Probe RS Sram Transmission GX

The Ridley Probe RS is Ridley’s modern carbon XC hardtail, introduced as an all-new platform rather than an update of an older frame. It sits at the top of the brand’s hardtail range and is built around an Elite Series carbon frame with a claimed unpainted weight of about 760g in size M, which places it firmly in the lightweight race category. What distinguishes this generation is that Ridley did not pursue a purely old-school, razor-sharp XC race bike; instead, it combines very low frame weight with geometry intended to keep the bike composed on steeper and rougher contemporary cross-country courses.

Ridley’s stated Advanced Position Geometry defines the character of the bike: a steeper seat tube, longer top tube, and slacker front end than traditional XC hardtails, aimed at balancing efficient seated climbing with more front-end stability at speed. The frame is designed around either a 100mm or 120mm fork, so it can be built as a pure race hardtail or pushed slightly toward downcountry use without changing the underlying chassis. Practical details reinforce that broad race-to-marathon brief, including dropper compatibility via a 31.6mm seatpost, SRAM UDH, Boost 148 spacing, BB92, Flat Mount brakes, and room for three bottle positions. In the market, the Probe RS fits as a premium European-made carbon hardtail for riders who want low weight and direct power transfer, but with geometry that better matches current XC and marathon riding demands.