Ridley Offers More Affordable “Essential Series” Helium and Noah Models

Under the banner Essential Series, Ridley has rolled out new versions of its top-tier Helium and Noah models, offering enthusiasts many of the same features as their more expensive siblings such as the Belgian brand’s F-Surface Plus, F-Steerer, F-Wings and Ftubing technologies, as well as their own integrated aero handlebars, at a more affordable price. 

However, this cost savings comes with a bit of a weight penalty, as Ridley had to limit the grade of carbon fiber used in the Essential Series, tipping the scales upwards of 150 grams for each frame. 

Still, Ridley says the less-costly variants retain the same stiffness and ride quality as their more expensive counterparts. 

Depending on the “build”, pricing for the Noah Essential starts at £3,369 / €3,699, while the Helium Essential begins at £2,909 / €3,199, with pricing and availability in the USA and Australia to be confirmed.

Here’s how the complete models breakdown:

Noah Essential Disc

SRAM Rival AXS – £TBC

• Frame – Noah Disc, 24-30T HM UD Carbon, F-Tubing, In-Mold F-Surface Plus, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm 
• Fork – Noah Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, In-Mould F-Surface Technology, TA 12x100mm 
• Groupset – SRAM Rival AXS 2×12 SRAM Rival 48/35 
• Wheels – Forza Levanto Carbon, height 38mm, 19mm internal, Tubeless Ready 
• Tires – Vittoria Corsa 25mm 
• Bar – Forza N2 integrated aero handlebar 
• Saddle – Selle Italia XR

Shimano Ultegra – £4,099

• Frame – Noah Disc, 24-30T HM UD Carbon, F-Tubing, In-Mold F-Surface Plus, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm 
• Fork – Noah Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, In-Mould F-Surface Technology, TA
• Groupset – Shimano Ultegra 2×11 
• Cranks – Rotor Vegast 50/34
• Wheels – Forza Norte DB, 20mm internal, Tubeless Ready
• Tires – Vittoria Rubino Pro, 25mm
• Bar – Forza N2 integrated aero handlebar
• Saddle – Selle Italia XR

Shimano 105 – £3,369

• Frame – Noah Disc, 24-30T HM UD Carbon, F-Tubing, In-Mold F-Surface Plus, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm 
• Fork – Noah Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, In-Mould F-Surface Technology, TA
• Groupset – Shimano 105 2×11
• Cranks – Shimano 105 50/34
• Wheels – Shimano RS171
• Tires – Vittoria Zaffiro Pro, 25mm
• Bar – DEDA Superbox + DEDA Zero2 RHM
• Saddle – Selle Italia Model X

The bikes are available in sizes XXS – XL with initial availability from March and the main bulk of bikes arriving into the UK from August onwards.

Prices and specs: Helium Essential Disc

SRAM Rival AXS – £3,999

• Frame – Helium Disc 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, Essential Stiffness-ToWeight Lay-up, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm
• Fork – Helium Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, TA 12x100mm
• Groupset – SRAM Rival AXS 2×12 
• Cranks – SRAM Rival 48/35 
• Wheels – Forza Levanto Carbon, height 38mm, 19mm internal, Tubeless Ready 
• Tires – Vittoria Corsa 25mm 
• Bar – DEDA Superbox + DEDA Zero2 RHM 
• Saddle – Selle Italia XR Boost

Shimano Ultegra – £TBC

• Frame – Helium Disc 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, Essential Stiffness-ToWeight Lay-up, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm
• Fork – Helium Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, TA 12x100mm
• Groupset – Shimano Ultegra 2×11 
• Cranks – Rotor Vegast 50/34
• Wheels – Forza Norte DB, 20mm internal, Tubeless Ready
• Tires – Vittoria Rubino Pro, 25mm
• Bar – DEDA Superbox + DEDA Zero2 RHM 
• Saddle – Selle Italia XR

Shimano 105 – £2,909

• Frame – Helium Disc 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, Essential Stiffness-ToWeight Lay-up, F-Steerer Head Tube, TA 12x142mm
• Fork – Helium Disc, 24-30T, HM UD Carbon, TA 12x100mm
• Groupset – Shimano 105 2×11
• Cranks – Shimano 105 50/34
• Wheels – Shimano RS171
• Tires – Vittoria Zaffiro Pro, 25mm
• Bar – DEDA Superbox + DEDA Zero2 RHM 
• Saddle – Selle Italia Model X

Ridley