In the last few years, the name Ridley has become relatively popular. And people usually refer to this bike brand when it comes to high-quality professional racing bikes, and no exaggeration in terms of gravel classics.
As a relatively popular bike brand, Ridley has succeeded with its unremarkable super-light aluminum frames and made its mark and popularity as the likes of Cadel Evans and Robbie McEwan rode them and won big achievements. From there, they move from strength to strength to reduce weight.
Like many other common bicycle brands in the world, Ridley offers different models from various categories, ranging from gravel to road, mountain, cyclocross, and many more. In this overview, let’s explore the brand’s history, its bike technology, and different models.
If you wish to check our other popular bike brands, please see this article about the top 59 best bike brands.
Overview of Ridley Bike Company
History of Ridley Bike Company
The bike brand was established in 1997 and was considered the biggest bike manufacturer in Belgium. Since its foundation, the company has had an influential and leading position in product innovation. And you might not know that the conical headset was the very first cutting-edge development of the Ridley brand, which was launched in 2001 on the Ridley Damocles bicycle.
And you know, this successful evolution later became the norm in the bicycle industry. From that time, the company has continued to amaze, particularly in terms of technology, with advanced aerodynamic road and gravel bikes.
If you are looking for top-notch road or cyclocross bikes, Ridley is a great company to consider! Their bikes are known for high performance and quality. Learn more about their history and product offerings on Hood MWR.
Where Are Ridley Bikes Made?
Since 1990, the Ridley bike brand has been an important part of Belgian bike riding history. Therefore, every model is typically designed by Belgian Research and Development engineering teams, sprayed directly on the company’s paint shop, and then assembled at the brand’s Belgian company.
The Technologies of Ridley Bike Company
Often referred to as the brand of product innovation, it is not uncommon that Ridley provides consumers with a lot of leading technologies. Among them, it is impossible not to mention the Ridley elite carbon, hydro tubing technologies.
Ridley Elite Carbon
A great thing about the Ridley elite carbon is that it is made by the world market leader, Toray. As you might all know, the Japanese producer leads in every facet of carbon evolution and is also a supplier to the world’s leading brands in different industries.
Depending on its purpose, such as endurance, climbing, etc., each model is built with a different carbon mix. What’s more, every area of each frame needs its own combination based on its function, such as to offer sturdiness or comfort. And it is the unique Elite Carbon compositions that make Ridley bikes apart from different bike brands.
All of the Ridley pro teams ride the brand’s Elite Series bicycles, including Caleb Ewan, Tim Wellens, and Thomas De Gendt. In other words, your bikes will be cared for exactly as their bikes.
Hydro tubing
Every Ridley’s aluminum bikes need to go through a highly careful high-tech procedure before leaving the Belgian assembly line to become a finished bicycle.
The company uses a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, which is popularly used in the aerospace industry since it is ranked very high in terms of weight, welding accuracy, and hardness. Besides, all of the Ridley bike’s tubes are tripled-butted where the thickness of the middle wall is 3 times thinner than at the ends. As a result, this design can minimize weight while still maximizing sturdiness.
Finally, Ridley uses a “dual-side flat weld” in key locations for added durability and a clean finish – a complete must for the latest aluminum bicycles.
Performance of Ridley Mountain Bikes
Generally speaking, Ridley cross-country mountain bikes offer an excellent balance between responsive handling and added confidence when riding at high speeds.
There are two major types of mountain bikes in the Ridley MTB range, including full suspensions and hardtails. Both these models are designed with a little bit sharper seating angle. This, as a result, provides the rider with a leaner sitting position. And you will feel more efficient and powerful when pedaling, even when sitting on the saddle for a long time.
The perfect combination between a relatively shorter wheelbase and a bigger head angle gives you a perfectly handling mountain bicycle. However, you might feel that your mountain bike will allow you to make descents faster with complete confidence because of the relatively longer back triangle.
Every Ridley mountain bike is built with excellent geometry to maximize your fun and comfort. No matter what your riding style is, fast-flowing terrains or super-technical trails, Ridley mountain bikes are always a great option for your adventures.
