Hida Yanra

The new bikes from Ridley look to be following an idea that so far I only recall seeing Cervelo try with any real effort- making a race-specific, aluminum bike that is like the carbon models, and seeing if anyone buys it. (Cdale's CAAD bikes use different and non-updated tech, so I'm not counting them in here- even though they are good alum race bikes, the SystemSix didn't last but a short while before they quit trying)

Via Cycling News "There will be an alum version of the Noah, (paraphrased) "The Phaeton will feature a deep-section DT, bowed TT, & a deep-section ST as well. The cutout on the Phaetone seat tube will be accomplished via a welded aluminum plate though and the Noah's integrated mast is traded for an extended semi-integrated one for the alloy version."

Phaeton will get the split-blade 'R-Flow' fork leg design. However, the new fork will make do with a straight 1 1/8" steerer and the R-Flow treatment will not be used on the seat stays as on the Noah."

also "the mid-range Icarus will be reintroduced for 2010 complete with scandium-enhanced and butted 7005 aluminum tubing and a choice of sloping or traditional geometries. Claimed weight for a medium-sized sloping version is 1320g."

What this sounds like to me is a workable, less risky solution for more racers. Lower prices and slightly higher weights but most of the fancy technology. I have ridden alum so far just because I can't replace the frame very easily. Getting most of the trick toys, and for 350g more weight sounds like a trade I could really get behind. I've been leaning Ridley already- their scandium bikes have had my attention for a while... RX, anyone else have thoughts on all this?

I may be missing something, but the only company that I recall making bikes that had this much of the high-end tech advances from their top-shelf bikes is Cervelo with the S1/Soloist Team and the Soloist Alum (whatever the abbreviation was) TT bike. Again, Cdale looked like they tried carbon/alum but they stopped pretty quickly

Discuss amongst yourselves.

bostongarden

Why not...I have not ridden "current" day aluminum, but, assuming it is better than the aluminum on a 1989 Trek that I ride, it should be pretty darn good...I see so many posts about being beat up after 50 or 60 miles...doesn't happen to me on my SystemSix nor on the 1989 Trek...so, seems like a good product...

Grumpy McTrumpy

while I love the Noah, I doubt I would buy an aluminum one.

Lithuania

why not?

Grumpy McTrumpy

I like the ride better than any of my aluminum bikes, and I shudder at the idea of an integrated seatpost made of aluminum.

bdcheung

Why does CyclingNews keep calling it the Phaeton, when the graphics say "Gryphon"?

BDS

The new Phaeton mimics the shape of the flagship Noah but in aluminum instead of carbon for a much more attainable price point (this prototype was still called 'Gryphon'). - here

bdcheung

o thx

Bifnasty

I think it is a great idea. I see many S1's out in races and Ridley (the new Cervelo) is just trying to fill that niche. The Noah is an awesome race machine but I would be terrified of crashing and bashing the frame.

If they make the price on it comparable to other offerings sign me up.

Racer Ex 

Imagine a Belgian company producing a kermesse bike. Crazy I tell ya.

I like it. More bike than anything else in aluminum out there, good price point, do a team deal with Ridley and you'd be in CDale territory cost-wise to set your guys up. The raised mast still lets you pick out a carbon post to help kill road buzz. The fork is just free speed, internal cabling...

I'd make room in the shop.

skipmcne

WANT.
Must find room in the stable.

Grumpy McTrumpy

how? it looks the same as the carbon mast on the Noah.

ridethecliche

I think you stick a seatpost in there instead of using the mast.

Slash. I need to join a team that uses ridley now. The AL bike looks sick...

Atleast I still gots my caad

Hocam

FTFA: "The cutout on the Phaetone seat tube will be accomplished via a welded aluminum plate though and the Noah's integrated mast is traded for an extended semi-integrated one for the alloy version."

Grumpy McTrumpy

ahh, so it's just a matter of getting one with the correct shape.

umd

Cervelo made the Soloist (now S1) in aluminum before the carbon model. As far as I know it has remained unchanged save for the name... so they are hardly taking their carbon designs and applying them to aluminum. Same for the P3.

ImprezaDrvr

Ridley stopped doing their team deals directly this last year, at least that's what they told me. We rode them last year, but since they're now distributed by Quality I'm not sure that you can still get a pro deal directly from them.

Did they change that later in the winter?

Hocam

Nice to see boutique brands distributed by QBP, makes them more attainable by smaller LBS's.

MadCity Cyclist

I'm not surprised about the Phaeton. Obviously they realized that the S1 had no competition and built an "S1 killer" with a bit more bling on the fork and seat post, conveniently priced $50 below the S1.

El Diablo Rojo

Still have to be a dealer, you just can't buy out of the catalog.

bryceepoo

Another company that hasn't given up on aluminum is BMC. They have a couple high-end models that have some mix of aluminum and carbon. It's interesting that more companies are starting to rethink their materials and mixing stuff up.

Racer Ex 

Fixed. At least it looks like a round collar at the top.

El Diablo Rojo

Neither has Orbea or Giant. I just sold my Orbea Asphalt which was a very capable crit/training bike. I'm replacing it with an 08 Noah BTW.

bostongarden

Didn't you know that revisionist history is au courant...

Lithuania

i just wish there were some ridley dealers in this area. i already race the cross bikes and would like to check out the road stuff too.