Ridley Noah SL Disc: Aero Machine
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The use of disc brake bikes may be temporarily on hold in the pro peloton, but we all know this won’t last for long – frame and component manufacturers will likely have their way in the foreseeable future. There were a few new road disc offerings at last week’s Press Camp in Park City, Utah including the Noah SL Disc from the Belgian frame designer Ridley. We had the opportunity to take this aero, disc build out on a windy and bumpy ride through this mountain town.
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Originally founded in 1997 as a frame finishing company by Jochim Aerts, a builder and painter since the early 90’s in Belgium, Ridley‘s core design development comes from Lotto-Soudal rider feedback. New for 2017, this offering from Ridley just begs for power to go fast. An addition to their aero line from last year which saw the Noah, Noah Fast and Noah SL rim brake models, the Noah SL Disc should be available around Interbike in September.
Although a bit heavier than it’s endurance (Fenix) or grand tour (Helium) carbon siblings, the lateral stiffness and aero qualities are where the SL Disc shines. From the first stroke of the pedals aboard the Noah SL Disc the stiffness gains from both front and rear thru axles are evident – 12mm thru axles are used in both. Additionally, a wider (142mm) rear hub shell is used to create a stronger rear wheel. Holding tight lines in high speed corners comes naturally to the bike and acceleration is quick despite the increased weight of this aero disc bike.
Keeping this speed demon tamed are 160mm front and 140mm rear rotors powered by flat mount hydraulic calipers. An internally routed hydraulic line through left F Split fork blade keeps the SL Disc looking clean and aerodynamic. Ridley claims braking power is increased 15% with the 160mm front disc compared to the caliper brake model.
A Noah SL Disc should arrive at the #PelotonServiceCourse in the coming months – only a long term test can confirm if this bike can perform for the new German national champion in WorldTour sprints, and of course on our office lunch ride. Perfect for the puncheurs as well, look for the SL Disc to be raced in Lotto-Soudal’s 2017 Spring Classics campaign.
Specs:
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain
- Aerodynamic F Split fork, F Stays and F Surface Plus
- 12x100mm front thru axle – 12x142mm rear thru axle
- Complete builds: approximately $4,800 – $5,900
More: ridley-bikes.com