Grifn RS Road

Introduced in 2024, the Grifn RS is Ridley's premium, race-oriented evolution of their all-road platform. It takes the mixed-surface versatility of the standard Grifn and sharpens it for competitive speeds. The frame is lighter and incorporates aerodynamic refinements borrowed from Ridley's dedicated road racing bikes, including a fork-crown diffuser, a D-shaped aero seatpost, and a rear-wheel cutout.

Designed for riders who split their time evenly between fast tarmac and light gravel, the frame accommodates up to 42mm tires with a 1x drivetrain, or 38mm with a standard 2x road setup. It retains practical touches like fender mounts and a Universal Derailleur Hanger, but its primary focus is delivering a highly responsive, aggressive ride for fast-paced mixed-terrain riding.

Build

Size

Stack	614mm
Reach	403mm
Top tube	585mm
Headtube length	195mm
Standover height	835mm
Seat tube length	545mm

Fit and geometry

The Grifn RS utilizes a geometry tuned for agility and an aggressive rider posture. Compared to a traditional endurance bike, it features a steeper seat tube angle and a lower front end, encouraging a forward, aerodynamic position that suits fast-paced riding. To balance this aggressive fit, Ridley employs a slightly slacker head angle and a moderately long wheelbase, which work together to provide high-speed stability and predictable tracking on loose surfaces.

Short chainstays keep the rear end tucked in, ensuring the bike remains nimble during out-of-the-saddle sprints and quick directional changes. The integrated Forza cockpit contributes to a direct steering feel, though the one-piece bar and stem limit aftermarket adjustability. The handlebar features a slight flare, offering a wider stance in the drops for added leverage and control when navigating off-road descents. Overall, the fit leans heavily toward the sporty end of the all-road spectrum, rewarding riders who prefer a dynamic, road-racing posture even when the pavement ends.

Builds

Ridley offers the Grifn RS in a wide array of electronic builds, spanning both dedicated road and gravel-oriented groupsets. The lineup is split between 2x configurations—such as Shimano Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2, and SRAM Force AXS—and 1x setups like SRAM Red XPLR and Shimano GRX Di2. A standout option in the range features a Classified Powershift rear hub paired with a 1x drivetrain, providing the gear range of a 2x system without the need for a front derailleur.

Across the board, the builds prioritize aerodynamic efficiency and speed. Most configurations roll on deep-section carbon wheels, typically DT Swiss ERC 1400s, wrapped in 32mm tubeless-ready road tires. This stock wheel and tire choice underscores the bike's tarmac-first intentions, leaving room for owners to swap in wider rubber for dedicated gravel use. The frame features a Universal Derailleur Hanger for easy replacement and broad compatibility, alongside a removable front derailleur clamp that can be swapped for an aero chain guide on 1x builds. Value scales predictably with the groupset tier, but all models share the same premium carbon frame and integrated cockpit.

Classified Sram Force AXS 1x12 Powershift

Price TBD

NEW Sram Force XPLR 1x13 incl powermeter

Price TBD

NEW Sram Rival AXS 2x12

Price TBD

NEW Sram Rival XPLR 1x13

Price TBD

Shimano Dura Ace DI2 2x12

Price TBD

Shimano GRX DI2 - 2x12

Price TBD

Shimano Ultegra DI2 2x12sp

Price TBD

Sram Force AXS 2x12sp (NEW 2025)

Price TBD

Sram Red AXS 2x12sp

Price TBD

Sram Red XPLR 1x13

Price TBD

Reviews

Reviewers agree that the Grifn RS represents a distinct departure from the more relaxed endurance geometry of its predecessor, delivering a ride that prioritizes speed and power transfer. On the road, the bike accelerates quickly and maintains momentum well, with testers noting it feels like a "fast, stiff, and reactive bike" (Rawcyclingmag) rather than a traditional gravel cruiser. The handling is characterized by a strong sense of high-speed stability, particularly on descents, where it tracks predictably across broken pavement and dirt.

The primary tradeoff for this responsiveness is a firm ride quality. While some testers found the vibration damping adequate for an all-road machine, others noted that the rigid carbon frame "begins to take its toll on longer rides and very rough terrain" (Granfondo). Consequently, riders tackling highly technical trails or ultra-endurance distances may find the chassis unforgiving.

Despite the firm ride, the bike earns high marks for its predictable steering and overall composure. It manages to balance quick acceleration with "reassuring stability" (Cyclonline), making it an intuitive descender. Ultimately, the consensus points to a highly capable machine tailored for ambitious riders who want a single, fast platform for both paved roads and well-maintained gravel.