Teschner SL9 Red
Based in Ballina NSW, Peter Teschner has been building and designing bikes for over 20 years. Since 1990 he has been building frames in aluminum, titanium, scandium and now almost exclusively carbon fibre.
Teschner bikes do not currently sponsor any pro tour teams so you will not be seeing their frames in any of the grand tours. They have chosen to support more local talent with the Queensland Academy of Sport team using their frames as well as a few top triathletes. The Teschner frame has been the weapon of choice for many of our Australians on the world stage. Their frames have participated in the past three Olympic Games and the past five Commonwealth Games.
Last year three World junior gold medals and a silver medal were won on Peter Teschner’s frames. Some would remember Jack Bobridge won his 2009 World under 23 road time trial gold medal on a Teschner. Teschner are alsowell known for their track and time trial frames. I understand the USA track team was considering the Teschner as some of the mainstream frames they were using were cracking with the stress inflicted by their sprinters. So look out for the Teschner at the next triathlon and track World Cups.
Teschner do not offer a large range of bikes from leisure to racing like many other brands. Teschner are strictly racing frames and only offer four frames, the SL9 and SL7 road frames, the 703TT time trial frame and the 703 track frame. For those who want something more personal you can have a customised carbon frame designed by Peter and made in Italy. This small range enables them to focus their energy on the optimum in racing frame design. Peter Teschner designs all the frames here in Australia and has them made to his exacting specifications. They are proud of their product to the point of having “Proudly Australian” decaled on their frames seat tube. The frame’s decals are bold and simple, mainly in white and red. They do bring out a bit more bling with the subtle inclusion of the world championship bands.
The SL9 frame comes in six sizes from XS with a top tube length of 517mm to the XXL with a top tube of 589mm. All these measurements are from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. Their website www.teschnerbikes.com has a list of their frame’s geometry but they do not list the head tube angles. This may be the secret advantage to their frame’s feel and performance.
The SL9 complete frame set includes, full carbon fork and steerer, headset, carbon seatpost, seatpost clamp, spare replacement derailleur hanger, chain- stay protector and gear cable protector. The SL9 complete bikes are available with any of the top component manufacturer’s groupsets. Namely SRAM Force and SRAM Red, Shimano Ultegra, Dura Ace and Di2, Campagnolo Chorus and Super Record. All these models have either Fulcrum Racing 3 or Fulcrum Racing 5 wheelsets.
The Teschner SL9 model is their 2011 flagship and replaces the Euro Pro model. The high modulus carbon weave is made exclusively and is hot and cold processed to Teschner’s exacting standards. The frames are then finished in a very fine 1K weave that leaves a smooth even finish that doesn’t require a lot of work before the final painting. The SL9 frame weighs from 867g to 1078g depending on size. The full carbon fork weighs 343g.
