Ridley

Helium SL Road Frameset - 2015

Well, it’s not quite lighter than air, but Ridley knows how to improve upon perfection as is evidenced with the Helium SL Road Frameset. This frame is an even lighter version of the venerable Helium — with the same ride quality, sans extra weight.

The SL weighs in at roughly 750 grams, without the fork. This was accomplished through the use of three different carbon fibers. The SL uses 30, 40, and 60-ton high-modulus carbon fiber. The numeric designation is the amount of tons of pressure per square millimeter that the carbon is able to withstand. By increasing the modulus of the carbon, Ridley is able to use less material. Less material equals less weight.

In addition to using higher modulus carbon fiber, Ridley fashioned the front triangle from a monocoque mold. By laying fibers in a mold and then using resin to secure them, one piece is created as opposed to several that need to be joined together. By eliminating joints, less carbon and resin are needed. And while the seatstays, chainstays, and dropouts are still bonded to the frame, the weight savings is significant. A smaller head tube also adds in weight savings.

Not content with a lighter frame design, Ridley also gave the SL a new tube shape. Unlike the Helium, the SL no longer is designed with oversized tubing. Instead, it goes back to a more traditional round tubing that in turn transitions to a more box-shaped tubing as it approaches the head tube and bottom bracket junctures. Additionally the rear triangle also mixes the two shapes. This is a winning combination of stiffness and comfort. The flattened chainstays equate to a stiff platform to optimize power transfer, while the seatstays ensure vertical compliance so you won’t bounce all over the road. Finally, although so many companies are opting for an integrated seatmast, Ridley uses a standard 27.2 seatpost to shave weight and make it easier to pack your frame in virtually any case.