Budget Build BXT SL-115

[Marcello Casati]

I was interested in the BXT SL 115 but I found almost no user experience and „real world“ photos. So I decided to share my experience.
May I introduce myself briefly: I am a Swiss cyclist, 61 years old and I live in a region with lots of hills. So please excuse the mistakes in my English writing. Many years ago, I was a racer, but today I enjoy cycling despite of the fact, that I lose my physical power from year to year. Some of you may know…
I had many race bikes and I still prefer the racy style like Giant TCR or Cannondale Supersix Evo.
I have two black bikes and I wanted now a colorful frame. But the prices for new bikes are much too expensive.

So I set some goals:
•   11 speed Di2 (used)
•   Hydraulic disc brakes
•   Fully integrated cable routing
•   < CHF 2'000.- (approx. US$ 2'500.-)
•   < 7.5 kg

After some evenings of surfing in the internet, I ordered at Aliexpress a BXT SL 115, Elitewheels Edge and many other parts. As a group set I bought a used 11-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2.

I don’t like cassettes beginning with 11-teeth cogs. I go for Shimano 14-28 teeth and I bought on ebay chainrings from Bikingreen 30/46. I expect no problems in the Swiss Alps.

After 4 weeks the frame arrived.
 
Pros:
•   Good packaging
•   Complete bike with headset, bottom bracket, handlebar, seatpost, etc.
•   Nice paint job; but you can feel the edge between black and red
•   Visually good quality
Cons:
•   The rubber plugs for the DI2-cables for front and rear derailleur are missing
•   The BXT-logos are not under clear coat. I suppose they are water transfer film and this will not last long
•   The adapters for the break calipers were not included
•   The color of the frame is glossy, but the seatpost is matte
•   The headset cap is too thick. You have to cut the shaft of the fork too short, if you want to use the delivered cap.
•   The rubber cover for the seat post clamp doesn’t look good. The painting in this area is not neat.

The installation of the bike was without any problem; even the fully integrated cable routing in the handlebar went straight forward.

I almost finished the build. I will show photos of the bike and a detailled list of all parts (price and weight).

[Marcello Casati]

Today I can post some photos and an Excel spreadsheet with the overview about prices and weight. All prices in CHF.

[Marcello Casati]

More fotos

[Ludo]

That’s a good looking bike!

[Takiyaki]

That looks great! Looks like it has huge tire clearance as well.

[Marcello Casati]

The frame is specified for 700 x 32C. Actually these are Conti 700 x 28C. There is much space left. 35 should fit as well.

[Marcello Casati]

I have done the first rides
The frame is very agile, good in curves and stable in descents. A touch little nervous than a Cannondale Supersix Evo, maybe similiar to the Giant TCR Advanced.
It's a race machine, the geometry is deep on the front. I like it very much.
I also like the handlebar. Small reach and drop; modern geometry. Very agreeable.

The wheels are wonderful light and you can feel it when accelerating in a climb.

The bikin green chainrings 30 / 46 don't work that good. Big chainring with no issues, small chainring rattles in combination with smaller sprockets. Maybe this will get better when using much more.
 
I would buy the frame and the wheels again.