The Ridley Falcn RS 2.0 is a lighter climbing road bike that gives up some aerodynamic speed for lower weight. First-ride testing found sharp handling and a taut, aggressive feel that suits climbs and rolling roads. Ridley calls it an Aero-to-Weight race bike, meant to minimize weight without giving up all speed. Ridley describes it as light, responsive and strongest on climbs and rolling roads in its launch announcement.
Table of Contents
- What changed on the frame?
- How does it ride on climbs?
- Who fits the new position?
- Should you pick it over the Noah Fast?
What changed on the frame?
The frame, fork and seatpost system is 12% lighter than the prior generation. Cyclist reports a claimed 705g frame in size M, down from 825g for the 2023 original, in its launch report. Complete bike weight drops with it.
BikeRadar reports a 6.2kg SRAM Red AXS build in size M, with Force AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2 builds under the 6.8kg UCI limit, in its launch coverage. The result is a race bike aimed at riders who feel every gram on long ascents. Lower mass matters most when speeds fall and gravity dominates.
How does it ride on climbs?
BikeRadar tester Ashley Quinlan rode 60km over Els Angels near Girona. He found sharp handling, a taut feel and aggression that amateurs can access. The bike changes direction quickly and holds its line through rolling corners.
It feels eager when the rider stands on steep pitches. It is less point-and-shoot than the old Falcn RS. It also gives away some straight-line aero speed on fast, flat sections.
Who fits the new position?
The geometry centers on a 76-degree seat tube angle in all sizes. Reach is longer, stack is higher and the bottom bracket sits slightly lower. That combination moves the rider forward with open hips.
It supports a modern race position with the chest low and the pedaling stroke clear. Smaller riders gain the same forward position as taller riders. Riders who like a stretched, upright front end will need to check bar height and stem length.
Should you pick it over the Noah Fast?
Pick based on course profile, not brand loyalty. Uno-X Mobility raced the Falcn RS 2.0 before launch, including Torstein Traeen in the mountains during two days in yellow at the 2026 Tour de France. Tobias Johannessen finished second on the penultimate stage of the 2026 Vuelta on the Falcn RS 2.0, then won stage 21 on the Noah Fast.
The split shows Ridley's two-bike plan for climbers and sprinters. Ridley states the Falcn RS 2.0 is about 10 watts slower than the Noah Fast at 50km/h. Climbing buyers gain weight savings, while flat-course riders should still choose the Noah Fast.
- Choose Falcn RS 2.0 for mountain stages, hilly road races and rolling training loops
- Choose Noah Fast for flat races, criteriums and strong headwind days
- Consider wheels and gearing first if one bike must cover both jobs
