Budget Build BXT SL-115

Started by Marcello Casati, September 29, 2025, 02:49:14 PM

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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


Ludo


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.