Looking for the perfect mountain bike? Our guide on best bike brands in 2022 can help you find top-rated bicycles for all skill levels. From full-suspension bikes to hardtail bikes, our list includes the most popular and reliable brands in the market. Don’t miss the chance to own the best mountain bike for your next outdoor adventure.
Ridley Bike Categories
Even though Ridley doesn’t come in a full range of bikes for riders of all ages, genders, and riding styles like some other bike brands, their lineups are relatively expansive and popular. Here is the list of current Ridley bike categories:
Road Bikes
- Noah
- Fenix
- Helium
When it comes to finding your perfect road bike, the frame size is crucial. Using road bike size charts can help determine the optimal frame size based on your height, which will improve your handling, comfort and power transfer. Along with popular brands such as Cinelli and Cipollini, BH Bikes has carved its way into the world of cycling with its high-end and competition-winning models.
Gravel Bikes
- Kanzo Fast
- Kanzo Adventure
- Kanzo All Road
Cyclocross Bikes
- X-Night
- X-Ride
Mountain Bikes
- Ignite
- Sablo
Electric Bikes
- Kanzo Electric
If you’re looking for a top-performing electric bike, consider checking out Quietkat Bikes. They offer various models of electric bikes that have exceptional power and durability, perfect for those who love to explore the great outdoors. Quietkat bikes are designed to withstand rough terrains and have state-of-the-art technology that allows you to go faster and further.
Triathlon Bikes
- Dean
Most Popular Ridley Bikes
As you may know, Ridley is very famous for its premium professional race bikes. But this doesn’t mean that other models are not popular. Let’s see the following list of some of the most popular Ridley bikes available to buy:
- Road Bikes: Ridley Noah Fast Disc
- Gravel Bikes: Ridley Kanzo Fast
- Cyclocross Bikes: Ridley Kanzo X-Night SL Disc
- Mountain Bikes: Ridley X-Night SLX
- Electric Bikes: Ridley Kanzo E
- Triathlon Bikes: Ridley Dean Fast
Ridley Bike Price Range
Since most Ridley bikes are geared towards pro racers, they need to be equipped with advanced technologies and superior components for the best quality and riding experience. That is one of the reasons making Ridley bikes not really cheap for most riders. Take a look at the price range of Ridley bikes currently on the market:
- Road Bikes: $2,550 – $7,322
- Gravel Bikes: $2,113 – $4,215
- Cyclocross Bikes: $2,550 – $4,026
- Mountain Bikes: $1,534 – $5,231
- Electric Bikes: $4,605
- Triathlon Bikes: $2,656 – $7,912
Are Ridley Bikes Any Good?
I should say that Ridley bikes are really great. In terms of quality, they are built from premium materials. Therefore, you can be sure of its durability. When it comes to performance, there is nothing to doubt because Ridley bikes are typically designed for pro racers. What’s more, optimal comfort seems to be always a must in every model of Ridley bikes. That is another reason making Ridley bikes popular among lots of riders, both amateurs and professionals.
Ridley Vs. Cannondale
Ridley Bike Review
Established in the heart of Flandrien for cyclists, Ridley offers a wide range of cyclocross and road bikes for riders of different levels.
The Noah road bike is a kind of aero range. It is one of a few models that is chosen by Greipel and his lead train. Among different models in the company’s aero road category, the most popular and impressive one might be the new Aero Plus disc brake bicycle. This bike is a completely cable-free integrated bar body set-up, which contributes to the most aerodynamically capable bike that Ridley has ever produced.
Ridley also offers great climbing bikes, and one of them is the Helium. This model might need a frame of up to 700 grams in its flagship “SLX” guise, while the company’s engineers have made sure that it is sturdy enough to tackle pro-grade power. This is because it is made with 15% more improvement over its forerunner, the SL.
The brand is also relatively popular with the endurance bike line. The Fenix is typically designed with Classics in mind and a focus on pounding cobblestone. In 2018, Ridley introduced the new Fenix SLX Disc and hit a magnificent stated frame weight of 850 grams while keeping properties that lead to a great level of compliance.
