We’re just back from paying Ridgeback a visit with lots to report on their 2013 range. Here are the highlights…
Flight
The Flight disc-equipped commuter bikes come with a new semi-hydroformed frame design for 2013, with an integrated headset and a new fork. There’s plenty of clearance for 35-37C tyres along with mudguard and rack fittings.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2025.jpg)
The cheapest model is the £599.99 Flight 01 (main pic) which has a 6061 frame and a Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain. Like the other two derailleur-geared options, it now comes with a triple chainset rather than a double.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2044.jpg)
At the other end of the scale, the £999.99 Flight 04 – the model that comes with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gear - gets its own frame for 2013. Rather than using a chain tensioner as before, the 2013 frame has an eccentric bottom bracket to adjust the tension.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2050.jpg)
If you don’t want the Alfine hub, the Flight 03 is the same price and it has a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. Both the 03 and the 04 use Shimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes rather than the Tektro options on the cheaper models.
Advance
The Advance is a new series of commuter bikes that uses frames similar to those of the Flights, with integrated headsets along with carbon forks and triple chainsets.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2034.jpg)
The flagship Advance model is the £899.99 7.0 which, like the Flight 03 and 04, is built around an ALX9 triple-butted aluminium frame, and it comes with disc brakes: Avid BB5s.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2036.jpg)
The big differences, though, are that it comes with a drop handlebar and a road drivetrain - Shimano Sora. Cross top brake levers give you extra control when your hands are on the tops; it’s all about offering confidence in traffic
The entry-level Advance 3.0 has a 6061 alu frame and comes with a flat handlebar. This one will set you back £649.99.
Tour
The Tour is a new model in Ridgeback’s World range of touring/commuting bikes. Priced at £599.99, this 6061 aluminium bike is cheaper than any of the existing steel models.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2003.jpg)
The Tour shares the geometry of the Panorama and Voyage bikes and comes with a Shimano Alivio 24-speed drivetrain, mudguards and a ready-fitted rack. We can see it being a popular all-weather commuter.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2006.jpg)
The Panorama and Voyage both come down £50 in price… which is something you don’t often hear. The top-of-the-line Panorama - Reynolds 725 steel with a Shimano XT/ Alivio groupset - is now £1,249.99.
Dual Track
The Dual Track models are designed for all types of terrain - towpaths, cycleways, a bit of off-roading or whatever.
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/cropped/node-gallery-display/images/Ridgeback%202013/Ridgeback%202013%2054.jpg)
Last year’s Dual Track Quest has turned into the x2.3. It keeps its 6061 aluminium frame, rigid cromo steel fork and £599.99 price. You can get front suspension on the other two models in the range, the cheaper one being the £499.99 x2.1 which features a Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain.
It's not too bad. Most just make enough to get by and make people have to accept waiting or a different color. They know people are going to be...
Yes, but they took a square route, which probably made the distance somewhat longer.
Indepent drivel: I like it.
Cycling for mind: Some seriously shit steering there.
I found Velocio Luxe mitts even higher quality than my Assos gloves. (Velocio's Luxe gloves are a step up from the Race mitts reviewed above.)...
I like this sales attitude! Old style UK deprecation. "There are better brands - but try our pedals. Some people like them."...
The world's biggest violin, meanwhile I'm playing the world's smallest
You would like to think that 7 might make it a bit harder to ignore but I'm sure there will be a good excuse
Perhaps he followed the suggested Shimano online anti counterfeit link and saw that Shimano's opening header says "... crackdown in China.."?
Especially the fat ones.