Ridley's Helium SLX Disc: the Belgian bike maker hits all the high notes with this pure climber

Due to some tumult in the universe and several unforeseen postponements, the 2020 Ridley Helium SLX arrived at ours 12 months after its initial release. The wait was worth it. This beautifully built, accessible climber boast stiffness, responsiveness and fun — in short, everything you want in a classic road bike.

Strada Bianche was the originally proposed ride/test location for the Helium SLX. The prospect of images of its classic tubbing juxtaposed against the white Italian chalky roads excited both us and Ridley’s marketing dept. The race and GF cancellation however put those plans on hold. Instead, pictured above, the Helium SLX sits perched in Autumn in what is ultimately its natural habitat: the mountains of central Switzerland on the Walchwilerberg — an intensely steep 5KM climb and relentless proving ground for a bike’s ability to ride hard uphill.

Cyclist UK posted a really solid review of the Helium SLX Disc earlier in the year - a detailed look at the bike’s weight and build specs, along with some general ride impressions, many which we strongly agree with. For additional insight into the bike’s performance and specs, we suggest you read it in addition to what follows. Our test version was spec’d with Dura Ace Di2, Forza components and wheels and Vittoria Graphene Pro 2.0 tires. With a classic grey, white and burgundy paint job, this is a very high-end stock build that left little to be desired.

Anyone who appreciates cleanliness will immediately take note of the aesthetic and the subsequent weightless feel of this bike.

Often times on fancy test bikes, we’ll avoid riding a bike aggressively on gravel for want and desire to return the bike as it was delivered: near new. This frame, however, arrived with a couple clear signs of use, having made the rounds for various European bike reviews on sites like this one. Knowing this, we took the Helium SLX to climb steep switchbacks on road, on gravel and on surfaces where we wouldn’t likely venture with our own trusted steed. The confidence and competence of this bike in all the above situations shone through at every turn.

Objectively speaking, the bike and I didn’t have an immediate love affair — I found its airiness unnerving, particularly on tight descents. I found the Forza bars narrow, which also didn’t inspire the ride feel I’m accustomed to.

However once the fit was dialled in — with minor saddle set-back and handlebar adjustments — it was as if the bike was immediately transformed; the feeling of riding it exuded pure joy, particularly on climbs. Descending only got faster as comfort levels increased, aided by beautifully-modulating DA components. As for bike’s responsiveness on the flats, for a traditional non-aero-focused frame, the Helium delivered speed aplenty, buoyed (in part) by a slightly beefier head-tube that transferred out-of-the-saddle accelerations smoothly and responsively.

At Ridley HQ in 2018; the company has committed itself to performance, designing, testing and shipping bikes from its factory in Belgium.

The two things we enjoy most about the bike is its frame weight (780grams) and the “F-Steerer” technology (used on the Noah Fast bike aero bike) which allows for its integrated and very clean cockpit. This bike feels at once modern and traditional, accessible to home mechanics because of its adherence to tradition and simplicity but also it being feature-rich without excessive complications that have, in many ways, become the norm for modern builds.

Forever fans of traditional tubbing, simplicity and feel — this bike appeals on multiple levels. A great descender, an all-star climber and loyal lieutenant that does not disappoint. At the price (EUROS 6,400 for the Ultegra equivalent), it is offers accessible performance that should appeal to most. A machine that is truly comfortable and more importantly, fun to ride, in almost every environment. More details here on Ridley.