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Lotto Soudal scores new Ridley Fenix SL for today’s cobbles

  • Ron 

In today’s mini version of Paris Roubaix at the 2015 Tour de France, the riders of Lotto Soudal got to try out a new version of the Ridley Fenix SL over the seven cobblestoned sections of the 223.5 kilometer long stage between Seraing and Cambrai.

The Fenix SL was developed in conjunction with the riders and the mechanics of the Lotto Soudal team. Testing began in the spring in advance of today’s official launch.

The original Fenix Classic was launched in 2013. During the 2015 spring classics the riders rode on the first prototypes of the Fenix SL. While the bike is 15% lighter, 8% stiffer and 5% more compliant than its predecessor, it was specifically designed to ride over cobblestones.

Rik Vanhoof, Commercial Project Coordinator Ridley Bikes: “With new bikes we always want to set a step forward, we are continuously looking for improvements. We build further on the existing products. With the feedback of the riders we designed the Fenix SL, perfectly suited for long distances, short hills and hilly cobblestone sections. Because of a unique and unbeatable mix of a light weight, aerodynamics and stiffness our bike makes sure the Lotto Soudal riders are more fresh in the finale. The Fenix SL is also a good vehicle for the sprint at the end. That way you can win big races, or a Tour stage like the one from Seraing to Cambrai.”

“The riders get on our bikes every day and are the best people to tell us what’s necessary to perform optimally and which things could be improved. That’s why we appreciate their feedback and follow it up. Also the tips of the mechanics are important, because they have to do the maintenance of the bikes. We also want to offer the bikes that the pros ride on to the consumers, the Ridley Fenix SL will be for sale starting in September.”

The Ridley Fenix SL will go on sale in September 2015
The Ridley Fenix SL will go on sale in September 2015

Frederik Moons, mechanic Lotto Soudal: “The team was involved in the development process of the Fenix SL right from the start. During last year’s Tour we already received the drawings of this new bike. Before that, we had let the engineer know which adaptations would make the Fenix even more optimal for the riders. In the autumn of 2014 a plastic version was printed with a 3D printer. Then we could take a first look at the bike and show it to the riders. Our test panel for the classic bikes consists of riders like Jürgen Roelandts, André Greipel and Jens Debusschere. During the training camp in December the prototype of the Fenix SL was tested a first time. It was used in races for the first time during the spring classics.”

“I think it’s important to do my job correctly. First of all the riders tell us their needs. For us, the mechanics, it needs to be easy to do the maintenance of the bikes. The riders asked to develop an even lighter model, with enough room for bigger tubes so it’s more comfortable to ride over the cobbles. The bike is made for a course like today, but the riders are so enthusiastic that they might use it in the tougher stages and mountains as well. A rider chooses the bike he wants to ride on and that will be the one that helps him save as much energy as possible. The riders are very satisfied with this latest cooperation with Ridley Bikes.”

 

 

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