Ridley has introduced the Falcn RS 2.0, a fresh race machine built with a clear emphasis on minimizing weight rather than maximizing aerodynamic gains. The new model is positioned as a companion to the existing Noah Fast, giving the brand’s sponsored athletes and retail customers a choice between two distinct performance philosophies.
The Falcn RS 2.0 initially surfaced beneath Uno-X Mobility riders at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône Alpes back in June, and it has already delivered notable results. Tobias Johannessen powered it to a runner-up finish on the second-to-last stage of the 2026 Vuelta a España. He then claimed victory on the flat closing stage aboard the Noah Fast, a result that reinforced Ridley’s decision to steer clear of a one-bike strategy.
According to Bert Kenens, the company’s drop-bar product manager, the new model is meant to coexist with the Noah Fast and provide “options” for both sponsored riders and consumers. He acknowledges that the Noah Fast’s weight has made it a less ideal choice for mountainous racing.
**A Ground-Up Redesign**
The Falcn RS 2.0’s freshly developed frame, fork, and seatpost are collectively claimed to be 12 percent lighter than those of the outgoing Falcn RS. The frame alone reportedly weighs just 705g in a medium size (comparable to a standard 56cm). By contrast, the earlier Falcn RS frame came in at 825g for the same size.
A complete bike built with SRAM Red AXS is said to tip the scales at 6.2kg in medium, while builds featuring Force AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 also manage to dip below the UCI’s 6.8kg minimum weight limit.
Ridley explains that the frame’s tube profiles were engineered to cut weight while preserving necessary aerodynamic qualities. Kenens noted that the brand opted for more conventional-looking tube shapes compared to the previous iteration because this allows for more efficient carbon layup. This approach, according to Ridley, makes it possible to reduce frame weight without sacrificing structural integrity.
Given how extensively the design has changed, the Falcn RS 2.0 qualifies as an entirely new platform rather than a gradual update of its predecessor. The trade-off, however, is that Ridley claims the new bike is roughly 10 watts slower than the Noah Fast when tested at 50km/h.
That said, Kenens points out that the common assumption favoring aero bikes as the fastest option was put to the test at this year’s Tour de France. Torstein Træen, wearing the yellow jersey at the time, chose to ride the Falcn RS 2.0 on his second day in the leader’s jersey (stage 6, which featured the Tourmalet climb), even though a special yellow Noah Fast frame had been prepared for him that day. Regardless of how that stage unfolded—he ultimately lost the jersey on the demanding route as Tadej Pogačar surged ahead—Kenens insists that Træen and his Uno-X squad made the call purely on performance grounds.
**Forward-Leaning Race Geometry**
The Falcn RS 2.0 also adopts what Ridley calls “progressive race” geometry. The seat angle is notably steep at 76 degrees across all five available sizes, a design choice intended to position the rider further over the bottom bracket for improved pedaling efficiency. This directly addresses the modern pro tendency to push saddles to—or past—recommended limits to achieve a similar effect.
At the same time, similar to sibling brand Eddy Merckx’s 525R race bike, the top tube maintains the same effective length by moving forward. This means riders shouldn’t need to switch to longer stems to offset the forward saddle position. It’s worth noting that the reach figure appears longer on the brand’s geometry charts as a result. This measurement is taken from a horizontal line drawn from the bottom bracket (which stays in a conventional spot) to the center of the head tube (which has shifted forward).
Up front, the head tube angle sits at a more standard 73 degrees for precise, nimble handling, according to Kenens. However, the head tube is taller than the previous Falcn RS, which I remember as having a low, aggressive riding position. Ridley says this change should create a more comfortable setup without needing to run spacers.
**Design Specifics**
The Falcn RS 2.0 is compatible exclusively with electronic drivetrains, and the front derailleur hanger can be removed to accommodate a 1x setup. The new, narrower seatpost prompted the relocation of the Di2 battery housing to the down tube, which Ridley says lowers the chance of cable snags. It’s secured using the same clamp design found on the Kanzo Fast 2.0 gravel bike, which employs a carbon shell tightened by two titanium bolts.
Tire clearance is rated at 35mm (measured), and the headset bearings use CeramicSpeed’s Solid Lubrication Technology for reduced maintenance needs. The bike uses a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket standard.
**Build Options and Pricing**
The Ridley Falcn RS 2.0 is available starting today in three stock configurations: SRAM Red AXS (£11,299 / $14,999 / €12,499), SRAM Force AXS (£7,699 / $10,199 / €8,499), and Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 (£6,899 / $8,999 / €7,499).
While these are standard off-the-peg builds, they can be fully personalized through Ridley’s bike builder program. Notably, the brand permits size adjustments to the Forza Nimbus Pro integrated cockpit, and Kenens says a setback version of the seatpost is in development (though he expects most riders will stick with the default in-line post to match the new geometry).
The bike ships with TPU inner tubes as standard equipment, which are said to offer rolling resistance benefits comparable to tubeless setups, but without the risk of sealant drying out during transit.
