RidleyHeliumX105

Ridley’s Helium is the company’s take on a climber’s bike, built to be light and stiff. The rangetopping SLX frame weighs just 750g, and this X version uses the same design but a more modest blend of hi-mod and unidirectional carbon fibres for a 900g frame weight. Ridley uses its tried and tested race numbers for the geometry – the steep 74-degree head and 72.5-degree seat angles combine with a 1012mm wheelbase.

The frame is super stiff, which is great for when you’re sprinting, but it never feels harsh or chattery over broken tarmac. The in-house lineup of Forza components all do their job well; the alu compact drop bar, stem, seatpost and very well shaped and comfortable saddle. The Forza RC23 wheels are nicely built, run smooth and have stayed straight. The Forza Cirrus brakes are fine, their dual-pivot design works and they come with decent cartridge pads, they just lack the subtlety of feel you get from Shimano 105.

The X has character, and gives you a real sense of engagement when onboard; it’s exciting without feeling nervous and hard without being harsh, everything about the chassis is classy, and we couldn’t help but be impressed. Unfortunately, a bike at £2400 with a predominantly Shimano 105 finishing kit, with two noticeable cost-cutting measures – the FSA Gossamer chainset and Forza brakes – doesn’t scream value.