Ridley Noah FAST - Taking Aero to a New Level
At Ridley, the Noah range has always been the result of a complete focus on aerodynamics. The top sprinters of the WorldTour Lotto-Soudal team have shared their experience with in-house R&D engineers with this co-op leading to some of the industry’s greatest breakthroughs. Remember Robbie McEwen in his green jersey? André Greipel on the Champs-Elysées? Both world-class performances on the Ridley Noah. Both references when it comes to top level aerodynamic performance. Now, re-built from scratch, new standards have been set. Meet the new Ridley Noah Fast.
Aerodynamics
“Extensive testing, both CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and in the wind tunnel, was the first big step”, according to engineer Toon Wils. “This resulted in all components being based on one and the same aero profile. This profile together with our F-Technology and component integration led to Ridley’s ‘whole bike approach’.”
Component integration
Obviously the front of the bike is important when tackling aerodynamics. From the front the headtube merges beautifully together with the downtube and fork. That same headtube also neatly fits the integrated handlebar assembly. Simple, smooth and stylish. The handlebar itself is a seamless integration of bar and stem. Built from one aero profile they are incredibly stiff yet comfortable enough for long days in the saddle. The seat-post clamp has also been integrated and can be found on the inner surface of the frame. The seat-post itself has been slimmed down and re-designed using the same aerodynamic profile found throughout the frame.
Ridley has also managed to fully integrate the braking and shifting cables. Starting at the levers and continuing internally through the intergrated handlebar and stem, alongside the F-Steerer via the headtube and into the frame. No added complexity with external cables means no cable inserts and less turbulence. Matching spacers finish the job and make sure the alignment between frame and handlebar are as clean as possible.
F-Technology
Ridley's F-Surface technology, already visible on the previous Noah has now been used throughout the whole bike. This indent design is not just applied to the downtube and seat post but also found on the headtube, fork legs and even the headset spacers. This in-mould dent is similar to a stretched out dimple on a golf ball and causes the main airflow to hold on to the frame longer, reducing the wake and also the drag both front on and at different angles. 'F-Wings' at the bottom of the fork also help to lower the turbulance created by the spinning of the hub. The thru-axel system (in case of disc) has detachable QR levers which when removed contribute to a smoother, cleaner airflow.
Fitting
Component integration often results in a loss of fitting flexibility, but not with the New Noah Fast. With a combination of 5 frame sizes, 6 stem lengths and multiple spacer options, Ridley makes it as easy as possible to fit every rider in their optimal position with extreme accuracy.
Ease of assembly
Less time for maintenance and more time to ride! That’s what we all want, right? Well the New Noah Fast meets that expectation. The set up of the bike is simple and logical. Designed for both mechanical and electronic group sets with one complete, easy to access cable route from the lever to the derailleurs and brakes. No junctions to connect cables, no cable stoppers and no special callipers are required. Why is this important? For a shop owner it limits the hours needed to work on the bike. For a consumer it limits the hours to maintain the bike giving us more time to enjoy the ride!
Stiffness and Weight
For maximal power transmission bottom bracket and head-tube stiffness has again been increased while the slimmer and lower seat stays create vertical compliance to enhance rider comfort. No compromises were made. Thanks to the ‘whole bike approach’ Ridley have succeeded in lowering the overall weight of the New Noah Fast Disc by approx 250 grams.
The New Noah Fast will be available through all official Ridley Australasia Dealers later in 2018 with pricing and spec details to be announced over the coming weeks. To discover more info as it comes to hand head to www.ridley-bikes.com/noah-fast and sign up to the official Ridley Bikes newsletter.
