I have a 2011 Ridley X-Fire that has held up so well that it was converted to a gravel bike with only a change to the drivetrain (SRAM Force 1X10). The bike performs amazingly with the Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels still handling the roads with ease. Thank you for a great machine….Rob K (Kansas, USA)
I will buy from you! Not just because your bikes have outstanding design and functionality, but also because you didn't have abandon production in Europe. Bravo Ridley, more of us should promote european production of quality! Greetings from Germany!
@@kamilkurzynowski3836 1. they are made in Taiwan by TTC, not China. 2. Knowldege on working with carbon fber is much more advanced in Taiwan than in Europe/USA, this as a result of years of more experience with it due to the outsourcing of the jobs to overseas. So probably a carbon frame from Taiwan has better quality than a carbon frame from EU/USA. The base material itself, still comes from the market/quality leader in Japan.
@@Signofevil_Smile4theCam Ask Chinese government about Taiwan. This argument is just bad. There is no evidence to support your claim that those frames are better. They’re cheaper to manufacture and that’s only thing that counts for the corporations. Everything made in Asia will be better if there are no businesses in Europe to compete with. Would you say that Ridley makes better frames than 3T?
@@kamilkurzynowski3836 I would say that the top level brands all cook with the same amount of water. Doesn't matter which brand you look at. There is no 'we are the Best'. It is interesting that you line out 3T, which just has insourced all frame production back into Italy in 2021! You can also argue there if the work quality is better or if the frame is just more expensive due to the labor work. Same can be said about the e.g. BMC 'Materpiece' which is handmade in Germany. It is not that I decide that the knowledge on how to properly manufacture carbon frames is higher in Taiwan/East Asia, this is an industry wide accepted fact. it simply comes due to their longer experience with handling the product. This of course does not exclude that Europe/America can't catch up, but as of now, the cards are spread like that. It is also very interesting that you line out to ask an undemocratic, comunistic governement on their meaning about an independant country. Of course China will not agree that Taiwan is not China, but then again, this is what the Chinese think. Ask a western country what they think on that and the answer will be the opposite. Same is with Tibet. So in this regard your statement literally supports the Chinese aim to surpress other nations. Beautiful point of view you have. Next point you line out is the R&D and the manufacturing process. Fact is, as lined out before already, that as of now the companies in Asia have a far higher knowledge, skills and understanding on manufacturing, I repeat: manufacturing, Carbon items (not only bike frames) than european/american manufacturers do. We do not talk about R&D and the QC implemented by european/american standards, also not about the end-production. So you have to try to seperate between R&D/QC and the knowledge on how to work with carbon as a material. If we then talk about QC, we then have to face the fact that the QC standards in all frame production facilities are based on the standards that are used for aluminium & steel frames. So actually not covering the actual steps necessary for carbon frame manufacturing. Meaning: there is actually no real QC standard for carbon fiber frames.
@@Signofevil_Smile4theCam I do not support the Chinese view, but we should stop pretending. They rule the World now, we’ve skipped the xi… My response was simple, Ridley does not make their frames in Europe. We can argue that Taiwan is not a China, I don’t care. All production went there (to Asia) cause abusing asian nations was cheaper than building sustainable business here. I don’t care if their product is better as a result of corporate greed. This is not the point, it never was. The frames made in Taiwan are not better. No matter if we talk QC or RND.
A convincing video. I've worked on a guys Ridley and was impressed w/ the finish of the paint and lacquer. congrats to Belgium and to Ridley for the lineup. thank you bikeradar.
Yes but if the frame is made in china who cares who puts the wheels on and the decals. Decals and components dont make the bike better the frame does. So this is the most important part. But i have a bmc and it is also made in china but it is a very nice riding bike. I think that too many bikes are made in china but i think trek does make them in usa. And maybe canondale also i think not shure.
b that's sound interesting but I think China made product today is better than ones in the past just look at the numbers of Big name bike brand that base their factories at China.
@@ein99999 1. Mistake: Ridley frames are NOT made in China, but in Taiwan by TTC, probably the Top of the Cream Carbon factory. HUGE difference! 2. Mistake: Carbon knowledge in Taiwan is far ahead than in Europe or USA. So why have it done in a 2nd level knowledge area if it can be done where the best knowledge is available. 3. The carbon fibers come from the world market/quality leader in Japan. 4. EVERY big company has their frames done in Taiwan, be it Trek, Specialized/S-Works, Scott, Cannondale, Pinarello, et al. This either under license in the Factories of Merida or Giant or then again by a Vendor like TTC. 5. If you really want a frame fully made in e.g. Europe like the BMC - Masterpiece, you pay straight away €10k for it. This is totally fine if you're a show-off and need the attention. But you do not really want a scratch on that bike do you? so therefore your comment doesn't really contain any usefull and correct information.
