Take a closer look at the Belgian rider's new Ridley
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Thomas De Gendt’s Ridley Helium SLX(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt is rolling on Vittoria Corsa tubs(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt’s Superzero stem comes with a plug for the faceplate to make it more aero(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Stopping is provided by Campy Super Record EPS brakes(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt uses a 130mm Deda Subzero stem(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The EPS junction box is hidden beneath the stem(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
EPS front shifting is pretty reliable but incase De Gendt’s bike sees a K-Edge chain catcher(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The rear break bold on De Gendt’s Helium SLX also holds the number plate holder(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Bora Ultra wheels usually roll on Campy’s CULT ceramic bearings, but given Lotto Soudal is sponsorted by C-Bear we’re not sure what’s actually in the hub(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The new Ridley Helium SLX sees slender chainstays(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt’s bike gets a SRM speed sensor on the chainstay(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Even though they’re electronic, the EPS shifters keep the thumb shifter(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The whole Lotto Soudal team is using camo Lizard Skins DPS bar tape(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The Belgian rider scored the KOM on stage 3(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Gotta keep the sponsors happy(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt uses a SRM power meter and 53-39T chainrings(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt’s saddle of choice is a Selle Italia SLR Team Edition Flow(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
He likes his saddle pushed as far forward as possible(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
His saddle is supported by a Deda Superleggera seatpost(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Lotto Soudal uses red anodized SRM PC8 head units(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
The Campy Super Record EPS shifters are fantastic looking(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
De Gendt’s drinks are held by Elite Custom Race Bottle Cages(Image credit: Colin Levitch / Immediate Media)
Getting into the break on the third stage of the Tour Down Under from Glenelg to Victor Harbor, Belgian rider Thomas De Gendt collected the KOM and stayed away for nearly the whole stage, only to be pulled back ahead of the bunch sprint
De Gendt rides a size 51 frame on the brand new Ridley Helium SLX, which is claimed to weigh just 750g and be 15 percent stiffer than the previous model. The fork is also straighter than the Helium SL and is claimed to weigh just 300g.
The Lotto Soudal team is once again using a Campy Super Record EPS transmission as well as SRM powermeters. De Gendt is running 172.5mm cranks as well as 53-39T chainrings and a 11-27T cassette. Belgian brand C-Bear provides the ceramic bottom brackets for the team.
De Gendt's cockpit is made up of Deda finishing kit, which includes 400mm Superleggera bars and a 130mm, 82-degree Superzero stem, and the D-Clip which the brand says improves aerodynamics.
Also from Deda is the carbon Superlegerra seatpost, which supports the Belgian rider's seating arrangements, and there's a Selle Italia SLR Team Edition Flow complete with a center cut out.
The breakaway specialist has also opted for Bora Ultra 50 rolling stock, packaged in 25c Vittoria tubulars.
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Complete bike specs Frame: Ridley Helium SLX, size S/51 Fork: Ridley Helium Stem: Deda Superzero, 130mm, 82 degrees Handlebar: Deda Superleggera, 400mm Handlebar tape: Lizards Skins DPS Front brake: Campagnolo Super Record Rear brake: Campagnolo Super Record Front derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record EPS Rear derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record EPS Cassette: Campagnolo Super Record 11-27T 11-speed Chain: Campagnolo Super Record 11-Speed Crankset: Campagnolo Super Record 53-39T Pedals: Look Keo Blade Carbon Wheelset: Campagnolo Bora Ultra 30 Tyres: Vittoria Corsa tubular 25mm Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Team Edition Flow Seatpost: Deda Superlegerra Bottle cages: Elite Custom Race Plus
Critical measurements Rider's height: 1.77m Rider's weight: 69kg Saddle height from bottom bracket: 735mm Centre of saddle to centre of bar: 720mm
