Ridgeback Motion

About the Ridgeback Motion

The Motion sits squarely in Ridgeback's urban lineup as a no-nonsense hybrid that prioritises getting you from A to B without drama. Built around a 6061 heat-treated aluminium frame with an open step-through design, it's aimed at commuters, weekend explorers, and anyone who wants a bike that works rather than one that demands attention. The geometry leans upright, the tyres are wide enough to shrug off potholes, and there's enough mounting hardware to carry a week's shopping or a weekend's camping kit. You're not buying cutting-edge tech here - you're buying a tool that does the job reliably, day in, day out.

Ridgeback has kept the spec practical rather than flashy. A chromoly fork up front absorbs the worst of the road chatter, while 700×42c Vee Tire Zilents offer cushioning and grip across tarmac, towpaths, and the occasional gravel byway. The 21-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain won't win any awards for slickness, but it covers the range you need for urban gradients and country lanes. Promax V-brakes handle stopping duties - adequate in the dry, less inspiring when it's wet. The whole package weighs in around 14.6 kg, which isn't featherweight but reflects the durability and practicality baked into the design. This is a bike that'll take mudguards, racks, and panniers without complaint, and it'll keep rolling long after trendier machines have been relegated to the shed.

What the Motion offers is simplicity and versatility. It's not trying to be a gravel racer or a touring thoroughbred; it's a dependable all-rounder that suits riders who value comfort and utility over speed. The open frame makes mounting and dismounting effortless - ideal if you're stopping frequently or prefer not to swing a leg over a top tube. Ergonomic grips and a pressure-relief saddle add to the comfort brief, while external cable routing keeps maintenance straightforward. If you're after a bike that'll handle the commute, the weekend shop, and the occasional canal-path jaunt without fuss, the Motion delivers exactly that.

Ridgeback Motion geometry

Ridgeback hasn't published a detailed geometry chart for the Motion, but the frame's character is clear from the riding position and handling feedback. The open step-through design and upright cockpit put you in a relaxed, visibility-first posture - your weight sits over the saddle rather than the bars, and your back stays comfortable even on longer rides. The riser bar (620 mm or 640 mm depending on frame size) has a 6-degree backsweep and 20 mm of rise, which keeps your wrists neutral and your shoulders loose. Paired with a short 70 mm stem, the front end feels stable and unhurried rather than twitchy.

The wheelbase is generous, contributing to predictable handling that inspires confidence when you're loaded with panniers or navigating traffic. You won't carve tight switchbacks with the Motion, but you will track straight through ruts and hold a line on gravel without drama. The chromoly fork's rake and the frame's relaxed angles combine to deliver a planted, forgiving ride that suits mixed surfaces and stop-start urban environments. When you're threading through rush-hour traffic or rolling along a bumpy towpath, the geometry keeps things calm and composed.

Sizing spans Small through to XX-Large, with frame dimensions tailored to rider height rather than precise reach and stack figures. Smaller frames get a 170 mm crank arm and narrower bar; larger sizes step up to 175 mm cranks and a wider cockpit. The result is a fit that prioritises comfort and accessibility over aggressive positioning - you'll sit upright, see the road ahead clearly, and arrive without a stiff neck or numb hands.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build on the Motion is sensible and fit-for-purpose. Shimano's Tourney groupset - ST-EF41 EZ-Fire shifters, TY300 rear mech, TY510 front mech - delivers 21 gears with a 48-38-22T triple up front and a 12-32T seven-speed cassette out back. It's entry-level kit, but it covers the range you need for urban hills and flat stretches, and it's easy to service. Shifting isn't as crisp as higher-tier Shimano groups, and the plastic shifter paddles can feel a bit vague under thumb, but for commuting and leisure riding it's more than adequate. The KMC Z7 chain is durable, and the whole drivetrain will keep running with basic maintenance.

Promax TX-117 V-brakes handle stopping. They're rim brakes, so they lack the all-weather bite and modulation of discs, but they're simple, cheap to maintain, and effective in dry conditions. If you're riding in heavy rain or tackling steep descents regularly, you'll notice the limitations - wet rims reduce braking power, and modulation isn't as progressive as you'd get from hydraulic discs. For most urban and leisure riding, though, they're fine. Keep the pads fresh and the rims clean, and they'll do the job.

