RedChilli new fleet for Cycle Retreats

An introduction to our latest fleet bikes and a review of how they performed on their maiden voyage.

RedChilli Bike First Ride

We are so pleased with our latest editions to the family and to be introducing our newest partner to you, we will be bringing you more information on the partnership and how you can benefit, but for now let me introduce you to RedChilli bikes and David the founder and man behind the fabulous new bikes in the Cycle Retreats fleet.

RedChilli is the name of the UK based bike supplier and currently they are proud to be sponsoring the Pronoctis ladies pro cycle team. The bikes are custom built to your requirements, so you get exactly the kit you want on it.

We have just recently taken delivery of our new RedChilli bikes and after much deliberation we have gone for the FR3 – which really does have a race pedigree. From the moment we engaged with David at RedChilli Bikes it was a pleasure collaborating with him as we discussed the options for our custom bikes, we changed things several times and nothing was too much trouble. Updates were provided on timescales several times from frame delivery to build times.

So, what is our first thoughts on the bike.

Firstly – the bikes look superb with a very elegant frame design and dropped aero rear stay which contours the rear wheel of the bike, this provides an aero frame design together with a compact front geometry the bike has all the makings of what looks to be a very quick responsive bike… did I mention it looks fantastic as well.

RedChilli will provide a bespoke service for you and build the bike you want and from the initial contact the service has been second to none. For our fleet bikes, we have gone for the latest 12 speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 group set with a 34/11 cassette and compact front chain ring 50/34. The bars and stem are 2-piece Deda Zero 1 handlebars, Prologo seat and we are running Fulcram Racing 5 wheels on Vitoria clincher tyres.

So, let’s get to the nitty gritty… The bike I rode was a size 54 and came in at 8kg (ready to ride). So how did it perform…

You can really feel the race pedigree oozing through the frame at the outset, I found the bike to be well balanced and super agile in the corners. From the moment I started to ride the bike it had a responsive edge and I felt super confident taking it into corners, the mere thought of a corner and it responds to your slightest shift in weight, yet whilst agile the bike felt planted and secure on the roads agile but not twitchy which comes back to the balance of the bike. 

When you step on the pedals, especially on a climb, the bike is propelled forward with ease, this is thanks to the efficiency of the rear stay delivering the power instantly to where you need it whilst providing comfort. The bike picks up speed well and then the bike just wants to keep on rolling, I found it very easy to maintain speed, the bike rolls smooth on the fulcrum 5 wheels. The frame is stiffer than the endurance bike I currently ride (Bianchi) which was to be expected however after 4 hours in the saddle I was still super comfortable on the bike.

Mile after mile I grew in confidence on the bike throwing it into corners climbing in and out of the saddle and descending, I found it just a comfortable place to be.

The 12 speed Di2 Ultegra group set is just a joy to use with crisp confident shifting and smooth predictable braking through the powerful front 160mm disc brake and the 140mm rear disc brake.

In Summary – I am super happy with the RedChilli FR3 it looks great and is extremely responsive whilst remaining comfortable and balanced. For a custom bike build of this quality you cannot go wrong with RedChilli bikes, and I certainly recommend them… What a bike and what great service from David.



The bikes are head turners, and we had a few admiring looks and people asking where they were from. Can’t wait to get our guests on them, they really are the next level in bike build!