Fuji SL-A 1.3 - Robust partner
Performance or comfort? Fuji doesn't want to commit itself to the SL-A 1.3. On the one hand, the US manufacturer classifies the aluminium racer as a competition bike and lists it below the aerodynamically optimised Transonic. On the other hand, the bike manufacturer with Japanese roots emphasises the model's suitability for long distances - and the SL-A is predestined for this.
Thanks to the long wheelbase, the Fuji runs stoically straight ahead, while the comparatively long head tube also puts the rider in an upright riding position. The large tyre clearance is typical of a modern endurance model. With maximum 35 millimetre wide tyres, the Fuji also rolls easily over gravel paths.
Gravel descents are already possible on the 30 millimetre wide Vittoria tyres - albeit with limited suspension comfort. The SL-A is particularly rough on the handlebars, and the thick handlebar tape only helps to a limited extent.
Fuji SL-A 1.3 - Heavy attachments
The biggest drawback of the aluminium American is its high weight. Even the frame doesn't quite live up to the claim in the model name (SL stands for "super light"). Simple add-on parts such as the FSA cranks or the Oval brand wheels as well as a robust carbon fork, which weighs up to 100 grams more than the competition, make the Fuji the heaviest road bike in the test. Because the SL-A is a little sluggish on the throttle as a result, the categorisation as a competition racer seems bold to say the least.
Otherwise, the frame set with eyelets for mudguards is beautifully finished, and the weld seams under the bright red paintwork make it recognisable as an aluminium model. The US company only offers the SL-A in the version we tested.
TOUR also tested these aluminium road bikes
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Cube Attain HPA SLX
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Canyon Endurace 7
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Radon R1 Disc Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Rose Reveal AL Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Specialized Allez Sport
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Stevens Aspin
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Trek Emonda ALR 5
Fuji SL-A 1.3 - Details and rating
- Price: 2199 Euro
- Weight: 9,8 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1619/525/90 grammes
- Frame sizes** 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Seat/top tube/head tube 520/555/175 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 595/384 millimetres/1.55
- Wheelbase/caster 1020/57 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift Shimano 105 (2x11; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano 105 (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Oval 324/Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 30 millimetres (front/rear: 1538/2186 grams)
Strengths: Large tyre clearance, eyelets for mudguards
Weaknesses: Very high total weight
>> The Fuji SL-A 1.3 gets an overall TOUR score of 2.6
* Weighed weights.
** Manufacturer's specification, Test size bold.
*** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
