The Ridley Helium SL is built to be light and stiff for efforts in the mountains (Image credit: Ridley Bikes)
A new retro paint scheme for the Lotto-Belisol team. Pictured here is the Ridley Noah FAST, which is built for fast sprints (Image credit: Ridley Bikes)
Ridley Bikes, the official bike partner of Lotto-Belisol, has just released details of its updated paint scheme in time for the Tour de France.
The new paint brings gives the bikes a retro look to match the 2014 team kit. Both the team Helium SL and Noah FAST models will receive the new detailing.
The frames are now red, and feature the Belgian flag. On the top tube, you can see the the words ‘ride your dream’, in reference to the team slogan 'live your dream'.
Alexander Torelli, head of design at Ridley Bikes, said, "The black paint on the frame covers the more modern parts, and are designed to resemble the ‘lugs’ that were used on steel frames to connect the tubes. We chose a matt clear coat finish, which is lighter, but in my opinion also looks older. The established Ridley font was also changed to better suit the retro design."
The Helium SL is the brand’s lightweight and efficient climbing machine, while the Noah FAST is built for sprinters and offers extreme stiffness and slippery aerodynamics. We’ve often seen riders using the Helium SL during the mountain stages, with sprinters such as German André Greipel pulling out the Noah FAST for when it counts.
Unveiled at last year’s Tour de France, the Dean FAST time trial bike continues, but has had a further weight reduction thanks to an integrated cockpit and carbon handlebar setup.
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Following a win at last weekend’s German National Championships, we expect André Greipel to show up with a refreshed custom paint to his Ridley Noah FAST, or perhaps continue with his current bike.
Soon to start his eighth consecutive Grand Tour, Adam Hansen will be riding the Helium SL with his own unique setup that we also looked at recently as part of Cyclingnews' Pro Bike series.
What's your take on the new retro style from Ridley? Let us know in the comments section below.
