The Falcn RS had just rolled into the test laboratory and was awaiting the test bench measurements when it attracted curious glances - the eye-catching paintwork in particular, which stands out from the ubiquitous black monotony, aroused interest. However, because TOUR does not award a design prize for racing bikes, but rather grades based on technical characteristics, the testers grabbed the new bike and subjected it to an extensive practical and laboratory test.
The model name hints at this: The Falcn RS sees itself as a pure competition machine that aims to combine the speed of an aero racer with the lightness of a mountain racer. The competition takes a similar approach. Prominent examples such as the Cannondale SuperSix (TOUR 6/2023), Giant Propel (TOUR 9/2022), Pinarello Dogma F (TOUR 12/2021) or Specialised Tarmac (TOUR 11/2023) confirm the trend that high-bred race models are replacing aero specialists and lightweight racers.
With 215 watts for 45 km/h, the new Ridley almost reaches the level of stable mate Noah Fast (TOUR 1/2019), with faster reference wheels and 212 watts, it even outperforms the aging aero speedster from the Belgians. Compared to the best race all-rounders, however, the Falcn RS is a few watts slower. On the scales, the picture is similar: although the frameset is around 350 grams lighter than that of the Noah Fast, comparable all-rounders weigh a little less. 955 grams for the frame and 405 grams for the fork are decent values, around 7 kilos should be feasible with top equipment. In the test configuration with the SRAM Force groupset and not quite light but lightning-fast DT Swiss wheels, the Ridley weighed in at 7.4 kilograms on the TOUR scales.
Fast, but spongy
In the wild, the fast Falcon flies over the tarmac from the first few metres. The riding position is sporty and aggressive, the saddle and handlebars are comfortable, the tyres are fast - what more could a racer's heart desire? The racing-style riding position is typical of the class; the control centre is narrow and puts the rider in an aerodynamic position. The carbon seat post provides good suspension.
However, the bike reveals a noticeable weakness at a faster pace in the saddle or on the handlebars, which is also reflected in the measured values and consequently in the grade. The stiffness values of the entire frame set (at the headset, bottom bracket and fork) are around 30 per cent below the values that are usual for modern road bikes. Our rather light test riders, who remain well below the permissible system weight of 110 kilograms even with the bike, did not notice any abnormalities when accelerating. However, the Ridley acknowledges fast corners with spongy steering behaviour and warns you to slow down. In our opinion, the tyres exacerbate the unsafe riding experience: the pronounced longitudinal tread of the Vittoria Corsa Pro makes the road bike difficult to control when leaning.
The rear dropout is an interesting detail: The Falcn RS is equipped with the UDH standard, a derailleur hanger attached to the thru axle. The rear derailleur should be better protected in the event of a fall and easier to adjust. So far, this technology has mainly been used on mountain bikes.
Colourful colour palette
That leaves the eye-catching and beautifully finished paintwork, which unfortunately comes at an extra cost in this form. On the positive side: As with other complete wheel manufacturers, the Ridley can be customised with a paint finish. There are nine designs and up to 95 colours to choose from, the Heritage version of the test bike in Candy Red Metallic is available for 450 euros. With wireless shifting from SRAM, aero wheels from DT Swiss and a carbon saddle from Selle Italia, the surcharges add up to 2580 euros, which puts the Ridley at just under 10,000 euros. The basic model with Shimano's 105 Di2 starts at 6999 euros.
Ridley Falcn RS
- Tour grade: 2,4
- Price: 9579 Euro
- Info: www.ridley-bikes.com
Weights and geometry
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight: 955/405/72 grammes
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL (tested size)
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/565/151 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 561/387 millimetres/1.45
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/62 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Force (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights): DT Swiss ARC 1400 50 mm/Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (f./h.: 1229/1628 g)
Measured values & individual scores
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.4 kilos | Grade: 2.3
- Steering head stiffness: 71 Nm/° | Note: 3.7
- Lateral stiffness fork: 33 N/mm | Grade: 4.3
- Bottom bracket stiffness: 45 N/mm | Grade: 3.7
- Seatpost spring stiffness: 150 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Aerodynamics: 215 watts | Grade: 2.3
Julian Schultz
Editor
