I’ve spent some time testing out the Ridgeback Voyage, and I want to share my thoughts in as simple terms as possible. This is a touring bike that combines a classic design with practical features. It’s built to handle long rides while carrying luggage, and after riding it on a mix of roads, I have a clearer picture of what it does well and where it could improve.
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Frame and Ride Quality
The Ridgeback Voyage has a steel frame made from Reynolds 520 chromoly. This material is known for being durable and good at absorbing vibrations. I found the ride to be smooth, even on bumpy roads. It didn’t jar me like some stiffer frames might. The chromoly fork also helps with this. It has a gentle rake, which means the front wheel is positioned in a way that makes the bike feel stable. I felt in control, especially when riding downhill or over uneven surfaces.
One thing I noticed is that steel frames like this one tend to be heavier than aluminum frames. This wasn’t a big deal for me since the weight is part of what makes the bike feel solid and comfortable. But if you’re looking for something lightweight, this bike might not be what you want.
Tires and Handling
The tires on this bike are Kenda Kwest 32mm. They’re slightly wider than typical road bike tires, but not so wide that they feel slow. For me, this was a good balance. The tires rolled smoothly on paved roads and provided decent grip on gravel paths. I didn’t have to worry about slipping, even when the road was damp. The frame can fit tires up to 35mm wide, which gives some flexibility if you want to try a slightly wider tire for extra comfort or grip.
Handling-wise, the Ridgeback Voyage is predictable and steady. It doesn’t turn sharply like a racing bike, but that’s a good thing for touring. When you’re carrying bags on a rack, you don’t want a bike that feels twitchy. This bike feels calm, which is important for long rides when you’re tired and need stability.
Drivetrain and Gears
The drivetrain is Shimano, with a triple chainset in the front and an 11-34 cassette in the back. In simple terms, this setup gives you a lot of gears to choose from. I rode on flat roads, small hills, and one very steep climb, and I never felt like I ran out of options. The low gears are great for climbing, especially if you’re carrying luggage. I tested the bike with a loaded pannier rack, and it was still manageable going uphill. On flat roads, the higher gears worked fine for maintaining speed without spinning my legs too fast.
The shifting was smooth, but not silent. Sometimes I could hear a bit of noise when changing gears, but this is normal for bikes with a wide range of gears. It didn’t cause any problems, and the gears always shifted correctly.
Braking Performance
The brakes are Tektro RX6 Mini-V. These are rim brakes, which means they press against the wheel rim to slow you down. I found the braking to be reliable and strong. I tested them on dry and wet roads, and they worked well in both conditions. They don’t have the absolute stopping power of disc brakes, but they’re easier to maintain and lighter.
What stood out to me was how much better these Mini-V brakes felt compared to the older cantilever brakes I’ve used. They stop quickly and don’t require as much hand strength. For a touring bike, this is a good choice.
Touring Features
The Ridgeback Voyage comes with some nice features for touring. It has full-length mudguards, which are really helpful if you’re riding in the rain or through puddles. They kept me much cleaner than I would have been without them. The bike also has a rear pannier rack, so you can attach bags to carry your gear. I loaded the rack with about 15kg (33 lbs) to test how the bike handled, and it felt balanced. The rack is sturdy and doesn’t make any noise, even on bumpy roads.
The pedals come with toe clips, which help keep your feet in place. I’m not used to using toe clips, so they took a bit of getting used to, but they do make pedaling more efficient once you get the hang of them.
Comfort and Fit
The bike’s saddle is the Ridgeback Custom model. It’s okay for medium-length rides, but I started to feel some discomfort after about 90 minutes. This is a personal thing, though, because everyone has different preferences for saddles. You might want to swap it for one that suits you better if you plan to ride all day.
The handlebars are a good width, and the grip tape felt fine even after a few hours of riding. The alloy seat post and stem seem solid, and they didn’t trouble me. Adjusting the fit was straightforward, and I found a natural position.
Limitations
While the Ridgeback Voyage does a lot of things well, it has some limitations. The biggest one for me is the weight. It’s not a light bike, especially with the steel frame and touring features like the rack and mudguards. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re used to lighter bikes.
Another thing is the tire clearance. The maximum size is 35mm, which is fine for most paved and gravel roads, but it might not be enough if you want to ride on really rough trails. For true off-road touring, a bike with more clearance might be better.
Finally, the brakes, while good, don’t match the performance of disc brakes in all conditions. If you’re planning to ride in very muddy or snowy areas, disc brakes might be a better option.
Who Is This Bike For?
The Ridgeback Voyage is a solid choice for people who want a dependable touring bike for paved roads and light gravel paths. It’s best for riders who value comfort and stability over speed. If you’re planning multi-day trips and need a bike that can handle luggage, this one is worth considering. It’s also a good option if you like the classic look of a steel frame and don’t mind a bit of extra weight.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the Ridgeback Voyage, I can say it’s a bike that delivers on its promise of being a practical all-day tourer. It’s not flashy or ultralight, but it’s dependable and comfortable. The combination of a steel frame, wide gear range, and touring-ready features makes it a bike that feels ready for the road. If you’re looking for something straightforward and reliable for long rides, this could be a good fit. For me, it’s a bike I’d trust on a journey, knowing it’s built to handle the challenges of the road ahead.