And you know, cyclocross bicycles are also one of the strengths of Ridley, with the flagship X-night race bike and a relatively more comfortable alloy X-Ride. So, if you are looking for a gravel-specific bicycle, X-Trail models will be what you need, which are available in both alloy and carbon frame options.
Pros
- Have several of the best bikes in the industry
- Famous for groundbreaking technologies
- Offer an expansive range of different models
- Every model can be configurable
- Most bikes come at a fair price
Cons
- Don’t offer bikes for kids
Cannondale Bike Review
The innovation might be one of the greatest similarities between Cannondale and Ridley. As you might know, Cannondale is best known for exploring and applying cutting-edge technologies to their bicycles.
As a result, the brand has invented lots of innovative carbon and alloy frames since the 2000s. Typically, these materials are much more lightweight than most aluminum frames commonly used during that period.
Pros
- Built with high-end materials
- Get lots of praise with advanced designs
- Concentrate on cutting-edge technology and evolution
- Work perfectly on most types of terrains
Cons
- Most bicycles seem to be better for mid-sized cyclists
If you are looking for a high-quality bike, Canyon Bikes is a great brand to explore. Known for their innovative designs and impressive technology, these bikes are suitable for experienced riders and beginners alike. Check out our Canyon Bikes Brand Overview for more information on this excellent brand.
Ridley Road Bikes
Whatever the challenge, cross mountains, beat headwinds, or sprinter more quickly than your cycling buddies, Ridley road bikes are a perfect choice for you.
There are three major models in this range, Noah, Fenix, and Helium.
Noah
The Ridley Noah is both a flagship aero road bike and an ever-evolving technological masterpiece. Initially built as the supreme sprint bicycle for the Lotto team, this model has since integrated with all-round features. Even though it keeps winning lots of sprints, the Noah is also currently shining on the paving stones around Roubaix.
Because of the excellent blend between many hours of wind tunnel testing and innovative aerodynamic optimization technology, the Ridley Noah has achieved a world-class position when it comes to aerodynamics. All tubes, including the rear triangle and fork, have an improved NACA profile.
Even though the Ridley Noah can resist wind, it is still a light road bicycle offering an amazingly comfortable feeling. Besides, the bike gets vertical compliance thanks to the uniquely built dropped saddle stays.
Fenix
If you are seeking a bike that can ride on all types of roads, then look no further than the Fenix models. They are real all-rounders. In fact, Fenix was born out of a partnership with Team Lotto Soudal to develop the utmost frame for cobblestoned classics.
Typically designed with comfort and performance in mind, the Ridley Fenix is one of the most superior high-performance endurance bicycles on the market.
It provides the rider with accurate handling and instant response to each pedal stroke. At the same time, the model also gives the cyclist the feeling of floating on the road surface.
Lots of top professional riders and even beginning cyclists ride these bikes. So, you can see them everywhere. The hallmark of every Ridley Fenix bike is the diamond-shaped downtube design. This construction helps improve the frame’s endurance while offering an extra ingenious aesthetic.
If you want a Ridley bike that can handle tough terrain, the Fenix is the one for you. This bike is designed to tackle challenging climbs and descents with ease. With its lightweight frame, you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride even on rough terrain. So, get ready to take on any adventure with the Fenix by your side.
Helium
One of the smooth road bikes for the most demanding riders should be Ridley Helium lines. These bikes are considered among the most high-performance machines. They are exceptionally durable and sturdy while still super lightweight and durable for incredible steep climbing.
In addition, they offer excellent handling capability when you are flying at top speed on demanding descents. And this is one of the main reasons making them a favorite of the Lotto Soudal professional riders.
Even though the classic, round tube might offer the best balance between sturdiness vs. weight and comfort vs. response, it certainly doesn’t make the Helium models really outstanding from the various models out there.
Instead, they earn very positive achievement points on each bicycle test, which is their great riding trait. In short, this Ridley Helium will immediately elevate every cyclist in every way.
Ridley Gravel Bikes
Similar to the Road bike range, Ridley also provides the market with three models in its gravel bike category, including Kanzo Fast, Kanzo Adventure, and Kanzo All Road.
