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Ridley
Helium Road Bike Frame - 2014

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Lighter than Air

Following in the success of the Damocles, Ridley's goal was to create a true climbing machine — a bike with increased stiffness and stability that would also reign as one of the lightest bikes in the industry. The result is the aptly named Helium, and although it's not technically lighter than air, it was bred to climb into the thinnest air of the highest mountain roads. 


Essentially, this frame was designed so that when built with SRAM Red or Dura-Ace component packages, it is at the UCI's 6.8kg limit. The Helium frame tips the scales at 950 grams. This was accomplished through its use of superior grades of carbon fiber. In fact, the Helium predominantly uses both 30- and 24-ton carbon fiber, with areas of 40-ton and 50-ton reinforcements (in comparison to the 24-ton carbon used on the Excalibur). But, if you're wondering what the 'ton' designation is, it essentially reflects how many tons of pressure per square millimeter that the carbon is able to withstand before failure. Thus, 30-ton carbon will withstand 30 tons of pressure per square millimeter. By using high-grade carbon, Ridley's able to use less carbon in the production process. After all, common logic tells us that the stronger a material that's used, the less of it that's need. As a result, the Helium is able to achieve a lower frame weight. And to further reduce weight, the Helium also utilizes full-carbon dropouts with stainless steel inserts. Additionally, it doesn't use any aluminum in the head tube bearing races.


And while materials are a key foundation for a sound strength-to-weight ratio, the construction process and tube shapes are of equal measure. You'll find that Ridley's strongest frames, like the Fenix, feature tube shapes inspired by the diamond. Meanwhile, frames like the Helium are based on the circle. As Ridley asserts, the circle reflects the best stiffness-to-weight ratio in nature, as it requires the least amount of materials in order to achieve the highest amount of strength. Accordingly, you'll find that Ridley designed the tubes of the seat, top, and down tubes with rounded, circular shaping. However, for sake of even higher rigidity, and weight savings, the top tube has been slightly tapered. Adding to this theme of lightweight rigidity, the Helium features a hollow-molded bottom bracket. This design allowed Ridley to remove excess material, and gave it the ability to reshape the conjoining tubes. As a result, unnecessary weight has been eliminated, while lateral rigidity has been increased.


Going a step even further, Ridley also built the front triangle of the Helium with a monocoque construction. The definition of the monocoque process is hidden within the name -- 'mono' being Latin for 'one,' and 'coque' being French for 'shell.' So, as logic would have it, monocoque carbon fiber is formed as one piece in a single mold. This system allowed Ridley complete creative control in developing the Helium. From the geometry to the tube shaping to the layup, every design parameter is attainable with monocoque, whereas the tube-to-tube construction method is far more limiting for the engineer. As a result, the front triangle was met by flat-designed seatstays and oversized chainstays. Essentially, this design increases lateral stiffness, while also absorbing road vibration. This feature allows you to deliver more power to the pedals while seated during climbs, and just as importantly, it provides increased aerodynamics and stability while cornering for the descent.


The Helium comes with a matching Ridley 4ZA monocoque full-carbon fiber fork and a proprietary FSA integrated headset. This system further increases rigidity under load, especially where the Helium excels, on the climbs. Additionally, this characteristic has been further increased through the incorporation of a 1-1/8 x 1-1/4-inch head tube. And with a 99.0cm wheelbase, a 73 degree head tube angle, and a 73 degree seat tube angle (size Medium), the Helium is guaranteed to descend confidently, and more importantly, quickly.


The Ridley Helium Road Bike Frame is available in the color Black/red and in five sizes from X-Small to X-Large. Given its compact geometry, we strongly suggest that you focus on the virtual top tube length as you make a determination of the proper size.  


Frame Material
[body] 30t 24t HM unidirectional carbon, [reinforcement] 40t 50t HM unidirectional carbon fiber
Fork
4ZA Helium
Fork Material
carbon fiber
Head Tube Diameter
1-1/2 to 1-1/4in tapered
Headset Included
yes
Bottom Bracket Type
PF30
Cable Routing
external, internal mix
Front Derailleur Mount
braze-on
Derailleur Pull
bottom
Compatible Components
Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo
Seatpost Diameter
27.2 mm
Claimed Weight
[size medium frame and fork] 1250 g
Recommended Use
road race
Manufacturer Warranty
5 years on frame

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