Ridley Cordis 1 Women (2017) - Review

Made using a 661 aluminium alloy frame, the Ridley Cordis 1 Women, is a lightweight and sturdy bicycle. The women specific, low step-thru frame design enables easier mounting and dismounting. The geometry of this bicycle makes it surprisingly as powerful, and comfortable (if not more), as riding a standard unisex bicycle. The Cordis 7C women hybrid frame ensures a relatively upright riding position. Available in two sizes – Small, and Medium. This bicycle has a 7C, thread less suspension fork with 5mm travel. This absorbed most of the vibrations from bumpy roads extremely well, transferring very little vibrations to the handlebars when tested on muddy roads, and potholes.

The Ridley Cordis 1, is a 24-speed bicycle with a Shimano Tourney, 3-speed Front Derailleur and a Shimano Altus, 8-Speed rear derailleur. The shifting is controlled by Shimano Altus 24-speed shifters. The transition was rather smooth, except for a slight lag when it came to shifting the higher gears. This happened while up-shifting and down-shifting. Maybe a slight point of concern if you are looking at smooth, uninterrupted shifting. I found that the shifting happened, but a pedal stroke after I shifted.

With the Ridley Cordis 1 Women, Ridley has stuck to an overall simple look. That does not mean that it looks boring or plain. This bicycle looks sleek, simple and very elegant. The bicycle is available in a Blue-Green colour with a similar coloured branding. Simple, neat and aesthetically pleasing.

The Ridley Cordis 1 Women, comes equipped with Promax TX-117 Alloy V-brakes which are connected to Shimano EF51 Brake Levers. The braking performance was commendable. The stoppage power is perfect for city usage where you don’t require powerful stoppage. The feathered stopping of the bike with regular usage is perfect for hybrids that are meant to be for city commutes and longer fitness rides during the week. When tested for abrupt stopping, there is no limit as to what the braking can do. The power was enough to send you off the saddle if used without caution. This bicycle comes equipped with a Zoom alloy flat handlebar. One positive of this handlebar is the incredible control over the steering and stability of the bicycle. The handlebars are long 62mm handlebars, which are great for longer rides, ensuring zero strain on the elbows and hands. Riders with smaller or shorter hands may find the wide handlebars a bit of a stretch.

The Ridley Cordis 1 for Women, comes equipped with Kenda Keen 7 x 35C tires. The tires are fast rolling and ensure great grip on flat, smooth city roads, and rugged-bumpy urban landscapes alike. The treading on the tires is sure to provide sufficient grip and stability when ridden on wet conditions. The saddle that comes on the Ridley Cordis 1 Women, is a high-density foam saddle with a PU Covering. The saddle is soft enough to provide adequate cushioning for longer rides, it is rather commendable in fact!