Ridley

Noah SL 40 Ultegra Complete Road Bike - 2016

The Noah SL 40 Ultegra Complete Road Bike has a multi-faceted pedigree, with Ridley assembling a flood of technologies from across its expansive line. It has the aerodynamic features of Future Aero Speed Technology (FAST), the weight conscience focus of Ridley's 60/40/30t SL blend of carbon, and the ease of maintenance of the standard Noah's non-integrated brake calipers. This boatload of innovation is driven by Shimano's Ultegra crankset and shifting, which has quickly become our preferred kit for racing and training because of its own flood of trickle-down technology from Dura-Ace.

Made from super-light, super-stiff high modulus carbon fiber, the Noah SL features wind-slicing, droplet-shaped tubes to provide a responsive ride that jumps the second you drop power into the pedals. Ridley also incorporates its FAST F-Surface design, using strategically placed fluting to manage airflow across the frame and reduce overall wind drag.

The FAST F-Split Fork channel design also does its part in advancing the aerodynamic cause. Ridley claims that it redirects incoming air away from the spokes to reduce turbulence and drag. By pairing this fork design with the FAST F-Surface design, Ridley claims that the Noah SL enjoys a 3-5% reduction in drag over frames without FAST design elements. This means more speed with less effort, all thanks to a little bit of surface air routing.

The Noah SL was Team Lotto-Soudal's most common steed of choice for the 2015 season, and is built to transfer power into forward speed while keeping riders comfortable through everything from one-day Ardennes Classics to long, grueling grand tours. With oversized tubing for increased power transfer, the Noah SL is right at home throwing down on a group ride, tackling climbs, testing the time-trial waters, or sprinting under a rider as powerful as Greipel.