I used to work at a bike shop that would sell the occasional Ridley. As with most bikes they are all made in China. I really hope to see more nice bikes that are made in western countries like Europe and US, instead of the usual China. Thanks.
Of course the frames are 'made' in China. Made being the optimum word, as the design process is the most important. The frames are designed in Belgium, they specify exactly what carbon composites they require and to what tolerances, the frames are then built in a Chinese factory. Very few 'workers' are involved as the process of producing a carbon frame is very automated. As the film shows, the frames are then rigorously inspected by Ridley to ensure quality. Where the frame is built make no odds at all, if the design/ materials are good then the frame will be good.
They're not fooling anybody with this video. The video doesnt show the frames being built and rather shows stills of a factory probably in china. They spends way too much time showing how much time spend spend crafting and applying decals? Very misleading as Ridley represents that their bike are built in Belgium but it's obvious the frames are manufactured and shipped in from Asia and Ridley just finishes (sand, decal, and paint) and assembles the parts.
Factory tour? You mean storage facilities... Nothing similar manufacturing there. Obviously most carbon frames comes from Taiwan but be honest and show where they are made and them the Belgian facilities.
Funny i am a bicycle mechanic at a large shop and we are a Ridley dealer.......... and funny but every single bike i assemble says "Made in China" on it......
+Cori Puckett says: "Funny i am a bicycle mechanic at a large shop and we are a Ridley dealer.......... and funny but every single bike i assemble says "Made in China" on it......" == There are bike shops specialized in top end bicycles. The customers of those shops don't limit themselves because of the price. Many bicycle makers still make their top end bicycles for those markets.
The frames are manufactured in China/Taiwan by the same OEM company who also does Cervélo and Scott. Engineering, Quality Control and assembling is in Belgium. There are not many Carbon frame manufacturers in the world. Mainly Giant and Merida have their very own Carbon factories. Giant offers their services to Trek and Cannondale, while Merida, owning 49% on Specialized, offers their factory to Specialized f.e. So nearly everything is made in China/Taiwan. This also comes down to the price factor, imagine these frames would be manufactured in Europe or the U.S., you really wouldn't be able to pay these bikes anymore. Just f.e. the BMC Masterpiece frame is entirely handmade in Germany, with 1 piece per day at a price of €10'000 for the frameset alone! The difference between cheap Chinese frames and expensive 'Branded' frames is the Engineering and Quality Control that ensure certain quality standards and these points in combination with the Brand's name make these frames a 'bit' more expensive.
As most others. Now Taiwan is a totally different animal. Anyway. China has become the default expert in carbon bikes, cause they have the most experience with them.
Is it just me, or did this video seem more about presentation than substance. They seem to care more about the paint job than the build of the frame. Maybe a little cynical, a lot of what they odd seems very efficient. Where are the frames actually built? There was no video of the frame build, just a few stills
Not just you .. I noticed the same thing. They focused more on paint. I got the impression they spent more money on paint R&D .. then actual frame R&D .. Even the presenter sounds like he didn't really want to present this .. but had to for money.
Like Specialized Piinarello, Stoerk, Giant, Colnago, Factor, Canyon, Bianchi, etc, etc, etc. The TAIWANESE have become the default experts on carbon fiber, cause they do it most. Wake up, look where 90 % of all bikes are made. Froome, Sagan, etc, etc, on all bikes from.....Now, go to a group ride, I assure you, you'll see 20 different bikes, but the strong guys leading the packs, just ride what they like and can't be caught not because of the bike, but because of their cycling power.
you wouldn't really want to ride a carbon fiber bike from Europe, would you? 1. you wouldn't be able to pay for it -> BMC - Masterpiece made in Germany, €10k the frame only! 2. Taiwan is far ahead in the knowledge of Carbon manufacturing, this the result of big companies like Trek, Specialized, Scott, Pinarello, .... et al, outsourcing this work since the beginning to east Asia. So, feel free to buy your Europe made wobbly carbon thingy.
