Ridley ASTR RS

[Requiem84]

Thought it would be valuable to open a separate topic for this bike.

I think it is interesting for a specific number of reasons:

- Clearance -> in 1x set-up it can accommodate up to 52mm tires
- Aero -> typical aero frame
- Weight -> bare frame is quoted at 890grams
- Looks -> it has this quite classical aero bike look which I like
- Painting -> you can order custom painting
- Geometry -> even though it looks quite racey, it seems to have quite a gravel focused geometry regarding BB drop (75mm), frame length (1043mm, size M) and reach (571, size M). Will likely steer a bit sluggish, but should be quite a stable platform?

Issues:

- Price -> frame is 5k. Red Xplr is 11-12k
- BB -> Pressfit

Will try to go for a test ride on one of those before the end of the year.

[eins4eins]

I'm really interested in the non-RS version. Frameset is only 2.8k€, a bit heavier and comes with a standard, round seattube.
Need to stop by a dealer to find out about delivery times and final price.

[ill principe]

Also more interested in the regular ASTR. Especially the paint customization option, imagine a Candy red in the subtle logos scheme with contrasting logos in regular red.

[Requiem84]

Yeah good points, but would like to understand a bit better what the detailed differences are between the RS and regular frame.

Different carbon lay-up
Round seat post
100g more (quoted by a bike magazine that contacted Ridley).

If that's all it does indeed sound like a good deal.

[spdntrxi]

would love the RS version.. except I would need / hope to find a way to put a 27.2 dropper and lose the aero seatpost. (which might make me look at non-RS) The ridge local to me is serious underbiking.

[Requiem84]

Does anyone have experience in testing Ridley bikes? Can you test them at their HQ in Belgium?

[cerro]

Have an Astr RS frameset on order. Getting it just before Christmas it seems like Seems like a very modern race bike

[ill principe]

Have an Astr RS frameset on order. Getting it just before Christmas it seems like Seems like a very modern race bike

Still located in Sweden? I struggle finding retailers that sell Ridley (except large online ones that most likely can´t provide single customized framesets).

[TidyDinosaur]

Does anyone have experience in testing Ridley bikes? Can you test them at their HQ in Belgium?

Depends where you're from I think. There is a shop in Genk that has test bikes.

[Nohands83]

For the UK the price difference between the RS and regular version is more than double £4600 vs £2099 for the frameset, struggling to see what features the RS version has which justifies the £2500 price jump!

Note I think the RS does come with the one-piece bar and stem but that's still a big increase.

Agree it looks like a really well-designed and considered bike.

That said the clearance doesn't actually look that big on some of the pics I've seen, wonder if Ridley are actually just being a bit more generous than other manufacturers who are normally more conversative in there official clearance numbers.

[de lars cuevas]

Good looking bike. The cheaper variant seems to offer the best value indeed.
Make sure you get the cable routing sorted out though. Cause his is what bikerumor found hidden behind the headset spacers. Looks pretty scary to me.



https://bikerumor.com/ridley-astr-rs-gr ... ty-review/

[Requiem84]

For the UK the price difference between the RS and regular version is more than double £4600 vs £2099 for the frameset, struggling to see what features the RS version has which justifies the £2500 price jump!

Note I think the RS does come with the one-piece bar and stem but that's still a big increase.

Agree it looks like a really well-designed and considered bike.

That said the clearance doesn't actually look that big on some of the pics I've seen, wonder if Ridley are actually just being a bit more generous than other manufacturers who are normally more conversative in there official clearance numbers.

There are certain ISO standards manufacturers have to adhere too. I'd be surprised if Ridley would throw those in the wind and risk a significant product liability.

What I can find is that ISO-4210 requires a minimum of 6mm tire clearance.

[cerro]

Have an Astr RS frameset on order. Getting it just before Christmas it seems like Seems like a very modern race bike

Still located in Sweden? I struggle finding retailers that sell Ridley (except large online ones that most likely can´t provide single customized framesets).

Yes, Musette in Malmö. Just started with Ridley as they are changing and aiming to grow in Sweden with lbs and not the big non caring stores.

[gloscherrybomb]

Good looking bike. The cheaper variant seems to offer the best value indeed.
Make sure you get the cable routing soted out though. Cause his is what bikerumor found hidden behind the headset spacers. Looks pretty scary to me.



.https://bikerumor.com/ridley-astr-rs-gr ... ty-review/

That looks horrific! Looks like those thin metal spacers (what are they even for?) are cutting in to the hoses. I'd consider that a major safety concern.

[ill principe]

Yes, Musette in Malmö. Just started with Ridley as they are changing and aiming to grow in Sweden with lbs and not the big non caring stores.

Thanks! Much prefer dealing with a lbs (even if its just a frameset that I build myself). Looks like you´re also offering Cervélo. The new Aspero is the other frame on my current shortlist. A shortlist which may grow if the new Open UP is presented during the winter.