Ridley’s 2017 lineup brings about all-new Fenix SL disc brake bikes, bolder X-Trail models that really do become “trail” ready, and an even lighter set of Helium/Aura SLX road race models. We got a good preview of them at Eurobike, but have some more details and availability info now.
The new Fenix SL disc (above) and women’s Liz SL disc are both available now. They fit up to 30mm tires, get 12mm thru axles and flat mount brakes and use an all new frame with dropped, flattened seatstays. The internal cable routing allows for continuous housing, making cable swaps and setup easier and giving the bikes a very clean, sleek look.
The Liz SL will come in the black/purple shown as well as a dark blue/green and a white/mint/light green.
The new Helium SLX adds a higher 60T modulus carbon to what’s used in the Helium SL and reworks the front end to use full internal routing. The tweaks to the design result in a frame that can come in under 750g but is 15% stiffer. The fork shaves a few more grams and switches to a straight leg design.
Both this and the new women’s Aura SLX will be available in 3-4 weeks (March). The top end build with SRAM Red eTap comes in at $7,500, dropping to $5,900 for mechanics Red and $5,800 for Dura-Ace mechanical. Or get in on the action starting at $4,550 with Ultegra. Ridley even has Campy fans covered with a Super Record and Chorus EPS builds, both $6,700.
The race ready but budget friendly X-Ride alloy is also available now. Using a smooth welded 6061 aluminum frame that’s modernized with 12mm thru axle and flat mount brakes front and rear, it’s the working man’s cyclocross bike or, in their words, a great spare for the pics. Prices start at $1,430 for Tiagra and run up to $2,310 with an Ultegra mix.
The new X-trail comes available last, hitting stores in May or June. The “Adventure” build gets a SRAM Rival 1x drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes with SRAM ROAM 50 wheels and Panaracer Comet Hardpack 27.5×2.0 tires. Below that is an Apex 1 650B build at $1,599. Pricing on the model shown here is TBD, update as we get it. Whether you get this one or one of the 700c wheel builds (with up to a 42mm tire max, starting at $1,399), it’ll fit fenders to keep you dry. Or, use those mounts to run a front and/or rear rack. Another cool feature? The graphics are reflective.
