I rode the Esswork SL7 and upgraded to the SL9 frameset. I rode 101km/elevation gain 950m comfortably today.
I transferred the previous drivetrain, wheelset, and components as they were, and I adjusted the fitting value to be as similar as possible. So, it feels like a frame change + placebo minimization. - The SL7 also received regular maintenance for the headset, bottom bracket, and wheel hub. It's not just that the drivetrain became smoother due to cleaning (I haven't ridden it much yet, and today's humidity is high so it may not be accurate...)
If you look closely at the exterior (?), there are signs of aerodynamic effects here and there. The narrowed head tube and the seatpost, which is somewhat different from the previous frame, and the top tube line that becomes slimmer towards the seatpost compared to the SL7 are also aesthetically pleasing.
Actually, the aerodynamic effect is much greater when you lower your posture. The 4 watt gain is in a range that amateur riders don't feel, so I felt the responsiveness was still good.
I couldn't push it to the extreme power (I don't have that power either), but seeing Team Merlier win two TDF sprint finish stages yesterday and today makes me think it handles power well.
*I felt the most that the wider fork absorbed road vibrations well and improved the ride quality. Compared to the SL7, fatigue was reduced, and my neck and shoulders were a bit stiff from 80-90km, but today it was very good.
Ah, it seems that the frame balance is well adjusted. When I did a full dance on a steep uphill climb with the SL7, the rear wheel would slip or spin, but with the SL9, it gripped the road and climbed as I pedaled. It feels like a tailwind pushing you from behind.
ns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" style="font-size: 10pt;">
ns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" style="font-size: 10pt;">
ns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" style="color: rgb(48, 48, 56); font-size: 10pt;" malgun="" gothic",="" "맑은="" 고딕",="" -apple-system,="" system-ui,="" "apple="" sd="" gothic="" neo",="" "helvetica="" neue",="" helvetica,="" arial,="" dotum,="" 돋움,="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 15px;"="">While the previous model SL7 is a comparison target, there is a feeling of frame change, and I have test-driven Aetos2 before. It seems to have mixed its advantages well. ns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" style="color: rgb(48, 48, 56); font-size: 10pt;">For SL8 users, wouldn't a side upgrade be...? What if you just change the Sitpo to a new one?
Finally, personally, it became easier to manage because it changed from matte to glossy. The weight increased by 150g compared to before, but strangely enough, it went better. I'm also curious about the True Aero machine (why doesn't Benji come out..)
