Lighter, cheaper and with a motor: Ridley presents new model variants of the Grifn

18 months ago, Ridley was one of the first manufacturers to present the Grifn, an all-rounder that combines elements of a marathon bike with a gravel bike and switches effortlessly between tarmac and off-road. A concept that was convincing in the TOUR test and was one of the top sellers in the Ridley portfolio. The new model variants, which are based on the same frame geometry (STR: 1.50), are therefore to be seen as a reaction to the high sales figures and are intended to appeal to a broader target group.

Grifn RS: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 587/391 millimetres/1.50 (size M)
• Maximum tyre clearance: 42 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: from 5259 Euro

The revised line-up is led by the Grifn RS. The new model is based on an optimised carbon frame, which is said to be 140 grams lighter than the previous model. Ridley did not communicate complete wheel or individual weights, but based on our test in TOUR 5/2023, the new chassis should weigh just under 1000 grams. Aerodynamically, the RS should benefit from a so-called diffuser on the fork crown, which, according to the manufacturer, directs the airflow more effectively around the down tube. A flatter seat tube and a flattened carbon seat post should also make the bike faster. Compared to the original model, the RS has five per cent less drag.

Depending on the configuration, the racing bike rolls on 30 or 32 millimetre wide road tyres as standard. However, tyres up to 42 millimetres wide can also fit through the fork and frame, allowing the Grifn RS to tackle gravel tracks with ease. The previous model stopped at 38 millimetres. Attachment points for bags and mudguards are also on board, and an aero-optimised bag for the frame triangle is offered in collaboration with Apidura. The RS model adopts the UDH standard on the derailleur hanger from the Grifn and Falcn RS.

As usual, Ridley offers the new high-end model with numerous customisation options via the online configurator. For example, there are seven groupsets with single or double cranks from Shimano and SRAM to choose from, and one version is also equipped with a Classified hub gear, which replaces a double chainring and front derailleur. The cheapest version with electronic twelve-speed 105 and simple aluminium wheels from DT Swiss costs 5259 euros. According to the website, however, you will have to be patient depending on the equipment variant; the basic version, for example, will not be available until August.

Grifn A: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 587/391 millimetres/1.50 (size M)
• Maximum tyre clearance: 40 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: from 1999 Euro

The new aluminium model is the affordable entry-level model. Ridley promises a low weight for the triple-butted frame, but does not give any specific figures. However, the attractive price - the cheapest version with a mechanical ten-speed GRX and robust aluminium wheels from Shimano costs €1999 - falls victim to the quality of workmanship: the weld seams are clearly visible at the joints.

As with the carbon versions, the Grifn A can also be retrofitted with panniers and mudguards. The entry-level model also inherits the option of a hub dynamo with integrated cable routing and the UDH standard on the derailleur hanger from the more expensive versions. The bike can be customised in the configurator for use on the road or off-road, but there is less scope for design than with the Grifn RS. Another difference: the fork and frame "only" offer space for tyres up to 40 millimetres wide if you opt for a single drivetrain. With a double crankset, Ridley states a maximum tyre clearance of 38 millimetres.

E-Grifn: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 587/391 millimetres/1.50 (size M)
• Maximum tyre clearance: 42 millimetres
• Motor: Mahle X20 (55 Nm, 350 Wh, 3.6 kilos)
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: from 5499 Euro

Last but not least, Ridley is also presenting a motorised model. The E-Grifn is based on a carbon frame and comes with the lightweight Mahle X20 hub motor and support of up to 250 watts. The maximum torque at the rear wheel is 23 Newton metres, which is comparable to a 55 Newton metre mid-motor. The bike is equipped with the larger of the two Mahle batteries (350 watt hours), which increases the range but also makes the system slightly heavier. The drive unit and battery weigh around 3.6 kilograms.

Unfortunately, complete wheel weights are also absent on the E-Grifn. Instead, the Belgians mention the mounting eyelets for luggage and mudguards, the large tyre clearance of 42 millimetres and the UDH derailleur hanger as further advantages. The configurator offers a choice of seven gear groups, among other things. The cheapest version costs 5499 euros and can be combined with either a mechanical GRX or 105.