Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 Prototype: New aero race gravel bike with fat tyres

​With the Kanzo Fast, Ridley was one of the first manufacturers to consistently apply the principles of aerodynamics to gravel cycling. Now, the next stage in its evolution is on the horizon: Following several race appearances as a prototype and a public unveiling at Eurobike, the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 appears to be on the verge of launch. The new race gravel bike has a clear objective – maximum speed, without losing sight of the demands of modern gravel racing. Whilst models such as the Ridley ASTR promise a more balanced blend of racing performance and comfort, the new Kanzo Fast 2.0 is clearly aimed at riders who want to capitalise on every watt saved on fast gravel courses. Although Ridley has not yet published full technical specifications or an official launch date, all the signs suggest that the Kanzo Fast 2.0 is set to play a key role in shaping the next generation of aero gravel bikes.

Ridely Kanzo Fast 2.0 in detail

• Intended use: Gravel
• Tyre clearance: up to 58 mm
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: approx. 8.1 kg
• Price: 7,500 euros (top-of-the-range model)
• Special features: frame storage compartment, top tube mount, bespoke aero bags

Striking design for wide tyres

​It is clear at first glance that Ridley has further refined the aerodynamic design of the Kanzo Fast 2.0. Particularly striking is the voluminous head tube, whose shape is strongly reminiscent of the Noah Fast 3.0 aero road bike. Together with deeply profiled tube shapes and a neatly integrated cockpit, the bike exudes an uncompromising racing character. The front end, too, has been systematically designed to minimise air resistance as much as possible. The one-piece Forza cockpit combines narrow lever positions with outward-flaring lower handlebars – a layout intended to enable both an aerodynamic riding position and control on rough terrain.

Whilst early aero gravel bikes often had to compromise on tyre width, Ridley appears to have significantly resolved this conflict for the Kanzo Fast 2.0. According to the manufacturer, the new model can accommodate tyres up to 58 millimetres wide. All trim levels are set to be fitted with 29 x 2.25-inch-wide gravel tyres. This means the Kanzo Fast 2.0 is not only aimed at fast gravel races, but also at more technically demanding routes with rougher terrain. Rather than focusing solely on reducing aerodynamic drag, the new race gravel bike is also designed to lower rolling resistance through the use of wider tyres. According to the manufacturer, whilst the aerodynamic improvements compared to previous models are in the single-digit percentage range, the reduction in rolling resistance is expected to be significantly greater.

This development reflects a general trend in gravel racing: it is not air resistance alone that determines speed, but the interplay of aerodynamics, tyre choice, comfort and riding stability. The new Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 frame made its first public appearance at international gravel races such as The Traka, where Ridley factory riders were already competing on the prototype.

The devil is in the detail

The prototype bike on display at the 2026 Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt offered a glimpse of some exciting details of the new Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0. There is a storage compartment in the down tube of the carbon frame. According to Ridley, this was deliberately positioned not beneath the bottle cage but slightly further down to allow for the easiest possible access. In the production version, a mount for a CO₂ cartridge and a mini-tool will be located beneath the cover. All cable routing is internal to the frame. The bike is also said to be designed to accommodate an energy system comprising a power bank, cables and a hub dynamo, to provide ultra-athletes with the necessary power during night-time rides.

A bag can be securely bolted to the top tube. When not fitted, the mounting point is neatly concealed beneath a cover. In typical race-gravel bike fashion, the Ridley Kanzo 2 does not feature any additional mounting points for luggage, such as on the fork. According to our information, Ridley is currently working on special prototype bags that fit the Kanzo Fast 2.0 perfectly and are also said to be particularly aerodynamic. As Ridley’s professional riders are capable of maintaining average speeds of 38 kilometres per hour even over distances of 200 kilometres, even the smallest details are relevant when it comes to aerodynamics.

The Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 show bike was fitted with a small chain guide to keep the drivetrain on track even on rough rides. The pre-production paint finish was already attracting quite a few glances. A new painting technique had been specially developed for the production bike. The prototype gravel bike also featured new carbon wheels from the brand’s own range. Thanks to their carbon spokes, these are said to be particularly free-spinning.

Price, weight, availability

The Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 is still a prototype. However, according to Ridley, the new aerodynamic race gravel bike is expected to be available from around September. At the Eurobike trade fair, Ridley showcased the top-of-the-range model, which is expected to weigh around 8.1 kilos when fitted with a SRAM Force AXS groupset. The planned price for this high-end gravel racer is 7,500 euros.

Conclusion

Lightweight, aerodynamic, plenty of tyre clearance – if you ask me, that’s the future of gravel biking. The Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 prototype impressively demonstrates the direction in which the sport is heading, combining the sporting credentials of a race gravel bike with practical design features. The Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 should be ideal for fast rides on long routes and challenging terrain. – Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor