Ridley Noah

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Bike Source

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
SRAM Rival with Williams wheels, FSA shallow-drop bars, Selle Italia SLK saddle

Summary:
Well, I'm 800 miles into my new Noah and thought I'd share my thoughts.

It's great. Seriously, it's a great bike. Every time I have ridden it, I have said "I love this bike". And I'm faster than ever on it.

There's good news and bad news about my Ridley Noah.
The good news is that the bike just comes to life at about 32mph. It awakens as if from a deep slumber and realizes that it's time to take over from me. I guess that this is when the aerodynamics of the slotted fork and seatstays actually does something worthwhile. It becomes so stable at high speeds that I have wondered whether or not it's actually a bicycle then. It's amazing. The bad news is that I don't get to 32mph nearly often enough.

Yeah, the 2009 Noah is on the pricey side, but I have had no regrets.

Strengths:
I have read in some reviews that the ride of the Noah was harsh. With that expectation, I've been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable of a ride it has been. Chip-seal roads that were bone-rattlers on my last bike (aluminum) are barely noticeable now. I think that the slotted fork and seatstays actually provide some softening from what would probably be a really stiff ride otherwise. I've ridden a few other high-end carbon fiber bikes and they all have had a similar "buttery" smoothness to them that I'm glad to enjoy on the Noah.

Handling is phenomenal. I'm faster and more confident in corners than ever before. I feel far more stable and don't even think about whether or not the bike will can handle it when I dive into a sharp corner with a group of other riders around me.

I don't have any real hills in my immediate area, but there are a few "speedbumps" that we call hills - 200 feet or so. The group that I ride usually ride with usually races to the top of these hills. I'm now at the top of these short climbs with the fastest guys and am a real contender in the sprints to the top. When I push the bike, it translates all of my (meek) power into forward momentum.

Weaknesses:
The one problem that I have with this bike is its attitude. This bike laughs at me when I ride it hard. Here I am going anaerobic bridging a gap and my friggin' bike is saying to me, "is that all you've got?". I really do think it has that attitude.

Seriously, I really don't have real any criticisms yet. It's a great bike that I've enjoyed riding each time.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Zipp 303's
Campy Record (10 speed)

Summary:
RBR doesnt have the 08 much less the 09 as a choice for year to review. Mine is the new 09 with the aero shapes and airfoil technology.

Strengths:
super stiff bike with absolutely no flex. This thing is a strong sprinter and good climber out of the saddle especially. There seems to be something to that airfoil technology as the bike is noticeably faster on the straights at the asme output. Handles extremely well and descends like a beast.

Weaknesses:
Integrated seatmast is great but a little nerve wracking when you have to cut into the carbon. Also not for someone who trades alot as resale is sure to be effected once you cut the seatmast. Long rides could be a bit uncomfortable as there doesnt seem to be any flex at all. Its a race bike though, not a commuter

Similar Products Used:
Jamis Xenith Team
Specialized Tarmac Pro
Fuji Team

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace 7800 with Zipp 404 tubular wheels. Weight is 15.6 lbs for a medium frame.

Summary:
This is a 2008 Ridley Noah (M). So far this bike had been a pleasure to ride it is more comfortable than the Damocles it has replaced. The stiffness of the frame is solid and better than the Damocles and litespeed.

Strengths:
Very stiff frame. It accelerates going up hills and sprints seem so much easier since the power is not wasted in the frame.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
Ridley Damocles
Litespeed Ultimate

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Westwood Cycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
100+ miles

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace, including crank
San Marco Aspide composite saddle
Easton OrionII wheels
Aerus C4 Carbon Bars
Fsa OS-115 stem, w/ carbon faceplate
Conti- Attack/Force tires
Look Keo Carbon Pedals
Edge 305 Computer
Serfas Cirque Carbon Water Bottle Cages

Summary:
It is actually a 2008 model(option not available in the drop down list). I bought this bike based on speed and looks. This bike is HOT! I have usually done road races, but competed in a triathlon this summer. It performed great. The seat clamp was completely reversible, changing the effective seat post angle. With a full drua ace build: <15lbs, with pedals. You will not find a better bike. This bike rides best when it is pushed to the limit. If you take a 1000 gram frame and add the weight of a seatpost and clamp it will outweigh the Noah.

Strengths:
Stiffness, aerodynamics, handling, looks, through the frame cables, titanium hanger, light weight, stability, (too many to name)

Weaknesses:
Only 5 year warranty
Stiff ride

Similar Products Used:
I test rode many pro tour frames. This one was the best.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Alberts Westwood Cyc

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
sunday morning

Bike Setup:
Ridley Noah campy record zipp vumaquad crank, shamal ultra wheels,conti tires,zg brakes

Summary:
I have owned many bicycles in the past from many brands (multiple giants Fuji's litespeed)and this bicycle is superior to all of them. most advanced carbon fiber manufacturing process, hand-made in Belgium with t7000(10x higher modulus carbon than any other frame by any manufacturer). shaped tubes and stiff carbon make this the stiffest bicycle on the market. integrated seat post makes stiffer,more aerodynamic, responsive

Strengths:
sprinting- massive head tube for explosive acceleration

climbing- compact geometry for most power transfer,extremely stiff, weigh 175 and ZERO frame flex

flats- pure speed

descents- most stable bike because of higher bb = lower center of gravity= more stability

Weaknesses:
semi harsh ride- could be my tire and wheel choice but not too bad- can handle centuries with no problem

Similar Products Used:
litespeed vortex

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