The Arena C is Ridley’s top-end track frameset and this particular build might just be one of the best looking track bikes we’ve ever featured on the site.
Custom Ridley Arena track bike specs
- Frame: Ridley Arena Carbon
- Fork: Ridley Arena Carbon
- Cog: Shimano Dura Ace 7710, 15t
- Crankset: Shimano Dura Ace 7700, 52t
- Bottom bracket: Shimano Dura Ace 7710 Octalink
- Front wheel: PRO 5-spoke wheel tubular
- Rear wheel: Disc wheel track tubular
- Tyres: Continental Tempo II Track, 22mm tubular
- Handlebars: PRO Vibe track
- Stem: PRO Vibe sprint
- Pedals: Garmin Vector 3
- Saddle: PRO Stealth Carbon
The frameset is heavily aero-optimised, with the wheel tucked right into the bent seat tube and a position that makes my back hurt just looking at it.
The bike also employs Ridley’s signature ‘F-Split’ design, which sees a slit moulded into each fork leg that is said to clean up airflow on the incredibly chunky forks — all in the name of #aerogainz.
It may seem like a small thing, but I’m particularly fond of the intricate shape of the bonded-in alloy track ends — it’s not totally clear whether these are cast, forged or machined, but Ridley’s efforts here have not gone unnoticed.
The Arena is available via Ridley’s PureLine customisation program and the owner of this particular bike has taken full advantage, finishing the bike with a very, very cool cream and gold paint job.
The bike is built around a most delightful mix of components — I personally think that Dura Ace 7710 is one of the most handsome groupsets out there (particularly the hubs) and the contrast between that muscular carbon frame and those skinny polished cranks truly sets my nerdy heart aflutter.
As an aside, Stages actually makes a power meter version of the FC-7710 track crankset — which still uses Shimano’s largely forgotten Octalink bottom bracket standard — but this particular build uses Garmin’s Vector 3 pedals for power data.
PRO supplies the finishing kit and wheels, the latter of which are fitted with Continental’s massively popular Tempo track tubular tyres.
Ridley also makes a time trial/pursuit version of the Arena — which actually looks more like the brand's Dean time trial bike — which features a more integrated front end, an aero seatpost (as opposed to a topper) and a less sculpted rear end. There is also an entry-level alloy version in the lineup.
