RIDLEY's aluminum gravel bike, the "Kanzo A," saw a significant price change for the 2025 model year. The 2024 model retailed for ¥253,000 (tax included), but the 2025 model is an astonishing ¥149,600 (tax included).

If you're considering buying your first gravel bike, this model is definitely worth checking out!

*Due to manufacturer's policy, this product is not available for online sale. Please consult your nearest RIDLEY dealer for purchase inquiries.

▶Click here for a list of RIDLEY dealers (distributor's official website)

2025.RIDLEY Kanzo A

[Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price] ¥149,600 (tax included)
[Colors (3 total)] Matt Battleship Grey, Belgian Blue, Copper Metallic
[Sizes (approximate height)] XXS (155-165cm), XS (160-170cm), S (170-180cm), M (175-185cm), L (180-190cm)
* Valve caps and valve nuts are not included.

About Kanzo A's Frame Performance

The Kanzo A frame is made from triple-butted 6061-T6 aluminum, an excellent frame that balances lightness and rigidity.

The geometry features a very good on/off-road balance, with a frame design that is easy to handle and doesn't sacrifice road performance.

While gravel bikes are designed to accommodate riding on "rough" terrain with cargo, an overemphasis on this can lead to diminished climbing performance on paved roads. The Kanzo A strikes a good balance between gravel performance and speed on paved roads!

However, choosing the right size requires a bit of care! While we've listed the recommended heights according to the official website, the bike size appears to be slightly large for the recommended height. (For reference, the S size felt just right for the author, who is 178cm tall.) Please confirm the appropriate size if you are considering purchasing.

The top tube features a flattened, curved tapered shape. This design is expected to improve vibration absorption while maintaining rigidity around the head tube.

There's plenty of tire clearance, with the manufacturer officially stating a maximum of 42mm (700c) / 55mm (650b).

True to a gravel bike, eyelets are strategically placed throughout the frame. This allows for bikepacking setups, as well as the attachment of racks and carriers.

Internal cable routing is adopted, designed to prevent issues.

It's a bit disappointing that internal dropper seat post routing is not supported.

The front fork is a full carbon fork, offering excellent lightweight and vibration absorption. The inclusion of three-bolt eyelets is a welcome feature.

This frame is highly versatile and can adapt to various riding styles. It seems to be a good match for Japan's terrain, which often features many ups and downs!

Incidentally, the actual weight of the complete bike was 10.7kg (S size)! This makes it a lightweight model compared to other brands in the same class!

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About Kanzo A's Component Specifications

The basic specifications include Shimano GRX (2x10 speed).

The cassette features an 11-36T, which is rather small for a gravel bike. This gear ratio is suited for a double front chainring.

Recently, many gravel bikes have adopted a single front chainring to reduce the risk of mechanical issues.

However, when riding gravel in Japan, you often encounter fairly steep climbs, and as someone with weak legs, I sometimes feel that a double front chainring is a viable option...💦

Shimano WH-RS171 wheels (clincher) are used. It's great that key components like the crank, brakes, and wheels haven't been downgraded, which is often the case!

Tires are Vittoria Terreno Dry (700x38c)

The saddle is a Selle Italia Model X.

The component configuration is very well-balanced. Having such a stable set of components as standard is a great advantage.

There are no immediate points that absolutely need to be upgraded after purchase, so you can gradually customize it to suit your riding style!

Specifications

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Impressions after test riding Kanzo A

In a good way, it rides like a perfectly neutral aluminum gravel bike! While it doesn't excel in any particular riding style, it also doesn't have any characteristics that I disliked.

I imagine that those who purchase this class of bike are either "first-time gravel bike" owners or looking for a "secondary bike." For such riders, a neutral model is extremely desirable.

While it doesn't feel exceptionally lightweight, its excellent stability provides a sense of security even when carrying cargo. The ability to experience this level of performance at this price is highly recommended!

It rides well on paved roads, making it suitable for daily commutes/school runs of a certain distance, as well as weekend cycling trips and bike tours. Its stability also makes you want to challenge aggressive gravel rides! I think it's a very versatile model that can be enjoyed in many ways!

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Summary of 2025.RIDLEY Kanzo A

The previous model's price felt "a bit high, but it's RIDLEY (plus rising costs)," but the new model's price drop is shockingly extreme.

Incidentally, RIDLEY's entry-level road bike "Fenix SLA Disc" has also seen a price drop to the same level as the Kanzo A.

RIDLEY will probably win the "Best Value for Money" award for entry-level gravel and road bikes for the 2025 model year. (Though no such award exists.)

This entry-level model, which is so versatile and expandable, and well-suited to Japanese terrain, is now incredibly affordable.

Since it's a brand that's not allowed to be sold online, it won't be something everyone can easily buy, but I have a feeling it will be first-come, first-served!

Consider it soon!

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