Ridley
Grifn RoadShimano 105 DI2 // 2x12s
The Ridley Grifn is an all-road platform designed to bridge the gap between endurance road riding and light gravel. Introduced in late 2022, it targets cyclists looking to consolidate their garage by swapping wheelsets rather than switching bikes. The carbon frame is built around versatility, offering clearance for 40mm tires in a 1x configuration or 38mm with a double chainring. Ridley equips the chassis with extensive accessory options, including top tube bag mounts, full mudguard compatibility, and internal routing for a hub dynamo. Rather than leaning fully into bikepacking or pure road racing, the Grifn occupies a middle ground. It suits riders who spend most of their time on tarmac and maintained dirt roads, prioritizing adaptability and long-distance utility over hyper-specialized performance.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
6 sizes published.
The Grifn’s geometry is intentionally positioned between Ridley’s endurance road and gravel racing platforms. A medium frame pairs a 587mm stack with a 391mm reach, creating a posture that is relatively sporty but relaxed enough for long days in the saddle. The 72-degree head tube angle and 420mm chainstays keep the handling responsive on pavement while providing enough wheelbase stability to manage loose dirt roads. A 73mm bottom bracket drop further anchors the bike, lowering the rider's center of gravity for secure cornering.
Many builds feature an integrated carbon cockpit with a 16-degree flare in the drops. This setup provides a clean aesthetic, aerodynamic benefits, and ergonomic control on rougher surfaces. However, the fully internal cable routing through the D-shaped steerer tube means that adjusting stem length or handlebar width requires a complete brake bleed and cable rerouting. Riders who anticipate needing frequent fit adjustments may prefer configurations utilizing a traditional two-piece bar and stem.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry6 values
03Handling geometry6 values
Which size should I buy?
Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.
→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.
The lineup.
9 builds.
Ridley offers the Grifn across a wide spectrum of builds, heavily utilizing Shimano and SRAM groupsets. The lineup splits into road-focused configurations with compact double chainrings and gravel-oriented setups featuring wider gear ranges and 1x options. Entry points typically feature mechanical Shimano 105 or GRX, while premium tiers move to electronic shifting like Shimano Di2 or SRAM AXS.
The frame utilizes a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket, a standard 27.2mm round seatpost, and a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which simplifies sourcing replacement parts and ensures compatibility with modern drivetrains. Most pre-configured models roll on DT Swiss G1800 alloy wheels wrapped in 32mm road tires or 35mm to 38mm gravel treads.
While the carbon frame itself is praised for its high quality and sub-kilo weight, some reviewers noted that the stock alloy wheels on mid-tier builds feel slightly heavy relative to the chassis. Because Ridley offers an extensive online configurator, buyers can easily upgrade wheelsets or swap drivetrain components at the point of purchase, allowing the bike to be tailored precisely to a rider's local terrain and budget.
From the press.
6 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently characterize the Grifn as a highly capable multi-surface machine, though they emphasize that tire selection ultimately dictates its personality. On tarmac, the bike accelerates efficiently and maintains speed well, with a ride quality that effectively dampens road chatter. Testers praised its high-speed stability, noting that it "runs very smoothly and does not steer too hectically" (Unicorncycling) on descents.
Transitioning to unpaved surfaces, the Grifn handles hardpack and smooth dirt with a sporty, engaging demeanor. However, its road-oriented roots become apparent on rougher trails. The geometry requires active rider input off-road, as the "slightly steep head angle" demands concentration on "trickier and twitchier surfaces" (Velo). Low-speed handling also drew specific observations, with one tester noting that "in slow, tight turns or when hitting the brakes in a bend, the Grifn tends to break away" (Granfondo).
The consensus points to a highly successful compromise for mixed-surface riding. While it lacks the explosive snap of a dedicated road racer and the rugged composure of an adventure gravel bike, it delivers a refined, comfortable ride. Testers frequently recommended owning two wheelsets to fully exploit the frame's broad capabilities without being held back by compromise tires.
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