Ridley Grifn - Belgian all-rounder
Ridley has based the model name of its latest new development on the mythical griffin. And not without ulterior motives, of course. Like the mythical creature of eagle and lion, the Grifn is not intended to be confined to one habitat, but to playfully wander between worlds. In the case of the Ridley, between tarmac and gravel. Other manufacturers also have this interpretation of a marathon bike that is as suitable for long distances as it is for off-road use, but the Belgian model represents an extreme version.
The Grifn pulls out almost all the stops when it comes to tyre clearance, as the frame and fork leave room for tyres up to 38 millimetres wide - a standard dimension on gravel bikes until a few years ago. The low bottom bracket drop and long wheelbase have also been adopted from the off-road specialists.
The riding position is based on the marathon bike, but the relatively long stem of the carbon cockpit makes it more stretched than the STR quotient would suggest. The mounting points for luggage and mudguards are now part of the repertoire in both categories. In action, the Ridley manages the balancing act extremely well.
Thanks to the relatively low overall weight, it responds directly and the balance between smoothness and agility is just right. In terms of comfort, the Grifn benefits not only from the carbon seat post but also from the high-quality tyres, which arch over the carbon rims to almost 35 millimetres. Although this is not enough for rough terrain, the Ridley takes gravel and forest tracks in its stride. It has minor weaknesses in terms of steering head stiffness, and the maintenance effort is relatively high due to the cables integrated into the handlebars and stem. Overall, however, the Grifn is a successful platform for a large target group that doesn't want to commit itself to one terrain - and has the necessary spare change for the most expensive bike in the test.
The Ridley Grifn in detail
- Price: 5399 Euro
- Weight: 8,2 Kilo
- Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1116/470/69 grammes
- Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 520/565/166 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 597/386 millimetres/1.55
- Wheelbase/caster 1020/64 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano 105 (160/140 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Forza Levanto Gravel/Vittoria Corsa Next Graphene 32 mm (f./h.: 1382/1829 g)
Strengths: Agile handling, very high tyre clearance
Weaknesses: Relatively expensive
The Ridley Grifn receives an overall TOUR score of 2.0
More marathon bikes with Shimano 105 Di2 in the TOUR test
>> BH SL1 2.9
>> Canyon Endurace CF 7 Di2
>> Cube Agree C:62
>> Giant Defy Advanced 1
>> Look 765 Optimum
>> Basso Astra
>> Rose Reveal Four 105 Di2
>> Storck Fascenario.3 Comp 105 Di2
* Weighed weights.
** Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
*** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
