Function has a style all of its own. When we introduced the SILEX, people didn’t know what to make of this quirky-looking bike designed for riding something called ‘gravel’. Then they rode it - and the awards and positive reviews started piling up. The SILEX turns any ride into an adventure, opening up fresh possibilities for fun, whether you’re doing the daily commute or a multi-day bikepacking trip.

The SILEX has always been an off-road machine, first and foremost, rather than a road or ‘cross bike’ with a few tweaks. With a mountain bike-inspired geometry, it breaks free from the confines of what a drop bar bike should do, tempting you to explore the road less travelled. Take that turn off, head down that singletrack, see what’s over the next hill, load up your gear and turn it into an overnighter - the SILEX has got your back. It blends drop-bar speed on hardpack surfaces with mountain bike rugged ability and calm and composed handling.

The SILEX isn’t just for those big adventures in the back of beyond; it’s an incredibly practical everyday machine too. Whether it’s fitted with pannier racks to get the shopping or mudguards to keep you clean on the commute, it’ll get you there in comfort with a more relaxed, upright riding position and composed character, no matter what the surface throws at it.

At the same time, gravel riding has increasingly split into different disciplines with distinct identities. On the one hand, it is the competitive race element of gravel, focusing on endurance competition events where outright speed is the priority and the terrain is generally more groomed.  On the other hand, it is the adventure biking side of gravel, where camaraderie is key, and the only competitive aspect is between an individual rider and their own limits, taking on the challenge of a self-supported long-distance ride or trips into the unknown. For these riders, comfort and carrying capacity are more important than outright speed and the ability to take on unpredictable and constantly changing surfaces is essential.

The SILEX continues to be spiritually closer to this kind of riding, which is why we have added more off-road capability without impacting the handling and versatility of the previous generation. In the process, we’ve also added support for the latest developments in gravel-specific equipment, such as dropper posts and suspension forks, but we know that when you’re on a trip in the middle of nowhere, simplicity is key. That’s why we’ve steered away from gimmicks and overcomplicated design features and focused on what really makes a difference for riders.

While there’s no good reason you can’t slap number plates on it and enter your favourite gravel race, the SILEX doesn’t solely live to hammer out the miles as quickly as possible. Its focus is on long-distance races and multi-day events, where the stable handling and off-road ability of the bike will shine through. If short-course gravel racing is your thing, then the SCULTURA ENDURANCE GR may well be better suited to your needs.

Instead, the SILEX is for the rider who dreams big but still wants a bike that can handle the everyday stuff. Long, unsupported adventures with a fully laden bike. Overnight bivvy trips that’ll take you back to the real world refreshed. Rides with friends where you’re chasing the sunset down any path that presents itself, not Strava segments.

Its versatility means that it’s the perfect partner for backcountry exploits, but it’s also able to deal with the day-to-day tasks just as well, whether that means being laden down with shopping or ducking and diving down whatever path you want to spice up your commute to work. While we have maximised the off-road performance of the new SILEX, it’s also still as versatile for everyday riding, whether you’re commuting, taking on a road sportive or just after a stable and comfortable companion for long winter rides. Both carbon CF and aluminium LITE frames still have mounts for full-length mudguards, while the LITE frames can also be used with a pannier rack.

The head angle is the only significant change to the geometry and is now 1.5° slacker at 69.5°, improving stability at speed on rough terrain or when heavily laden. While the handlebar position is at a very similar height, there is now a much shorter headtube length paired with a longer fork that’s compatible with the latest generation of gravel suspension forks. That means the new SILEX offers the same riding position that made it such a hit but with much more aggressive looks and an aesthetic that is much more closely aligned to the dynamic look of the REACTO and SCULTURA road range.

At the rear end of the bike, we’ve moved to a dropped chainstay design that gives the tyre clearance we needed but keeps the ability to run a 1x or 2x drivetrain that allows riders to choose the drivetrain setup that suits them best. Going 1x reduces weight and gives simplified controls, while a 2x setup delivers short gaps between gears for even cadence. What works best is up to you.

We’ve backed up this increased off-road capability with improved stopping ability; all bikes now run 180 mm rotors front and rear for much stronger and fade-resistant braking performance, especially when bikepacking. The weight penalty over the more commonly used 160 mm rotor is minor, but the increase in power is significant, especially when riding laden on long descents. The carbon fibre framed CF models will use our DISC COOLER brake mount heat sink technology to help cool brakes faster for improved performance and reliability.

The seatpost clamp is now integrated into the top tube, giving a cleaner and more modern look. There is also compatibility with internally routed dropper seatposts, and the fork has internal routing provision for a hub dynamo to power lights or small electronic devices on long trips.

The new SILEX will be available in both lightweight CF carbon fibre framed models and high-value LITE aluminium frames, both sharing the same carbon fibre fork. Geometry is identical between the two frames, but the CF frame saves 680 g over the aluminium version. Weight aside, key differences between the two frames are that the CF bike has a DISC COOLER heat sink rear brake mount and a Fidlock mount integrated into the downtube, while the LITE aluminium frame has mounts for a rear carrier rack in addition to the mudguard mounts.

Bikepacking, commuting, after-work gravel sessions or training rides on potholed country lanes; wherever you’re riding your SILEX, being able to carry everything you need is vital. Fixing points on frame and fork allow bottles, bags, tools, fenders or accessories (and lots more) to be fitted, while the ‚anything cage‘ style mounts on the fork legs have increased carrying capacity, plus there is internal cable routing for a dynamo hub. On top of that, the LITE model also features carrier mounts, further underlining the day-to-day usability of the SILEX.

Few bikes can say that they feel at home pretty much anywhere you take them. Our new SILEX follows the path its predecessor successfully opened up by being a hugely capable gravel, bikepacking and adventure bike but also being a trusted day-to-day workhorse and a fun, fast and rugged commuter and training bike. Whichever direction you point the SILEX, it delivers impressive handling, outstanding comfort and composure - and last but not least - oodles of fun. It has, and always will, help you make ‘every road yours’.