Ridley Compact review

Cycling Weekly Verdict

Full aluminium frames at this price often excel over full or carbon chainstay frames and the Ridley Compact is just that, a stiff and responsive bike with quality kit. At this price it’s hard to fault. For some though, the orientation towards stiffness means that the lack of comfort might not hit the mark. For others this bike will be spot on.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Stiff frame

  • +

    Full Shimano 105 groupset

  • +

    Good componentry

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Compact chainset may not suit you

  • -

    Might be too stiff for some

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

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Ridley is unmistakably a Belgium company — its bikes are tested on the infamous pavé and should be up to some serious punishment. This results in an unmistakable ride.

The Ridley Compact’s angular tubing transfers into a stiff platform in every aspect of the frame. Square chainstays transmit power effectively giving a feeling that there is ample return when pushing hard out of the saddle, although at lower speeds this is slightly masked by the bike’s weight but that’s to be expected at this price.

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Cycling Weekly

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.

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