Prototype Ridley climbing bike spotted under Uno-X riders at Giro d'Italia Women and Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Ridley has been spotted testing a new prototype climbing bike with its Uno-X team riders during the Giro d’Italia Women and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This development marks a shift from their current focus on the aerodynamic Ridley Noah Fast 3.0, which excels on punchy climbs but is less suited to high mountain stages. The prototype, likely an updated version of the Falcn RS, is designed to blend lightweight performance with aerodynamic efficiency, aiming to tackle the demands of the toughest mountain terrain while maintaining speed in breakaways. Photographs from the races reveal a sleek frame marked with a UCI ‘PROTOTYPE’ sticker, showcasing design changes such as a slimmer top tube, a flattened seat tube, and wider forks that could accommodate larger tyres than the current 34mm clearance. The head tube features a distinctive ridge reminiscent of aerodynamic innovations seen on the Specialized Tarmac and Pinarello Dogma, suggesting Ridley is pursuing airflow optimisation without compromising weight. The frame’s shaping around the bottle cage and rear wheel also indicates a focus on smoothing airflow to enhance overall efficiency. Further insights were gained at the Uno-X team hotel, where the prototype was examined alongside Ridley’s existing aero and time trial bikes. Mechanics confirmed the bike weighs around 7kg, with potential for further weight reductions. The prototype’s design emphasises slender tubing, generous tyre clearance—potentially up to 35mm or more—and refined aerodynamics, including truncated aerofoil profiles on the down tube and head tube. These features suggest Ridley is aiming to create a versatile climbing bike that does not sacrifice aerodynamic performance. The introduction of this prototype signals Ridley’s intent to expand its range beyond pure aero machines, catering to riders who need a lightweight, responsive bike for mountainous stages. If successful, this model could become a key asset for Uno-X and other Ridley-sponsored teams in grand tours and hilly classics. The ongoing testing during prominent races hints that the bike may enter production in the near future, potentially setting new standards for climbing bikes that balance weight and aerodynamics.