Pashley Cycles - A Steely Determination

Words by James Ion - Photography provided by Pashley Cycles

Here at PRO.Gravel it is all about racing and speed, so when a steel bike shows up, you might forgive us for letting it pass by, but when it is a steel frame from Pashley, well, you just know we had to take a look!

For nearly a century, Pashley Cycles has been synonymous with British craftsmanship, building bicycles by hand in Stratford-upon-Avon since 1926. Known for classic town bikes, country touring machines, and elegant racers, Pashley has long embraced a philosophy of blending traditional methods with contemporary innovation. While the modern gravel and adventure market has shifted toward lightweight performance materials, Pashley’s newest creation, the Wildfinder, proves that a carefully engineered steel frame remains highly relevant for adventure and gravel riding.

“The Wildfinder is designed to handle anything you throw at it, from rough trails to multi-day gravel adventures,” claims Pashley.

The Wildfinder represents a bold new direction for the brand, combining its heritage of meticulous hand-building with the needs of modern off-road cycling. At its core is Reynolds 853 DZB steel tubing, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Pashley claims the DZB construction adds extra thickness at key joints, reinforcing the frame at points of high stress without adding unnecessary weight. This results in a bike capable of carrying loaded gear, tackling challenging trails, and providing comfort over long distances.

“Every frame is hand-built and carefully checked to ensure durability, ride quality, and performance,” the company notes.

Geometry is central to the Wildfinder’s versatility. Its sub-70° head angle and long rear end provide stability and confidence on loose surfaces, technical descents, and mixed terrain. The frame accommodates wide 29x2.4” tires, up to 42T chainrings, and a variety of suspension forks, making it fully expedition-ready. Multiple mounts for racks, bags, and water bottles expand its touring potential, while e-coating and hand-applied powder finishes ensure long-lasting protection against the elements. Pashley claims the frame balances stiffness and compliance, absorbing trail vibrations while remaining efficient on smoother roads.

The Wildfinder is available in two colourways—Ember and Tempest—and offers a choice of drivetrains: Shimano SLX, Shimano GRX, or SRAM Rival/GX AXS. Each bike is built to order in Stratford-upon-Avon using locally sourced materials, ensuring every detail is monitored, from frame shaping to cable routing. In a market often dominated by mass production, the Wildfinder stands out as a hand-crafted, purpose-built machine designed for adventure and versatility.

“This bike is not just for gravel racing—it’s for exploration, for riders who want one bike to do it all,” Pashley claims.

While Pashley has long been celebrated for elegant city and touring bicycles, the Wildfinder signals a firm commitment to the adventure and gravel market. Its geometry, components, and build quality are optimised for long rides, technical trails, and multi-day expeditions. Pashley emphasises that the Wildfinder excels when fully loaded for bikepacking, cruising gravel roads on weekend adventures, or tackling technical terrain—all while maintaining reliability and craftsmanship.

“We’ve taken the best of our hand-building expertise and applied it to a bike designed for the modern adventurer,” the company explains.

The Wildfinder’s design reflects Pashley’s broader philosophy: bicycles should be functional, beautiful, and built to last. The corrosion-resistant e-coating and durable powder finish underline the brand’s commitment to longevity, while the clean lines and thoughtful placement of mounts show attention to both aesthetics and practicality. Every frame is hand-finished, highlighting the care and skill that go into each bike.

With its versatile geometry, robust Reynolds 853 DZB tubing, expedition-ready mounts, and multiple drivetrain options, the Wildfinder positions itself as a steel-framed machine built for adventure, endurance, and exploration. It is a bike designed not for fleeting trends, but for riders who value quality, reliability, and the ability to carry their gear across diverse terrain.

“The Wildfinder is our statement that adventure riding and hand-built quality go hand in hand,” Pashley concludes.

For PRO.Gravel, the Wildfinder is a compelling addition to the gravel landscape—a bike that blends heritage craftsmanship with modern adventure performance. Every detail, from frame construction to component choice, is intended to provide riders with a dependable and capable companion for gravel roads, forest trails, and beyond.

For more information, visit Pashley Cycles or explore the Wildfinder product page.

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Not a paid-for promotion or in any way affiliated with Pashley Cycles - we just like the look of it and thought you might like it too!