Omnium Fast: the custom track bike for group events

Our Omnium Fast is suitable for every event in the Omnium: the scratch race, the tempo race, the elimination race, and the points race. Each of these is a discipline where riders combine speed with agility in a peloton. In group events, where the rhythm and impulsive actions of the riders dictate the pace, responsiveness is essential. The Omnium Fast is designed for this with a geometry that responds quickly and confidently to unexpected movements in the peloton.

Aerodynamically, the Omnium Fast is based on the highly efficient Arena Fast (track bike) and Dean Fast Disc (time trial bike). The tube shapes utilize the UCI rules that were relaxed in 2022, allowing profiles to have an 8:1 ratio instead of the previous 3:1. This means developers can make the tubes longer and narrower. Additionally, the junction between the top tube, head tube, and down tube is maximally filled.

Compared to the Arena Fast, the Omnium Fast features a steeper head angle, specifically designed for optimal agility and reactivity in a peloton. The Arena Fast, on the other hand, focuses on stability and maintaining speed in races where less steering is needed. In this model, the rider sits lower and deeper. For pursuit events, a time trial handlebar is used, resulting in maximum aerodynamics. The head tube is also shorter, with a cutout in the top tube to allow seamless integration of a time trial handlebar into the frame.

On the Omnium Fast, however, we use traditional ‘drop bars,’ meaning integration of the handlebar into the frame is not required. This results in a higher head tube. These adjustments together provide a highly responsive and agile bike combined with maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

The Omnium Fast, like the Arena Fast, is equipped with flip chips in the fork. These allow the rider to adjust the bike’s handling to their preferences. The flip chips enable the rake (fork offset) and trail to be varied. When the flip chips are placed in the forward position, the trail is smaller, and the handling becomes more responsive. With a larger trail in the rear flip chip position, the handling becomes more forgiving. These flip chips are easy to move, allowing the rider to quickly switch between different options.

The Future Proof Dropouts are another feature shared by the Arena Fast and Omnium Fast. These dropouts are compatible with all current axle standards via interchangeable components. If new standards emerge, the rider can easily adjust the individual parts of the dropout.

Along with the Omnium Fast, we are also introducing a new handlebar. Just like the rest of the bike, we’ve optimized the geometry and dimensions within the limits of UCI regulations. The distance between the outer points of the handlebars is exactly 35 cm, the minimum allowed by UCI rules. The handlebar width at the top is 30 cm, while at the drops it increases to 33 cm (center-center). The reach is 105 mm, and the drop is 120 mm.

On top of the handlebars, the rider will find extra 'horns' allowing them to assume a very aerodynamic position, similar to the one used on the brake hoods of a road bike. A rough coating improves grip on the handlebar. All these features ensure the perfect balance between aerodynamics and control.

The handlebar is compatible with stems featuring a 31.8 mm clamp and also fits our other track bikes, such as the Ridley Arena Fast in a sprint version and the Ridley Arena A. Therefore, the handlebar is also available separately at Ridley dealers.

Through our partnership with Belgian Cycling, Belgian track cyclists were able to provide feedback on the Omnium Fast. These riders will eventually all ride our track bikes. With Lindsay De Vylder, the Omnium Fast has the perfect ambassador. De Vylder became world champion in this discipline last fall. Champions deserve the very best bike for each discipline, and we are pleased to now add a special omnium bike to our lineup. This solidifies our reputation as a performance brand.

“I’m very satisfied with the Omnium Fast!” emphasizes Lindsay. “Ridley invited me to their headquarters to explain the bike, and I also had the opportunity to share my feedback. The result is an ultra-fast bike that handles well in a peloton. With the special rainbow design, it’s immediately clear that I am the world champion in this discipline. This marks the successful start of the road to Los Angeles, and I look forward to experiencing many more highlights with the Omnium Fast!”