Bicycles

On test: Ridley Noah RS Ultegra

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Ridley

Published on Monday, 22 November 2010 06:32

Written by Luca Salvatelli

A rigid and accurate frame, for high performance in the plains and hills

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The new model Ridley Noah RS, joins the well-known model Noah, an icon of technology Ridley, to propose a version, always highly technical, but with a price more affordable for everyone. The new frame Noah RS is based on aerodynamic studies of Noah, but with several changes to make the broader field of use. Remains carbon monocoque frame at 30 and 24Ton (in Noah is 50, 40 and 30Ton), but receives a new steering head bearings with 1 inch and 1/8. The fork is carbon monocoque model 4ZA Sphinx, weighing about 415 grams. It is characterized by a careful aerodynamic study, one of the strengths of Ridley, which has determined the particular shape of the rods, jet cross-section of wing and spoiler-opening knife blade, which deflect away from the wheels' air coming against the bicycle, which generate turbulence without impeding the progress of the bike. This technology, named R-Flow, makes it possible to reduce the resistance to 5.5%. Also in order to reduce drag, then, at precise locations of the frame, is applied to the R-Surface finish, a rough finish that allows the airflow to remain attached to the frame, without generating turbulence and improving the aerodynamics. This finish can reduce the resistance of 3%. The tube measures just less than that of Noah, but is much larger than the average of competing bikes. Similar to Noah's profile of the horizontal tube, again with slight differences here, especially around the head tube and seat tube. The vertical tube has similar profile to Noah, but take a seat classic aerodynamic profile, while the seat is integrated into Noah. Always oversize bottom bracket area. The biggest difference is to be found, then in the rear that has traditional tubes, not in conjunction with an airfoil and less conspicuous in the area of the tube. The cables run inside the frame, again to improve the aerodynamics. The frame has a declared weight of 1200 grams. The bike is available in five different sizes and assembly Ultegra only seen in the pictures. As with all high-end products Ridley, the painting is completely hand made. The bike assembled adopts the Shimano Ultegra, for controls, 34/50 crankset, front and rear derailleur. The KMC chain is, the sprocket Shimano 105 12-25. The brakes are 4ZA, as well as the wheels, the stem, the handlebar and saddle, all components 4ZA Cirrus. Always 4ZA the aero seatpost and bottle cage. The tires are Vredestein Fortezza TriComp. So assembled, the size M, the bike has a weight of 7.6 kg without pedals, as observed with our instrumentation.

The road test

The Ridley Noah RS demonstrates a great aesthetic personality, which is also accentuated by the excellent graphics and the perfect realization of the painting of the frame, note is made absolutely handicraft, without the use of stikers, in addition to being customizable in color and graphics. Good general finishes, even if we would have preferred some protection to the sides of the frame, where there may be contact with the cables. The adoption of the 4ZA components, allows for a competitive price, to the detriment of the adoption of full Shimano Ultegra or components, such as lighter wheels. In this case you may not notice that the competitive price prevents other configurations lighter. The total weight of the bike is still competitive, even considering the list price of the components used and their competitors, who often do worse. It will be easy, then bring it below 7.5 Kg real, with lighter wheels. In the riding position that takes you right to challenge the handlebar 4ZA expanse that offers a proper ergonomics. Good saddle, and as always, excellent features of the Shimano Ultegra, with fluid controls and intuitive to use. Brakes 4ZA, which have replaced the Ultegra, seem more adaptable of the original Shimano, this helps in wet or slippery conditions. The maximum power is, perhaps, slightly improved, but decided to get decelerations must act more decisively on the levers, than as you would with Ultegra brakes. The court, therefore, ends in a draw. The wheels, another element 4ZA, are very slight, but not heavy, they bring out for their excellent fluidity and rigidity, a good product. Movement is perceived in the high rigidity of the frame, although not reaching the maximum values of Noah, there is very close, with absolute value that makes this Noah RS to be close and in some cases higher than many frames range well above at least in the listed price. Excellent rigidity of the bottom bracket, which is working to better the Ultegra crankset. In the plains, the rigidity of the chassis, the smoothness of the wheels and tires Fortezza TriComp, allow the provision of relief with a remarkable ease. Difficult to judge how these benefits are dependent care by streamlining the bike or the goodness of the frame. Sure, though, that you are able to maintain high average, with a reduced energy expenditure and with absolute performance far superior to other similarly-priced bikes. In locations with a slight climb the behavior is very good and competitive, while only in the most difficult climbs can be lingered, because of low weight but not very contained. In practice, while it is safe to be in plain front models cost much higher, up you "fall into line" with performance more in line with price range of the bike, but still very competitive. This is because the high rigidity of the chassis can always excellent power transfer to the rear wheel and this can always be competitive, even uphill. The fast, as in the downhill, it is clear the excellent frame geometry, with a steering very precise, but fast to fit into corners. It's never very light, even on bumpy, where you can control the half well, but allows the placement and trajectory changes very accurate. Excellent rigidity of the fork, both under braking in placements in the corners. Good, as mentioned, the stability on bumpy, under these conditions show a comfort, than Noah, and more than good in absolute terms. Obviously we are talking about a rigid and reactive, which overshadows the absolute comfort, in favor of performance, behaves better, however, of other competitors. Vredestein Fortezza tires are excellent, very sincere and sliding in the corners. In conclusion a great bike, with dynamic performance in many areas superior to what its list price would suggest. It 's very competitive in the plains, but they defended well uphill and downhill back into competitive. It has good handling and steering precision as well as a comfort, not high, but also allows less experienced, or more sensitive than the back, making long runs without any problems. The only thing I could not convince the experts are the brakes, very adaptable, and also powerful, but perhaps some would like a more aggressive braking, even at the expense of scalability and ease in managing the brakes.

Price

The bike test has a cost of about Euro 3280 and the frame kit is priced at Euro 1990. In both cases they were correct. The frame kit is priced in line with competition, but offers a more traditional painting and performance, in some cases much higher. The bike has assembled a competitive price absolutely fair and honest prices for color customization, 170 Euro, and to customize the graphics, 340 Euro. Less than it takes many craftsmen to do the same job.

Positive aspects

Build Quality

Customize the color and graphics

Painting craft

Rigid frame

Benefits in plain

Driving Skills

Speed and accuracy in entry of the corners

Modulation of the braking

Negative aspects

Force applied on the levers for powerful braking

The report card

Quality 8.5 (the same price than other competitors)

Stiffness 9 (one of its best features)

Comfort 8 (good in comfort in relation to the rigidity of the chassis)

Stability 9 (it is always safe)

Manageability 9 (very fast to fit into the curve)

Braking 8 (very adjustable)

Weight 8.5 (an honest weight)

Price 9 (a great price in relation to benefits)

Read more:

Ridley Bikes

Website: www.ridley-bikes.com