Blast
The current Ridley Blast is an entry-level 29er hardtail that has been brought into line with contemporary trail-bike thinking without abandoning the practicality expected at this price level. Built around Ridley’s Blast29 7E8 Hydro Series aluminum frame, it is positioned as a broad-use mountain bike rather than a narrowly focused race hardtail. The key distinction is that Ridley has given it more modern off-road geometry than many budget hardtails, while also preserving everyday usability through mounts for mudguards, a rack, and a kickstand.
That combination makes the Blast a versatile platform for riders who want one bike to cover light trail riding, fitness miles, and utility use. A 68.5° head tube angle and 74.6° seat tube angle point to a bike with more confidence and better climbing posture than older, steeper, more nervous XC-style hardtails, while 435 mm chainstays keep the rear end reasonably compact. Internal cable routing, including dedicated dropper-post routing, shows that Ridley has designed the frame with future upgrades and more serious trail use in mind. In the market, the Blast sits as a practical, modernized aluminum hardtail for riders who want current geometry and real-world versatility more than aggressive specialization.
| Stack | 623mm |
| Reach | 458mm |
| Top tube | 630mm |
| Headtube length | 115mm |
| Seat tube length | 475mm |
Fit and geometry
The Blast’s geometry is clearly aimed at stable, approachable trail handling rather than old-school cross-country sharpness. Across all sizes, the 68.5° head angle is relatively relaxed for an entry-level hardtail, which should give the bike more composure on descents and rougher terrain than steeper budget 29ers. The 74.6° seat angle is notably steep, helping place the rider in a stronger pedaling position for climbs and keeping weight centered on the bike. Combined with a 63 mm bottom bracket drop, the overall layout suggests a planted ride with predictable cornering and less of the high, perched feel common to older hardtail designs.
Fit numbers also show a sensible progression through the size range. Reach moves from 402 mm in S to 469 mm in XL, with 432 mm in M and 458 mm in L, while stack ranges from 609 mm to 637 mm. That gives the Blast a reasonably roomy front center without becoming overly stretched for newer riders. The 435 mm chainstay length remains constant across sizes, balancing stability and maneuverability, and wheelbase grows from 1103 mm in S to 1181 mm in XL. In practice, that should translate to steady straight-line behavior and a secure feel on mixed terrain, while still keeping the bike manageable for everyday riding and lighter trail use.
Builds
Ridley offers the Blast in three straightforward builds, all based around Shimano’s CUES drivetrain family: 1x11-speed, 1x10-speed, and 1x9-speed. That gives the range a clear progression from the most affordable option to a better-equipped version with a wider gear range and likely finer gear spacing. Even without a detailed component breakdown, the use of CUES across the lineup suggests a focus on durability, simple operation, and parts commonality rather than chasing low weight or high-end performance.
The structure of the range fits the bike’s role well. Riders looking for a budget-friendly hardtail for commuting, recreation, and occasional trail use can start with the 1x9 or 1x10 versions, while the 1x11 build is the more appealing choice for buyers who expect more regular off-road riding and want the most versatile gearing of the three. Since the frame includes internal dropper routing and practical mounting points, all builds also leave room for sensible upgrades over time.