Even if the bike underneath the gorgeous, retro-minded paint weren’t the Ridley Helium SL, we’d try hard to find a spot for this frame in our quiver, just because the paint and graphics are so perfect. Thankfully, though, it’s pretty easy to justify the addition of the Helium SL –it’s Ridley’s superlative, climbing-oriented frame (thus both ‘Helium’ and ‘superlight’), and it’s just-barely-over-a-kilo frame weight makes it an ideal starting point for the kind of mountainous terrain we find ourselves in.
The Helium SL is constructed from 30, 40, and 50-ton carbon fiber, depending on the stiffness required in a given area, and the weight savings that can be gained by using a higher grade of carbon. It uses a 27.2mm seat post both for weight reduction and ride quality, and the fork is both stiffer and 90 grams lighter than the previous iteration.
In a final, ironic, twist, the Ridley Retro Helium SL routes its cables completely internally, and is compatible with electronic drivetrains.
