Ridley

Noah RS Force Complete Bike

Ridley has taken the liberty to not only designate its bikes by their intended purposes, but to actually design in accordance to the characteristics of aerodynamics, stiffness-to-weight, and strength. And, as you might already know, the Noah is Ridley's singular aerodynamic offering. At the top of the mountain, you'll find the Noah Fast, where Ridley has applied all of its knowledge and technology. Meanwhile, the Noah RS, found here, takes much of the Noah Fast's FAST Concept wizardry, and dithers it down to a more affordable package.

Ridley's FAST Concept was developed for one purpose — free speed. At its pinnacle, this concept employs Ridley's F-Splitfork, F-Surface paint, F-Brake, and an integrated seatmast. And here, on the Noah RS, we see all of that technology, sans the F-Brake and seatmast. Instead, the Noah RS uses a more conventional seatpost. However, the included post is still produced from aerodynamically-shaped carbon fiber. Additionally, this adds greater versatility to your position on the bike, and makes traveling quite a bit easier. In terms of the RS' use of conventional brake calipers, we find it prudent to weigh out the advantage of simple service and maintenance over the F-Brake's claimed 4.3% drag reduction.

The carbon fiber layup has likewise been tweaked to bring the price downward and to also make the RS a touch more compliant. Accordingly, the RS uses a blend of 40-, 30-, and 24-ton high modulus carbon fiber. The "ton" designation means that the carbon fiber is capable of withstanding x tons of pressure per square millimeter before achieving structural compromise. So, the main idea to take away from this is that the higher the tonnage, the stronger the carbon fiber. And the stronger the carbon fiber, the less material that needs to be used. That's why the Noah Fast's carbon range of 50- to 30-ton carbon results in an overall lighter frame.

The other big difference from the Noah Fast is that the RS seatstays are aero-shaped, but lack the split stay R-Flow design you'd find on the Noah. But, Ridley retained this technology on the front of the bike where aerodynamics are crucial. In fact, Ridley claims that the R-Flow jet foils in the 4ZA Sphinx full-carbon fork reduce drag over the frame by 6.4%. It's a full carbon fork with a carbon steerer and turns on upper- and lower-integrated 1-1/8in FSA bearings. For further aerodynamic savings, the RS also features the Fast's R-Surface paint technology. These are "textured" applications of paint that have been strategically applied throughout the RS. Essentially, this small feature increases the laminar airflow over the frame, reducing drag by around 3.6%. Additionally, the RS' cables run internally to further maximize its aerodynamic advantage.

For the build, Ridley spec'd out the Noah RS with SRAM's reliable Force 10-speed groupset. The machine also includes an FSA Energy 50/34t crankset and SRAM 12-25t cassette. At the cockpit, the build features Ridley's 4ZA Stratos handlebar and stem, with Prologo's Zero saddle perched atop the seatpost. In terms of wheels, the Noah RS rolls on a pair of Fulcrum Racing 5 clinchers that have been wrapped with Continental's Ultra Race tires.

The Ridley Noah RS Force Complete Bike is available in five sizes from X-Small to X-Large and in the color Black/white/red.