Ridley Grifn RS in Review – Where does All-Road End and Gravel Begin?

With the Grifn RS, Ridley aim to set new standards in the all-road segment, bridging the gap between road and gravel. We’ve put it to the test to see if it’s light enough for road rides, tough enough for gravel adventures, and whether the Grifn RS can truly combine all-road versatility with road bike performance.

With the Kanzo Fast, which secured Ridley the victory in our 2023 gravel racing group test, and the Kanzo Adventure, crowned as the test winner in our 2024 gravel adventure group test, Ridley have already established a solid reputation in the gravel world. As such, the expectations for the Grifn, Ridley’s all-rounder designed for riders who refuse to be confined to one terrain, are off the charts.

The Grifn RS aims to bridge the gap between road and gravel bikes, particularly for competitive riders, by combining road bike speed with gravel bike capability to offer maximum versatility. But can the Grifn RS live up to these lofty promises? We put the gravel version of the Grifn RS to the test, equipped with SRAM Force XPLR 1x gearing, to find out if it truly can deliver.

The Ridley Grifn RS in Detail – A Lightweight and Agile All-Road Bike?

Compared to its siblings, the Grifn and E-Grifn, the Ridley Grifn RS features a refined frame boasting a lighter and stiffer carbon layup, shaving off 140 g. With up to 42 mm tire clearance, your tire choice isn’t limited to road models, making the Grifn RS versatile enough to venture off-road. Prices for the stock builds start at € 5,799, with plenty of room to upgrade, offering custom builds capable of exceeding € 12,000 in Ridley’s online configurator. Besides high-end components like the SRAM RED XPLR 1×13 groupset, you can also tailor the bike’s look to suit your personal style.

But what’s the point of a perfectly tailored bike just sitting in the living room? Better to hit the road and put Ridley’s promise of limitless versatility to the test, whether it’s a quick post work jaunt on the tarmac or a challenging gravel adventure on unpaved trails. The Grifn RS certainly is ready for anything, with Ridley’s configurator allowing you to customise the wheels, tires, and groupsets to suit your specific needs.

Our test bike came equipped with a SRAM Force XPLR 1×12 groupset, pairing a 10–44 t cassette with a 46T chainring, and thereby allowing you to carry plenty of speed on flat terrain. The fully integrated Forza Cirrus Pro cockpit from Ridley’s in-house brand is both light and adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit. DT Swiss’ racing oriented GRC 1600 wheels are responsive and light, revealing Ridley’s ambitions with the Grifn RS. Their strikingly deep 42 mm profiles don’t just boost aerodynamics but also underline the bike’s aggressive look.

Thanks to mounting points on the top and down tubes, the Ridley Grifn RS is well-suited as a minimalist gravel bike or for fast bikepacking races. However, it lacks the additional mounting points required for more extensive bikepacking adventures. There’s no denying the bike’s focus on speed over utility.

The Geometry of the Ridley Grifn RS

The Ridley Grifn RS features geometry that prioritises agility and manoeuvrability more than the standard Grifn. The steep seat tube angle and low front end result in an aggressive riding position, whereas the relatively slack head angle – for a road bike – provides stability at high speeds. The short chainstays make for quick acceleration and responsive handling, while the slightly longer wheelbase provides the stability and composure needed for fast-paced rides.

Size	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat Tube	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm	520 mm	545 mm	570 mm
Horizontal Top Tube	515 mm	525 mm	545 mm	565 mm	585 mm	605 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	115 mm	140 mm	165 mm	195 mm	215 mm
Seat Angle	74.5°	74.5°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73°
Head Angle	71°	71.5°	72°	72°	72°	72°
Chainstay Length	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm	420 mm
BB Drop	75 mm	75 mm	73 mm	73 mm	71 mm	71 mm
Wheelbase	992 mm	994 mm	1005 mm	1021 mm	1043 mm	1058 mm
Stack	524 mm	540 mm	563 mm	587 mm	614 mm	633 mm
Reach	375 mm	375 mm	383 mm	391 mm	403 mm	412 mm

Promising improved aerodynamics, the Grifn RS features a seatstay cut-out and a specially designed fork crown, both aimed at reducing drag. Combined with the narrow and slightly flared handlebar, the bike offers plenty of control off-road. All Grifn models also come equipped with the UDH derailleur hanger, making them compatible with SRAM’s latest XPLR groupsets.

The Ridley Grifn RS in Real-World Testing

As part of our test, we rode the gravel-equipped Grifn RS across a variety of terrain, including smooth tarmac, rough singletrack, and everything in between. The bike impressed us with its snappy acceleration on the tarmac, and the road-like feel it manages to convey when heading beyond paved surfaces.

The handling is responsive, remaining nimble even during hard sprints and quick direction changes. The 40 mm Vittoria Terreno Dry tires are particularly fast on tarmac and fine gravel thanks to their smooth centre tread. That said, they begin to reach their limits on rougher terrain or steep gravel climbs despite the more aggressive shoulder knobs. In these scenarios, switching to wider or more dedicated gravel tires might be a smart move Speaking of which, check out our gravel tire group test for a more in-depth look at the topic.

The carbon frame of the Ridley Grifn RS is remarkably stiff and light, which truly comes into its own on fast descents and during sprints. Its precise steering and highly responsive handling lend the bike a distinctly sporty character, allowing it to excel on smooth gravel and flowing singletrack. On the other hand, the frame’s rigidity begins to take its toll on longer rides and very rough terrain. The lack of compliance makes for a somewhat harsh ride, meaning the bike is less forgiving of mistakes, though it offers skilled riders direct feedback and maximum control in return.

The ergonomics of the Grifn RS further emphasize its sporty all-road feel. The narrow and slightly flared handlebar is comfortable and provides sufficient control off-road. That said, the grippy bar tape could use a touch more cushioning, particularly on longer rides. The fully internal cable routing and D-shaped fork result in a clean look and improved aerodynamics, cementing the Grifn RS’s position as a fast, performance-focused all-road bike.

However, the cockpit isn’t entirely without flaws. The edge at the rear of the tops can feel uncomfortable to hold onto and presses into the palms on longer rides due to the thin bar tape. Additionally, the headset expander requires careful attention during setup – if not positioned correctly, it tends to slip inside the steerer tube.

Tuning tip: Schwalbe G-One R & G-One RS combination for maximum speed

Who is the Ridley Grifn RS for?

The Ridley Grifn RS is aimed at competitive riders who thrive in gravel racing or fast-paced all-road tours. It’s an excellent choice for those undecided between tarmac and gravel, as well as for shorter bikepacking adventures. Its lightweight design and ability to accommodate wider tyres also make it a great entry point for riders looking to dip their toes into gravel racing. However, the Grifn RS is less suited to those who prioritise comfort or performance on highly technical off-road trails. Hardcore bikepackers or riders seeking a pure road bike may also find it lacking. Instead, the Grifn RS is designed for ambitious riders who enjoy fast rides across mixed terrain, whether it’s for daily commuting or light trail detours.

Our Conclusion on the Ridely Grifn RS

The Ridley Grifn RS proves to be a versatile all-road bike that performs equally well on both tarmac and gravel. With its aggressive character, lightweight construction, and agile geometry, it excels particularly on well-maintained gravel and is the perfect companion for riders who like to switch seamlessly between asphalt and dirt. Comfort isn’t its main focus, but offers the performance competitive riders demand. Overall, the Grifn RS stands out as a fast 50/50 all-rounder, equally at home on gravel and road.

For more information, visit ridley-bikes.com

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter