Ridley releases ultralight Helium SLX Disc, building on already-impressive race frame pedigree
Ridley has just released its latest Helium SLX Disc, citing an improvement on what’s already one of the winningest, lightest, most comfortable road frames available in-market. Chief engineer at Belgian Cycling Factory (the umbrella company that encompasses both Ridley and Eddy Merckx), Toon Wils, said that with this version, the company has combined the stiffness, responsiveness and the weight characteristics that have come to typify the Helium design.
"Back in 2008 Cadel Evans came to us and said build me a bike that can win the Tour,” explained Jochim Aerts, CEO of Belgian Cycling Factory. "One thing - bring it as close as possible to the 6.8 kg limit and if you have to choose between 100 grams or less stiffness, choose stiffness.”
The result is the Helium’s evolution from ISP to SL, SLX and now the SLX Disc. The 2020 version sees Ridley stick with the traditional shape of the bottom and top tubes, leaving the circular shape that has given the Helium its soul (a perfect stiffness-to-weight ratio). With disc brakes, thru-axles, lowered rear stays while maintaining the small bridge in between, Ridley says they’ve made an already stiff frame more so.
The new SLX Disc introduces greater aerodynamics from complete cable integration. At the wind-tunnel that sits adjacent to the company’s offices, testing shows a decrease in wind resistance of 14 percent from previous models. Impressive.
“The Helium SLX was already the favourite of every professional rider from Lotto Soudal. With disc brakes and cable integration, you might call the Helium SLX Disc the king of racers,” added Aerts.
Bikes against walls at its finest.
Check the Specs:
The Helium SLX Disc is available immediately from all Ridley dealers
Weight: 780 grams (frame size SMALL, painted) and 360 grams (fork, painted)
Available in size XXS to XL
Standard collection available
SRAM Force eTAP AXS with Forza R45_c19 DB wheels (EUR 6,999)
Shimano Ultegra with DT Swiss ER1600 DB wheels (EUR 4,999)
Other groups can also be configured via the Ridley Dreambuilder.
Tyre clearance up to 28 mm
Also available via the Ridley Customizer: https://www.ridley-bikes.com/customize-your-bike/#/
I’ve always had a soft-spot for the Helium frame shape - - definitely one that tilts toward people who prefer classic triangle design. A couple press camps with Ridley during classics season, but never had a chance to ride it. Hope to arrange a test ride of the SLX disc soon to correct that.