If you love adventure biking and are looking for a bike that can handle gravel and rugged terrain, then Lauf Bikes could be a great choice. Check out this brief overview of Lauf Bikes on Hood MWR. Their unique suspension design is perfect for gravel biking and can help prevent fatigue on longer rides.
Kanzo Fast
The very first step in manufacturing the Kanzo Fast is to combine Noah Fast Disc’s great aero features and Noah Fast Disc’s power-transfer abilities with the brand’s wide knowledge of Kanzo gravel bikes.
After that, the Ridley engineering team spent many hours in wind tunnels and on cobbled roads developing and testing further. In the end, what the company has developed is the incredible aerodynamic gravel bike, which is perfect for winning any gravel race. Its aero handlebars and geometry are completely constructed based on the gravel standard.
It could be said that the Ridley Kanzo Fast is one of the most responsive gravel bikes out there. The combination between the NACA profile and an extremely sturdy bottom bracket propels the rider forward with every single pedal stroke.
To ensure superlative comfort, the company has placed the seat in an extremely low position and used a D-shaped safety seatpost to minimize vibration.
Kanzo Adventure
The Ridley Kanzo Adventure series includes excellent off-road adventure bicycles. These models are typically designed for those who like to keep their wheels on the road, whatever it takes.
These bikes are typically developed for off-road riding with two key features, efficiency and comfort. They feature a distinctive gravel geometry and a larger tire clearance. You will feel these important details by the conviction it gives you through the most difficult roads.
You will also feel that your bike will be much more prepared for than any adventure thanks to the integrated extra frame lugs. These Ridley Kanzo Adventure bikes are truly your best companion for the most exciting and challenging gravel adventures ahead.
Kanzo All Road
If you are looking for a bike for gravel riding or road racing, the Kanzo Speed will be what you need since it is typically designed to perform well on both types of roads.
This model is great for long-distance road rides as well as over rough terrains because of the relaxed geometry. Adding to its comfort is 36mm of ground clearance and added room for the mudguards.
The Kanzo Speed all-road bicycle allows you to easily switch between on-road and off-road. It is also a great option for extended adventures. Just attach the bike bag, go out, and explore new trails at your own pace. It really is a lot of fun to ride the Ridley Kanzo Speed all-round bike.
Ridley Cyclocross Bikes
When it comes to cyclocross bikes, it is all about sharp turns, breakthroughs, continuous accelerations, all within an hour, and the gas is gone. With more than 20 years of experience at the highest Cyclocross level, Ridley CX bikes will not disappoint you.
There are only two models in the ridley cyclocross bike range, including the N-Night and X-Ride Disc.
X-Night
For generations, the Ridley X-Night has proved itself as the best cyclocross bike of world champions. Since cyclocross bikes are very close to Ridley’s DNA, every model will give you an excellent riding experience without compromise. For example, the X-Night carbon cyclocross bike surpasses every single side of the sport.
The ridley X-Night allows the rider to take sharp turns very fast, jump over the obstacles also easily, and keep his balance against the toughest trails.
In general, this model is typically created to race at full throttle in one hour. And as you know, Ridley is by far the most successful bike brand when it comes to cyclocross bicycles. That might be the main reason why all the N-Night models still feature that race-proven classic but cyclocross geometry. There is no need for compromises as world champions don’t make those things.
X-Ride Disc
The X-Ride Disc model seems to be a little bit more versatile than the X-Night ones thanks to the integrated disc brakes. It allows you to control your speed regardless of the weather conditions.
This is especially useful when performing slippery slurry descents where professional speed modulation is needed. What’s more, it is a vital feature when you commute on rainy streets where you might have to come to a complete stop in a split second.
Experience the ultimate cross-country cycling performance with the Polygon Bikes X-Ride Disc. With its lightweight aluminum frame, 120mm suspension fork, and 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, this bike offers an exceptional riding experience on all terrains. Go check out great deals on Polygon bikes at Hood MWR.
Ridley Mountain Bikes
If you are the kind of person who loves gravity, handles steep mountain hills, and flies over winding, narrow trails, then you are a real mountain biking rider. And there is no reason not to consider the Ridley mountain bike range, which includes Ignite and Sablo.
