The Belgian bicycle manufacturer Ridley launches the second generation of the FALCN RS, The lightweight mountain bike is from the ‘aero-to-weight’ category. It is not a revamped version of the previous one, but a completely new design. The frame set (frame, fork and seatpost) is 12 percent lighter It has become and the frame weighs only 120 grams in size M. 705 grams.
A FALCN on a diet
Ridley has completely revised the carbon layup on the inside of the frame. Where carbon layers used to overlap over a large surface area, those zones have been redesigned to require less material. An example is the hollow brake brackets at the rear: only carbon is used there where it is needed for structural reasons. On the outside, sharp angles have been replaced with rounded, flowing shapes. According to Ridley, the lateral stiffness remains at the level of an aerofoil.
Still aero
Despite the focus on weight, aerodynamics has not been forgotten. The tubular shapes build on those of the first FALCN RS, with smoother transitions between the tubes. A new, slim aero saddle post, the Nimbus Pro cockpit, and the Forza Skiron RSR wheels developed in the wind tunnel complete the aero-to-weight story.
Modern geometry, made with Uno-X
The geometry has been developed based on bikefits and feedback from the riders and riders of Uno-X. It turned out that pros are increasingly sitting further forward on the bike. The FALCN RS 2.0 therefore gets a steeper seat angle in all sizes. sitting angle of 76 degrees, a longer reach and a higher stack. The handle is slightly lower for more stability at high speed.
In the lightest build, the bike even falls below the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kilograms. This gives the riders of Uno-X the space to choose heavier aerodrive wheels, for example. Several riders already rode on the then still secret bike during the Tour de France in 2026, including the lead cyclist Torstein Træen.
It is without a doubt one of the best bikes I have ever ridden.
Torstein Træen, Uno-X
Smart details
- Di2 battery moved from the saddle clamp to the lower tube, so the saddle clamp can be narrower and lighter
- Saddle clamp with carbon scale and titanium bolt (known from the Kanzo Fast 2.0)
- UDH derailleur path, suitable for 1x and 2x, and a removable front derailleur path
- Tire clearance up to 35 mm
- CeramicSpeed ball head bearings, TPU inner tubes and a Selle Italia SLR Racing Replica saddle
Versions, weight and price
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 with Mavic Comet 50 wheels: 6.8 kg, € 7.499
- SRAM Force AXS with Forza Skiron RSR wheels (1.197 grams): 6.65 kg, € 8.499
- SRAM Red AXS with AX Lightness Ultra SL wheels (950 grams): 6.2 kg, € 12.499
The FALCN RS 2.0 is available in sizes XXS to L and, like other bikes from the Ridley Elite Series, can be fully customized through the Ridley configurator.
Our verdict
A frame weighing 705 grams that also wants to be aero: Ridley is aiming high. The modern geometry with a 76-degree seat angle fits the way racing is done now, and the fact that the bike already raced the yellow jersey during the Tour is a strong selling point. Ridley itself says that the bike is not only intended for pros and pure climbers. For a quick club ride, the €7,499 price for the entry-level version is a hefty investment.