Ofcourse Ridley Bikes are produced in Asia. What's the problem about that? Thankgod they're produced overthere, otherwise they would cost double the price they are now. If not triple or even more. An asian worker does the same job as an european, only much cheaper. It's all about R&D
+Karel Castelein it is not made in asia... it is made in Belgium...from a to z.... The only thing that is made elsewhere is the molding of the frame, this is made in china... It comes to Ridley (belgium) and there begins the process...sanding, painting, design, clear coat and asembling ....
That's it. Stay in the stone age. You've obviously never ridden a top tier carbon bicycle. Let's compare a Harley to a Ducati. Wait ..... there is no comparison.
lol they try to make is sounds like ur bike is carefully assembled by a caucasian mechanic when i reality its assembled by old asian women on a chinese assembly line
juanjeremy2012 Old Chinese women say "it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop", but if you hold up production Confucius say "Your coat is on a shoogly peg".
I have a 2011 Ridley X-Fire that has held up so well that it was converted to a gravel bike with only a change to the drivetrain (SRAM Force 1X10). The bike performs amazingly with the Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels still handling the roads with ease. Thank you for a great machine….Rob K (Kansas, USA)
I will buy from you! Not just because your bikes have outstanding design and functionality, but also because you didn't have abandon production in Europe. Bravo Ridley, more of us should promote european production of quality! Greetings from Germany!
China is not in Europe
@@kamilkurzynowski3836 1. they are made in Taiwan by TTC, not China. 2. Knowldege on working with carbon fber is much more advanced in Taiwan than in Europe/USA, this as a result of years of more experience with it due to the outsourcing of the jobs to overseas. So probably a carbon frame from Taiwan has better quality than a carbon frame from EU/USA. The base material itself, still comes from the market/quality leader in Japan.
@@Signofevil_Smile4theCam Ask Chinese government about Taiwan. This argument is just bad. There is no evidence to support your claim that those frames are better. They’re cheaper to manufacture and that’s only thing that counts for the corporations. Everything made in Asia will be better if there are no businesses in Europe to compete with. Would you say that Ridley makes better frames than 3T?
@@kamilkurzynowski3836 I would say that the top level brands all cook with the same amount of water. Doesn't matter which brand you look at. There is no 'we are the Best'. It is interesting that you line out 3T, which just has insourced all frame production back into Italy in 2021! You can also argue there if the work quality is better or if the frame is just more expensive due to the labor work. Same can be said about the e.g. BMC 'Materpiece' which is handmade in Germany. It is not that I decide that the knowledge on how to properly manufacture carbon frames is higher in Taiwan/East Asia, this is an industry wide accepted fact. it simply comes due to their longer experience with handling the product. This of course does not exclude that Europe/America can't catch up, but as of now, the cards are spread like that. It is also very interesting that you line out to ask an undemocratic, comunistic governement on their meaning about an independant country. Of course China will not agree that Taiwan is not China, but then again, this is what the Chinese think. Ask a western country what they think on that and the answer will be the opposite. Same is with Tibet. So in this regard your statement literally supports the Chinese aim to surpress other nations. Beautiful point of view you have. Next point you line out is the R&D and the manufacturing process. Fact is, as lined out before already, that as of now the companies in Asia have a far higher knowledge, skills and understanding on manufacturing, I repeat: manufacturing, Carbon items (not only bike frames) than european/american manufacturers do. We do not talk about R&D and the QC implemented by european/american standards, also not about the end-production. So you have to try to seperate between R&D/QC and the knowledge on how to work with carbon as a material. If we then talk about QC, we then have to face the fact that the QC standards in all frame production facilities are based on the standards that are used for aluminium & steel frames. So actually not covering the actual steps necessary for carbon frame manufacturing. Meaning: there is actually no real QC standard for carbon fiber frames.
@@Signofevil_Smile4theCam I do not support the Chinese view, but we should stop pretending. They rule the World now, we’ve skipped the xi… My response was simple, Ridley does not make their frames in Europe. We can argue that Taiwan is not a China, I don’t care. All production went there (to Asia) cause abusing asian nations was cheaper than building sustainable business here. I don’t care if their product is better as a result of corporate greed. This is not the point, it never was. The frames made in Taiwan are not better. No matter if we talk QC or RND.
A convincing video. I've worked on a guys Ridley and was impressed w/ the finish of the paint and lacquer. congrats to Belgium and to Ridley for the lineup.
thank you bikeradar.
Ridley staffs always make their bike precisely. I am very impressed.
