Ridely not only equips the Lotto-Soudal team with racing bikes, but has also been at the forefront of the Cyclocross World Cup for many years. The Belgians have now transferred their racing DNA to an MTB fully. Sablo is the name of the Belgians' latest creation - a thoroughbred cross-country fully with 100 millimetres of suspension travel. "We have created a light and responsive bike that feels at home in modern cross-country racing. The focus was on performance and durability," explains Ridley Product Manager Martin Schuttert.
There will be three models of the Sablo for 2018, all of which are equipped with the high-quality Fox Float Factory DPS shock with Kashima coating, which has been specially customised for the bike. Enduro Bearings are also used on the rear suspension bearings. Axles with Boost dimensions (15x110 mm front, 12x148 mm rear), an optional sideswing derailleur mount and integrated cable routing for dropper seat posts offer plenty of scope for retrofitting. The carbon fibre frame is also the same on all Sablo bikes and should weigh 2050 grams (size M) without the shock. In terms of geometry, the Belgians do not deny their racing origins: a 70 degree steep steering angle should ensure agile handling, while the 74 seat angle puts the rider in a climbing-friendly riding position. The chainstays measure 435 millimetres. The rear suspension system of the single-pivot bike with the seat stay pulled upwards and the pivot moved upwards is somewhat reminiscent of the Focus Spine.
The top model of the Sablo comes with Sram Eagle XX1, Fox 32 SC fork and DT Swiss XR 1500 wheels. It is expected to cost 6999 euros. The mid-range model in green-orange paintwork and with Sram Eagle X0 changes hands for 5899 euros. The cheapest race fully from the Belgians still costs an impressive 4699 euros; there are no aluminium models. All three Sablo models will be available from Ridley dealers from November.
