Ridley

Helium X Ultegra Road Bike - 2018

The name itself is enough to capture the hearts of eager climbers with high-altitude ambitions. Yet simply listing off the well-established climbing attributes of Ridley’s Helium X would be missing all the noteworthy characteristics that has Ridley calling it their "ultra-gourmet bike." The Helium X provides a uniquely engaging experience; it accelerates with you whether during climbing or when polishing off the final 200m in a criterium sprint. It's a fast, agile, race-ready partner that doesn't lag behind when you’re ready to play.

The Helium X finds its punchy characteristics thanks to its traditional racing geometry. The wheelbase and chainstays have been tucked-in and shortened by 5mm compared to the more comfort-tuned Fenix line. The result is a snappier ride feeling, which you'll notice in rapid accelerations, spirited out of the saddle climbing attacks, and in responsive steering that nails the "outside-inside-outside" lines found in fast downhill s-turns.

Ridley uses a mix of 30T and 24T high-modulus carbon fiber that, while adding a few grams to the frame compared to the Helium SLX, maintains a high degree of stiffness at a more affordable price point. The Helium X stands as a confident climber and efficiently tackles narrow country bergs, côtes, and murs found in some of our favorite Flandrian classics, while also providing a carbon layup that results in a more compliant ride on rough roads.

The Helium X is equipped with Shimano's Ultegra's 11-sp groupset paired with the proven and durable 105 rim brakeset. The semi-compact 52-36t chainrings open up terrain options, and the Forza wheels are ready to roll. With such a capable drivetrain and a race-tuned carbon frame, you'll be pulling double-header weekends throughout the racing calendar.