Di2, simple wheels from DT Swiss (E 1800) and an aluminium handlebar/stem combination costs CHF 4490, which would be the equivalent of just under 4800 euros. The high-end version with Red AXS, fast carbon wheels from DT Swiss (ARC 1100 WTS) and aerodynamic one-piece cockpit costs 11134 CHF (approx. 11180 euros).
Julian Schultz
Editor
