Ridley Helium 30 (2016)

The 2016 Ridley Helium 30 is a mid-range road bike. Light and stiff, the Helium is ace on climbs, fast on flats, and sprints like gangbusters. Construction of the all-carbon frameset is focused on stiffness to weight, and the results are right on the numbers; the medium size weighs in at a mere 7.4 kilograms, with a rear triangle that does not flex under the heaviest strokes. Kit on the 30 is top-notch: SRAM's Force 22 group delivers precise braking control and quick, clean shifts in a light, reliable form, 4ZA's cockpit offers a stable platform, and the Fulcrum Racing wheelset is light and tough, clad in fast-rolling Continental Ultrasport slicks.
A very good climber's road bike.