The Vee Tire Zilent 700×42c tyres are a highlight. They're wide enough to absorb road imperfections and offer decent grip on tarmac, gravel, and hardpack. If you're spending more time on rough surfaces or want a bit more puncture protection, swapping to a tougher tyre like a Schwalbe Marathon or Continental Contact Plus is a straightforward upgrade. The AJ rims and KT hubs are basic but robust - 36-hole lacing and 14-gauge steel spokes mean the wheels will take a beating and keep rolling.

Cockpit and contact points are already comfort-focused. The Ridgeback custom saddle has a pressure-relief channel, and the ergonomic dual-density grips reduce hand fatigue. If you're planning longer rides or have specific fit needs, a saddle swap is always personal, but the stock setup is a good starting point. The alloy seatpost and stem are solid and functional; there's no real need to upgrade unless you're chasing marginal weight savings, which isn't the point of this bike.

If you're planning to use the Motion for loaded touring or year-round commuting, the mounts for mudguards and racks are your best friends. Fit full-length mudguards to keep spray off your back, and add a rear rack for panniers or a basket. The frame and fork are drilled for everything you need, and the open design makes loading and unloading cargo easy. Beyond that, the stock build is well-judged for its intended use - upgrades should be driven by your specific needs rather than a sense that the bike is lacking out of the box.

Where the Ridgeback Motion excels

The Motion is outstanding at urban commuting and relaxed leisure riding. If your typical ride involves navigating city streets, stopping at traffic lights, and carrying a bag or two, this bike is in its element. The upright position gives you excellent visibility in traffic, the wide tyres soak up potholes and kerb drops, and the open frame makes hopping on and off effortless. Rack and mudguard mounts mean you can kit it out for year-round practicality, and the 21-speed drivetrain covers the range you need for urban hills without leaving you spinning out on the flat.

It also handles towpaths, canal routes, and light gravel byways with confidence. The 700×42c tyres and stable geometry mean you can venture off tarmac without worrying about losing traction or control. The chromoly fork absorbs vibrations from rough surfaces, and the moderate weight keeps the bike planted rather than skittish. If your weekend rides mix smooth cycle paths with the occasional unpaved stretch, the Motion will cope without complaint.

Where the Motion isn't ideal is fast-paced group rides, technical off-road trails, or long-distance touring on challenging terrain. The entry-level drivetrain and V-brakes don't offer the precision or stopping power you'd want for aggressive riding, and the moderate weight and upright position aren't optimised for speed. If you're chasing Strava segments or planning multi-day tours over mountainous terrain, you'll want something more specialised. But for everyday utility, comfort, and versatility across mixed urban and light rural riding, the Motion delivers exactly what it promises.

Ridgeback Motion FAQs

Is the Ridgeback Motion good for commuting?
Yes, it's designed for exactly that. The upright riding position, wide tyres, and open frame make it ideal for stop-start urban riding, and the rack and mudguard mounts let you carry essentials and stay dry in all weathers.

What is the weight of the Ridgeback Motion?
The complete bike weighs around 14.6 to 14.7 kg. It's not the lightest hybrid out there, but the weight reflects the durable frame and practical build.

Can I fit pannier bags and mudguards to the Ridgeback Motion?
Absolutely. The frame and fork come with dedicated mounts for both racks and mudguards, so you can load it up for commuting or light touring without any hassle.

What type of brakes does the Ridgeback Motion have?
It's fitted with Promax V-brakes - rim brakes that are simple to maintain and effective in dry conditions, though they're less powerful than disc brakes when it's wet.

Is the Ridgeback Motion suitable for off-road trails?
It'll handle towpaths, gravel byways, and hardpack trails comfortably, but it's not designed for technical singletrack or rough mountain biking. The rigid frame and 700×42c tyres are best suited to smoother off-road surfaces.

How many gears does the Ridgeback Motion have?
It has 21 gears - a Shimano Tourney 3×7 setup with a triple chainring up front and a seven-speed cassette at the back, giving you a decent range for urban hills and flat stretches.

What is the frame material of the Ridgeback Motion?
The frame is built from 6061 heat-treated aluminium, which offers a good balance of strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. It's backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Is the Ridgeback Motion a comfortable bike?
Very. The upright riding position, wide tyres, chromoly fork, and comfort-focused saddle and grips all combine to deliver a smooth, relaxed ride that's easy on your back, hands, and backside over longer distances.