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 Ridley
Bikes is a young company that has stormed on to the road
bicycle scene. It started as a finisher, painting for more
accomplished companies. Backwards integrating into frame
design, it manufacturers its beastly machines in Asia.
However, these rigs are raced by among the fastest racers in the
world: the Predictor-Lotto crew led by Robbie McEwan. Are
these bicycles fast? Do they handle well? Are they inspiring to
look at? Yes to all of the above. This is a bike
company that will continue to make its mark.
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Noah
(click to enlarge)
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MSRP:
$3300 frameset
Who rides this? Arguably the world's greatest sprinter, Robbie
McEwan. Arguably the world's greatest GC rider, Cadel Evans. If you
want a high performance, stiff, responsive, purebred racing
machine, you have found it. The Noah will guide you through
the most difficult storms to hallowed ground. With its integrated seatpost, it weighs a measly 1100 grams. This is one fast,
aerodynamic frame. Come see it in person. |
Helium
(click to enlarge)
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MSRP:
~$3100 frameset
Does this float uphill because of the
"hollow-tech molding technology" Ridley employs in the bottom
bracket of this special beastie? It certainly feels that way, but we
have videos that show firm attachment to the earth is the reality... |
Damocles
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MSRP:
TARGETRAINING special build under $4000
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story of Damocles heralds back to 4th Century BC, we can
relate to the modern day quote "with great power comes great
responsibility" (Stan Lee 1962 Spiderman). This frame
is "all that."The Damocles
frame employs high-modulus T-7000 carbon-fiber monocoque
construction(1200 grams). It
uses Ridley's 4ZA Damocles monocoque fork (375 grams).
It uses triangle shaped tubes for top and down. The bottom
bracket beautifully works in tubes at various angles to
create what has to be described as an immovable object
(called "Mega-box").The bottom bracket is the same
"Mega box" construction seen on its younger brother the
Noah. It features
an oversized headtube, which is a signature aspect of
Ridley's top end machines. The frame is "cut/shaped" for
aerodyanamics not simply for stiffness. Is it worth
trying? Did we mention that Ridley Bikes started as a
painter of custom frames...How could you not at least come to stare
appreciatively? |
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©2007 TARGETRAINING, INC |
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