Ridley
Grifn RS GravelShimano Ultegra Di2 - 2x12
The Ridley Grifn RS is the lighter, more aerodynamic version of the Grifn platform, but it does not try to redefine what the bike is. Ridley has kept the same core all-road geometry that placed the original Grifn between an endurance road bike and a gravel bike, and instead focused the RS on improving speed and efficiency. Key frame changes include a redesigned fork and fork-crown area intended to reduce drag around the front end, an aero seat tube with rear-wheel cutout, and a D-shaped aero seatpost. Ridley claims roughly 5% lower drag at 36 km/h versus the standard Grifn, while also trimming frame weight, and tyre clearance grows to about 42 mm depending on drivetrain setup.
What makes the Grifn RS distinctive is that it is not a pure gravel race bike and not simply an endurance road bike with bigger tyre room. It is aimed at riders who want one high-end carbon platform that can be built as a fast all-road bike, a road-biased gravel bike, or a practical mixed-surface machine with mudguards and accessory integration. The frame uses a UDH rear interface and a flexible front-derailleur arrangement that allows clean 1x or 2x setups, with the option of an aero chain guide in place of the front derailleur. Mounts for fenders and provisions for integrated lighting underline that this is still meant for real-world use, even as the RS version shifts the emphasis toward lower drag, lower weight, and sharper performance.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
6 sizes published.
The Grifn RS geometry reflects its all-road brief more than a dedicated gravel-race or progressive off-road one. Across most sizes, the head tube angle stays at 72 degrees, with 71.5 degrees on XS and 71 degrees on XXS, while chainstays remain a consistent 420 mm. That points to handling that should be stable and predictable on gravel without becoming overly slow on pavement. Wheelbase numbers are moderate rather than extreme, from 1005 mm in S to 1058 mm in XL, reinforcing the idea that this bike is meant to balance road responsiveness with enough composure for mixed surfaces.
Fit numbers also show a relatively upright but not overly tall position. In size M, the bike has a 587 mm stack and 391 mm reach, while size L moves to 614 mm stack and 403 mm reach. Those proportions sit comfortably in endurance-road to all-road territory rather than aggressive gravel race fit. Bottom bracket drop ranges from 73 mm in most mid sizes to 71 mm in L and XL, and 75 mm in the smallest sizes, which should help keep the rider planted and the bike settled through corners. Steeper seat tube angles on smaller sizes, up to 74.5 degrees on XXS and XS, help maintain rider position consistency across the range.
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.
10 builds.
Ridley offers the Grifn RS in a notably broad set of builds, which reinforces the frame's dual road-and-gravel role. The range spans dedicated gravel options such as SRAM Red XPLR 1x13, Force XPLR 1x13, and Rival XPLR 1x13, alongside road-oriented builds including SRAM Red AXS 2x12, Force AXS 2x12, Rival AXS 2x12, Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x12, and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2x12. There is also a Shimano GRX800 Di2 2x build for riders who want gravel-specific Shimano gearing, plus a more unusual Classified SRAM Force AXS 1x12 Powershift option.
The spread of specifications is less about different frame personalities and more about drivetrain philosophy and budget. Buyers can choose between premium electronic 2x road setups, gravel-focused 1x XPLR builds, and crossover options that take advantage of the RS frame's removable front-derailleur arrangement. Powermeters are included on at least some upper-tier configurations, specifically the SRAM Red AXS 2x12 and Force AXS 2x12 builds. In practical terms, the lineup makes it easy to configure the Grifn RS either as a fast all-road machine with close gearing or as a cleaner 1x gravel build without changing the underlying chassis.