Ignite
The Ignite is a great Ridley hardtail mountain bike. It is not only lightweight but also remarkably responsive. These features allow the rider to get easy handling where you are always feeling in the saddle of your speed. You will feel that the singletracks or any tough terrain become easier than ever.
It is capable of power transmission thanks to integrated sturdiness that makes sure you will ride effectively too. You will typically feel this best when you hit the steep and leave your cycling partners behind.
Besides, this model comes in two frame options, aluminum and carbon, for you to choose from. They are also built for different purposes, from race-ready World Championship bikes (marathon and cross-country) to models that turn your local terrains into more fun and pleasure.
Whatever your choice, the Ridley Ignite model will get you out the door and go for a great ride!
We’ve compiled a list of top lightweight mountain bikes for women here.
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Sablo
The Ridley Sablo is a full-suspension mountain bike from Ridley, which is particularly designed to challenge. Just get it, push its limits, feel it come to life, and you will be sure to get the most out of your ride on different trails.
The combination of custom rear shock and premium fork provides the rider with the ultimate comfort. As a result, you will always feel fresh until you get to the finish line of that extremely long marathon race. In addition, they guarantee you a sense of stability on “tricky” descents thanks to their incredibly proportioned geometry.
It could be said that with the Ridley Sablo, nothing is impossible, typically when it comes to speed. You can easily overcome different obstacles at speed because of the lightweight construction and high responsiveness. You just find yourself gliding through rock gardens agilely and speeding up like a pro!
Ridley E-Bikes
Let’s improve your cycling fun with electric assistance. Ridley electric bikes are typically built to help you ride faster and farther effortlessly. There is only one model in this range, the Kanzo E, which is perfect for errands, commuting, and exploring.
Kanzo E
The Ridley Kanzo E, with the E is short for Electric, is a great electric bike from Ridley. This special aluminum electric gravel bike offers a stable but vibrant riding experience on all kinds of trails and terrains.
The blend of light Fazua Evation system, 252Wh battery, and 250W motor provides the rider with reliable, responsive, smooth, and comfortable support. You can also get extra power of up to 400W thanks to the powerful motor. This makes it ideal for beating even the toughest peaks or climbs. Besides, you can quickly regain speed after every stop or turn thanks to the 60Nm torque.
In fact, the Kanzo E gravel bike reflects many years of Ridley’s experience in the gravel bike segment. Therefore, you will easily notice the details, such as a longer wheelbase for added balance and stability.
Ridley Triathlon Bikes
Are you ready to take your triathlon and time trial to the next level? Simply fly off the ramp with the famous Ridley’s World Hour Record knowledge. Even though there is only one model, the Dean, in this triathlon bike line, it is relatively popular for various reasons.
First and foremost, it should be the ultimate speed that the Dean offers, allowing you to race off the start line fast and fly out of the transition region with ease.
It seems that the Dean is the only triathlon bike, and it is cared for in every detail. The model is particularly designed to be as smooth as possible. Since it creates little drag when flying from place A to place B, the Dean is easily considered one of the leading time trial bicycles in the industry. This design also allows you to turn every watt into clean speed effortlessly.
While Ridley might focus obsessively on the Dean’s performance, the brand also pays strong attention to the ultimate comfort. As all of you may know, a time trial bike is all about a war of attrition. In other words, the more comfortable the bike is, the longer the distances that rider can ride at high speeds.
In general, the Ridley Dean triathlon bike makes sure you get the full benefit of your torso at every point of the ride.
To make the most of your triathlon performance, consider investing in one of the top triathlon bikes from Merida Bikes. These bikes are designed to optimize speed and efficiency, with aerodynamic frames and lightweight components. Check out the full brand overview of Merida Bikes at Hood MWR to learn more about their top triathlon models.
Conclusion
So now you know that Ridley is considered the most unbeaten bike brand when it comes to mountain bike racing. Typically, all of their bikes are made of high-quality materials and integrated with groundbreaking technologies for the best possible riding experience.
