Ridley Helium SLX - opinions?

[Shut Up Legs]

I saw a nice Ridley Helium SLX in a local bike store this morning, and was wondering if any of you had bought or just ridden one, and what were your impressions?

The one in the store had some features I like:
- conventional frame shape, i.e. mostly circular/oval cross-sections
- light weight: this one has a 54cm frame and weighs 7kg (the staff used a portable scale to weigh it for me). Thanks to having fairly long legs, I'd probably need their next size up, which I think is 57cm (and I'd have to move the stem above all the spacers, and flip the stem), but it should still be fairly light, as I understand from a bit of reading that the Helium SLX is their range designed for light weight
- Dura-Ace group set, but the next time it needed replacing, I'd probably go with Ultegra. A dumb question: is it possible to put Ultegra cassette and chain wheels on a Dura-Ace group set?

 

[Pale Rider]

Mate of mine has a basic £1,000 Ridley gravel bike which he has been pleased with.

In Europe, Ridley offer custom frame and fork colours.

@Elybazza61 recently built a nice one.

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/new-bike-frame-time-ridley-kanzo-adventure-custom.254269/

 

[Domus]

Hired one in Mallorca last year with Ultegra Di2. Very nice bike, lighter than the Fenix I had the year before but apart from the weight I could not tell them apart.

 

[Heigue'r]

Yes you can replace the dura ace with ultegra when the time comes

 

[Rando]

I have a Helium SLX on order - delivery mid March !
Will post more details once I have it unless you decide to purchase one (or something else) before.
I looked at lots of bikes and opted for the Ridley as I like the more traditional shape and you do not see too many of them about (well certainly not in Leicestershire which is my riding ground).

 

[Elybazza61]

Haven't seen one yet but have an older Helium and the shop manager has the newer version.

They are a good all round bike and mine is stable and comfy(for a race oriented bike) on the crappy roads around here and obviously flys up any inclines (not many around here I know!).

Did the shop mention the free custom paint code? This is running until the end of February or until the codes run out.

Of course being from down under it should really be set up like this

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I have a Helium SLX on order - delivery mid March !
Will post more details once I have it unless you decide to purchase one (or something else) before.
I looked at lots of bikes and opted for the Ridley as I like the more traditional shape and you do not see too many of them about (well certainly not in Leicestershire which is my riding ground).

I won't have bought a new bike by the time you get yours, as I'm in no hurry to decide.