Yes but if the frame is made in china who cares who puts the wheels on and the decals. Decals and components dont make the bike better the frame does. So this is the most important part. But i have a bmc and it is also made in china but it is a very nice riding bike. I think that too many bikes are made in china but i think trek does make them in usa. And maybe canondale also i think not shure.
b that's sound interesting but I think China made product today is better than ones in the past just look at the numbers of Big name bike brand that base their factories at China.
@@ein99999 1. Mistake: Ridley frames are NOT made in China, but in Taiwan by TTC, probably the Top of the Cream Carbon factory. HUGE difference! 2. Mistake: Carbon knowledge in Taiwan is far ahead than in Europe or USA. So why have it done in a 2nd level knowledge area if it can be done where the best knowledge is available. 3. The carbon fibers come from the world market/quality leader in Japan. 4. EVERY big company has their frames done in Taiwan, be it Trek, Specialized/S-Works, Scott, Cannondale, Pinarello, et al. This either under license in the Factories of Merida or Giant or then again by a Vendor like TTC. 5. If you really want a frame fully made in e.g. Europe like the BMC - Masterpiece, you pay straight away €10k for it. This is totally fine if you're a show-off and need the attention. But you do not really want a scratch on that bike do you? so therefore your comment doesn't really contain any usefull and correct information.
I want and have wanted a Ridley since 2004.
great insights. love the classic look of Helium SLX frames and in pureline it is just stunning.
Just got my Xfire.. I already love it.
Amazing company. Stunning bikes.
"I really like it, but could you change the colors and design?"
My life!
6:16 "I really like it, but could you change the colours and design?" ahaha superbe
NICE JOB
Very nice insight! Does Ridley build in threaded bb‘s ? If yes, I really would consider buying their gravel aero
I just saw from Taipei Cycle Show, the box from where the frames were taken from says Made in China.
bronberrymix -- When Belgium move to china?
My Noah FB says made in China, the R&D behind it matters, hence a lovely ride. Loving it.
わたしのridleyもここで作ってもらったと考えると感無量です
Brake design looks nice.
If you take a tour can you get fitted and buy a custom bike at the factory ?
Yo tengo una ridley noah pro dei 2012 y nesecito el tenedor delantero airflow color blanco donde lo puedo conseguir?.
Herspuiten ze ook ridley frames??!
a Bélgica tem tradição em bicicletas!😉
warm greetings from macedonia
Golden Sentence '' No assembly line ''
What is the name on this guy job 2:32 ?
+Christian Kjeldsen The design.
it says fast ... that derives from th-cam.com/video/VFYOyJarneQ/w-d-xo.htmlm06s
Very nice road frames, but I love my Bianchi too much!
I used to work at a bike shop that would sell the occasional Ridley. As with most bikes they are all made in China. I really hope to see more nice bikes that are made in western countries like Europe and US, instead of the usual China. Thanks.
Of course the frames are 'made' in China. Made being the optimum word, as the design process is the most important. The frames are designed in Belgium, they specify exactly what carbon composites they require and to what tolerances, the frames are then built in a Chinese factory. Very few 'workers' are involved as the process of producing a carbon frame is very automated. As the film shows, the frames are then rigorously inspected by Ridley to ensure quality. Where the frame is built make no odds at all, if the design/ materials are good then the frame will be good.
Factory shown using today carbon yet you refer to 50 Ton etc which is mitsubishi carbon, today uses T800 etc
Factory???
อยากได้มากๆๆครับ
why are they not wearing masks while sanding!
is that floyd?
V brakes on a carbon frame is scary. I wonder HW many frames still exist that were ridden
I'we just buy aRidley alloy frame!! Thank you
My friend is a real artist, he works there
They're not fooling anybody with this video. The video doesnt show the frames being built and rather shows stills of a factory probably in china. They spends way too much time showing how much time spend spend crafting and applying decals? Very misleading as Ridley represents that their bike are built in Belgium but it's obvious the frames are manufactured and shipped in from Asia and Ridley just finishes (sand, decal, and paint) and assembles the parts.
Of course, this is not an independent documentary, it's P.R. ... and very nicely done.
Please, Ridley staff, gimme a job!
Open a factory in Mexico!
Factory tour? You mean storage facilities... Nothing similar manufacturing there. Obviously most carbon frames comes from Taiwan but be honest and show where they are made and them the Belgian facilities.
Ceci n'est pas une velocipede, tres Belgique.
Funny i am a bicycle mechanic at a large shop and we are a Ridley dealer.......... and funny but every single bike i assemble says "Made in China" on it......
