Introducing Rapide, an all-new UK road bike brand with a range of endurance aluminium and carbon bikes tailored specifically to UK riders.
Is that name ringing bells? The Rapide name has long been associated with the Ridgeback brand. It was initially the title for a small range of Ridegback road bikes, and is currently used for the firm’s long-standing range of hybrids. Now, the parent firm behind Ridgeback, Genesis and Saracen has decided to step things up a level and make Rapide its own marque.
Aluminium RL series
The aluminium-framed RL series starts at a penny under £400 and tops out at £899.99. It's aimed at those looking for a first road bike or a winter training machine and its geometry is optimised for endurance riding. There are five models in the range, including two smaller wheeled children's bikes.
All of the adult bikes share the same 6061 aluminium frame and part-carbon fork – both of which come with mudguard eyelets. The brake callipers are long drop models too, so fitting mudguards should be a straight-forward job. Comfort-enhancing 25mm Continental Ultra Sport II tyres are specced as standard.
RL1
- £649.99
- Aluminium frame with carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Claris drivetrain
- Tektro R315, 57mm drop brakes
- Alex R500 rims with Formula RB21/22 hubs
RL2
- £749.99
- Aluminium frame with carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Sora 9 speed drivetrain
- Tektro R315, 57mm drop brakes
- Alex Race24 rims with Formula RB21/22 hubs
RL3
- £899.99
- Aluminium frame with carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Tiagra 10 speed drivetrain
- Tektro R359 57mm drop brakes
- Shimano WH-R501 wheelset
RL26
- £399.99
- Aluminium frame with youth geometry and Cr-Mo fork
- Shimano Altus 7-speed gearing
- Tektro RX6 mini V-brakes
- 32-hole 26in double wall rims with Shimano hubs
RL24
- £399.99
- Aluminium frame with youth geometry and Cr-Mo fork
- Shimano Altus 7 speed gearing
- Tektro RX6 mini v-brakes
- 32hole 24in double wall rims with Shimano hubs
RC Carbon series
All of Rapide's higher-end models use a carbon frame, with identical geometry to the alloy bikes. Rapide says its RC models are ideal for sportives, and can even be used as comfortable race bikes.
Unlike the alloy models, they don't have rack mounts, but each carbon frame is fully Di2-ready, has a tapered head tube and internal cable routing. All but the entry-level RC1 model have a Fulcrum wheelset. Transmission options vary from Tiagra on the £1,199.99 RC1 to Ultegra Di2 on the £2,999.99 RC4.
RC1
- £1,199.99
- Carbon frame
- Carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Tiagra drivetrain
- Shimano Tiagra BR-4600 brakes
- Rapide R30 rims, Shimano hubs
RC2
- £1,449.99
- Carbon frame
- Carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano 105 with FC-RS500 50/34t chainset
- Shimano BR-R651
- Fulcrum Racing Sport wheelset
RC3
- £1,799.99
- Carbon frame
- Carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Ultegra 6800/105 mix with Shimano RC-RS500 50/34t chainset
- Shimano BR0R651 brakes
- Fulcrum Racing 7LG wheelset
RC4
- £2,999.99
- Carbon frame
- Carbon/alloy fork
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission
- Shimano Ultegra BR-6800 brakes
- Fulcrum Racing 7LG wheelset
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