Fuji SL 1.1 Review

With an incredible frame weight of just 695 g, the Fuji SL 1.1 wants to be the ultimate dream of every climbing enthusiast. However, light weight doesn’t always result in podiums. How does the Fuji SL 1.1 stand up against the other climbing specialists in our test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test

Founded in 1899, Japanese bike manufacturer Fuji is one of the foundation stones of the modern bike industry. Fuji’s slogan claims “Conquer your Mountain,” and the logo takes inspiration from the 3,776 m-high Mount Fuji – so it’s hardly surprising that the Fuji SL 1.1 was designed to be a true climbing artist.

Just by looking at the € 7,999 Japanese climber you’ll understand what’s hiding behind its concept: sheer lightness. With its filigree oval seatstays, the slim 28 mm-high Oval Concepts 928 wheels, and a total weight of just 6.46 kg (size 54), the Fuji wins the weight contest in our test. This dream weight is achieved through high-compaction carbon moulding and a reduction of bonded joints in the frame construction – basically reducing the number of “carbon weld-seams.” Apart from saving weight, this process allows Fuji to increase the stiffness of the frame. If this wasn’t enough, the carbon layout and the geometry of the Fuji are optimized specifically for each frame size in order to guarantee equal riding quality in all sizes.

The wireless SRAM RED eTap and the tidy internal cable routing are partly responsible for the clean look of the Fuji. The colour scheme blends in nicely with the general character of the bike and proves that Fuji’s engineers love attention to detail. A pleasant touch of red accents stretches from the bar plugs to the shifting cables. In combination with the red decals on the frame, the overall picture looks pretty but a little overloaded – sometimes less is more. Even the Oval Concepts components like the stem, handlebar, and seatpost don’t seem to harmonise with the high-quality frameset. However, the nicely integrated chain catcher is a great touch.

As expected, the Fuji SL 1.1 shoots up the climbs like a mountain goat while inspiring with its outstanding efficiency. Still, it didn’t quite match the performance of our climbing king, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac. The handling is agile and provides a lot of fun in tight turns, but feels a little temperamental in flat sections when riding in full TT mode. When sprinting, you can feel the strong climbing DNA of the bike, but also a lack of stiffness which results in the occasional brake rub. The SRAM RED brakes offer great modulation combined with good braking performance in dry conditions – but unfortunately, they’re not so great on wet rides. The slightly too-soft handlebars lack precision on fast descents. The riding comfort, on the other hand, is outstanding and literally begs you to embark on longer tours. The combination of the compliant carbon components with the 25 mm-wide Vittoria Corsa tires – which we have praised on many occasions before – makes for a fun riding experience and smooths out the imperfections of the tarmac while absorbing unpleasant vibrations.

  As expected, the Fuji SL 1.1 shoots up the climbs like a mountain goat while inspiring with its outstanding efficiency.

The Fuji SL 1.1 in detail

Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap
Wheelset Oval Concepts 928
Brakes SRAM RED Rim
Tires Vittoria Corsa
Weight 6.46 kg
Price € 7,999

The geometry of the Fuji SL 1.1

Conclusion

The Fuji SL 1.1 is without a doubt a true climber and therefore the dream weapon of any KOM-hunter. In sprints and descents, however, it lacks stiffness and composure. If you’re after the polka dot jersey you won’t care too much, but if you’re looking for a downhill rocket you better look elsewhere. Not only will the 6.46 kg Japanese racer make your wallet € 7,999 lighter, but it will also make your climbing efforts easier. See you on top of Mount Fuji!

Uphill
Downhill
Sprint

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For more info head to: fujibikes.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test

All bikes in the test: 3T Strada | BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 | Corratec EVO eTap Konfi | Rose X-Lite 6 eTap | Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 | Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc | Wilier Superleggera SL

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Words: Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Topf Photos: Noah Haxel