+Cori Puckett says:
"Funny i am a bicycle mechanic at a large shop and we are a Ridley
dealer.......... and funny but every single bike i assemble says "Made
in China" on it......"
==
There are bike shops specialized in top end bicycles.
The customers of those shops don't limit themselves because of the price.
Many bicycle makers still make their top end bicycles for those markets.
could have sworn mine says made in China......
The frames are manufactured in China/Taiwan by the same OEM company who also does Cervélo and Scott. Engineering, Quality Control and assembling is in Belgium. There are not many Carbon frame manufacturers in the world. Mainly Giant and Merida have their very own Carbon factories. Giant offers their services to Trek and Cannondale, while Merida, owning 49% on Specialized, offers their factory to Specialized f.e. So nearly everything is made in China/Taiwan. This also comes down to the price factor, imagine these frames would be manufactured in Europe or the U.S., you really wouldn't be able to pay these bikes anymore. Just f.e. the BMC Masterpiece frame is entirely handmade in Germany, with 1 piece per day at a price of €10'000 for the frameset alone! The difference between cheap Chinese frames and expensive 'Branded' frames is the Engineering and Quality Control that ensure certain quality standards and these points in combination with the Brand's name make these frames a 'bit' more expensive.
RIdley frames are made in China.
As most others. Now Taiwan is a totally different animal. Anyway. China has become the default expert in carbon bikes, cause they have the most experience with them.
the music track in the background is annoying
Is it just me, or did this video seem more about presentation than substance. They seem to care more about the paint job than the build of the frame. Maybe a little cynical, a lot of what they odd seems very efficient. Where are the frames actually built? There was no video of the frame build, just a few stills
Not just you .. I noticed the same thing. They focused more on paint. I got the impression they spent more money on paint R&D .. then actual frame R&D .. Even the presenter sounds like he didn't really want to present this .. but had to for money.
I believe their actually crafted in Asia.
Most bike companies don't go into detail on how they build their frames.
mine was made in taiwan
Nice bike but made in China....i haven't see one yet made in Belgium....lol
Like Specialized Piinarello, Stoerk, Giant, Colnago, Factor, Canyon, Bianchi, etc, etc, etc. The TAIWANESE have become the default experts on carbon fiber, cause they do it most. Wake up, look where 90 % of all bikes are made. Froome, Sagan, etc, etc, on all bikes from.....Now, go to a group ride, I assure you, you'll see 20 different bikes, but the strong guys leading the packs, just ride what they like and can't be caught not because of the bike, but because of their cycling power.
you wouldn't really want to ride a carbon fiber bike from Europe, would you? 1. you wouldn't be able to pay for it -> BMC - Masterpiece made in Germany, €10k the frame only! 2. Taiwan is far ahead in the knowledge of Carbon manufacturing, this the result of big companies like Trek, Specialized, Scott, Pinarello, .... et al, outsourcing this work since the beginning to east Asia. So, feel free to buy your Europe made wobbly carbon thingy.
support local....
Ofcourse Ridley Bikes are produced in Asia. What's the problem about that? Thankgod they're produced overthere, otherwise they would cost double the price they are now. If not triple or even more. An asian worker does the same job as an european, only much cheaper. It's all about R&D
+Karel Castelein it is not made in asia... it is made in Belgium...from a to z.... The only thing that is made elsewhere is the molding of the frame, this is made in china... It comes to Ridley (belgium) and there begins the process...sanding, painting, design, clear coat and asembling ....
+luca D'Amires No offence. Hmmmm, believe whatever you want, I know beter.
specialized , trek , ridley , bianchi , pinarello , . . . made in china ou made taiwan .
Yep!
and china!!!
made somewhere in asia...
Steel frame made in the good ole U.S.A. or I'm not interested
That's it. Stay in the stone age. You've obviously never ridden a top tier carbon bicycle. Let's compare a Harley to a Ducati. Wait ..... there is no comparison.
Another paint shop called a "factory".
"Hello Alibaba, send us a 100 more frames, we're making a video and want to show the quality of your builds."
that is capitalism . making very good frames ?!
lol they try to make is sounds like ur bike is carefully assembled by a caucasian mechanic when i reality its assembled by old asian women on a chinese assembly line
+juanjeremy2012 not true... it really is made how it is showed in the clip...no old asian woman in ridley
juanjeremy2012 Old Chinese women say "it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop", but if you hold up production Confucius say "Your coat is on a shoogly peg".
False Advertisement!
They are garbage. Buy a TREK
mine was made in taiwan