Ridley Ignite GTX: One bike - half gravel bike, half mountain bike

The Belgian bike manufacturer is positioning the Ignite GTX as a so-called "alpine gravel bike", which is intended to combine the off-road capability of a hardtail MTB with the versatility of a gravel racer. The new model offers huge tyre clearance, the option of a suspension fork and a frame geometry optimised for rough terrain. Ridley already relies on a similar concept with the Kanzo Adventure, but with the Ignite GTX it goes one step further in the direction of the adventurer.

Ridley Ignite GTX: Gravel bike - inspired by the race MTB

The geometry of the Ignite GTX is based on the almost eponymous Ignite SLX race hardtail from Ridley. The Belgians hope that this will increase riding stability. The wheelbase of the hybrid of gravel bike and mountain bike is extremely long at 1100 millimetres, 35 millimetres longer than the Kanzo Adventure.

The steering angle of 70 degrees is also very slack and indicates a high degree of directional stability. In terms of riding position, the new Ridley has an STR ratio of 1.47, which is on a very sporty level compared to bikepacking specialists such as the Wilier Adlar you sometimes sit up straighter.

Depending on the equipment variant, the carbon frame is fitted with either a rigid fork or a suspension fork from Rockshox. According to Ridley, the suspension fork has no negative impact on handling, as the frame geometry has been specially optimised for this. All variants offer a suspension travel of 100 millimetres.

In addition to the suspension fork, extreme tyre clearance should ensure the necessary riding comfort on rough terrain. Tyres up to 2.3 inches wide (approx. 58 millimetres) fit through the frame and fork. Even in standard trim, the Ignite GTX rolls on 2.25 inch (approx. 57 millimetre) MTB studded tyres from Vittoria. For comparison: The Kanzo Adventure allows a maximum tyre width of 54 millimetres, which is already above the average.

A very wide, flared aluminium handlebar from Ritchey rounds off the adventurous concept and is designed to provide safety on demanding trails. The Venturemax model, which is also bolted to the adventure-ready backroad by Rose, among others, is characterised by extremely outward-facing (flare: 24 degrees) and ergonomically shaped handlebar bends. The handlebar width varies between 42 and 46 centimetres depending on the frame size.

Facts, features & price

• Weight of complete wheel: not specified
• Frame/fork weight: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 614/418 millimetres/1.47
• Max. tyre clearance: 2.3 inch (approx. 58 millimetres)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Prices: from 2799 Euro >> available here

Ridley offers the Ignite GTX in four equipment variants and just as many frame sizes. The two basic models are available with either a rigid or suspension fork, while the two top models are only available with a suspension fork.

The Belgians rely on multi-gear drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM, with only the high-end version changing gears electronically. The wheels are made of aluminium or carbon from their own Forza brand.

The new gravel bike is available from 2799 euros. Ridley did not provide specific prices for the equipment variants. The Belgian company also did not provide any information on the complete wheel weights.

Ignite GTX Apex

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex 1/SX Eagle
• Tyres: Vittoria Barzo (2.25")
• Impellers: Forza XCD-SL
• Fork: Rigid/Rockshox Judy Silver (100 mm)

Ignite GTX Rival

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival 1/NX Eagle
• Tyres: Vittoria Barzo (2.25")
• Impellers: Forza XCD-SL
• Fork: Rigid/Rockshox Recon Gold (100 mm)

Ignite GTX GRX 800

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 800/MT 510
• Tyres: Vittoria Barzo (2.25")
• Impellers: Forza Levanto XC
• Fork: Rockshox SID SL (100 mm)

Ignite SRAM Rival/GX AXS

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival/GX AXS
• Tyres: Vittoria Barzo (2.25")
• Impellers: Forza Levanto XC
• Fork: Rockshox SID SL Select+ (100 mm)