Wider Rims and 32mm Tires: How Uno-X Riders Tackle Paris-Roubaix

This weekend, the riders of Uno-X will take on the 'Hell of the North'. Paris-Roubaix is not only a cycling monument that captures the imagination around the world, it’s also a key moment for the cycling industry to showcase innovation in equipment. We're doing just that—our Noah Fast allows for the installation of extra wide tires. Thanks to a special chain guide, the risk of dropping a chain is also significantly reduced.

Paris-Roubaix features 55.3 kilometers of cobblestones spread over 30 sectors. These are mostly packed into the second half of the 259-kilometer classic. Each sector is rated by the organizers with stars based on difficulty. The legendary Forest of Wallers, Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l'Arbre are the only ones to receive the maximum five-star rating.

The 122nd edition of Paris-Roubaix is an important date on the Uno-X calendar. Last year, Søren Wærenskjold finished in 9th place, while Susanne Andersen came 23rd in the women’s race. This year, they're aiming even higher aboard our Noah Fast. One of the big advantages of this speed machine is the 34-millimeter tire clearance, aligning with the growing trend in the pro peloton toward wider tires. This allows riders to easily fit 32mm Continental tires.

Here’s a little secret! To eliminate any risks with the wider tires, the riders are opting for the DT Swiss GRC 1100 wheelset. These are described by the Swiss brand as “the ultimate off-road wheels.” That means wider rims, giving more space for wider tires. “We're running tire pressure between 3.4 and 3.6 bar,” reveals Rasmus Tiller. The Norwegian has previously won Dwars door het Hageland and knows how to handle off-road surfaces like no one else.

Another notable choice: the Uno-X riders are using a single 56-tooth chainring. This is another trend gaining ground in the pro peloton. With a massive front ring and a 12-speed cassette at the back, riders still get a wide gear range. Plus, the absence of a front derailleur means fewer mechanical issues—and there’s an aerodynamic benefit too.

Thanks to the LoneWolf Aero Chainguide, the risk of dropping a chain is greatly reduced—an essential feature when flying over the rough cobbles of Northern France. That extra peace of mind comes at the cost of just 30 grams. The chainguide is compatible with bikes using a 1x chainring setup, as it mounts in place of the front derailleur.

The women take the spotlight on Saturday. They will cover 148.5 kilometers, including nearly 30 kilometers of cobblestones across 17 sectors. Both the men and women have made this race a clear goal. At Ridley, we’re proud that we’ve been able to get our Noah Fast perfectly race-ready. "It’s just a really good bike," confirms Tiller. "The Noah Fast is extremely fast yet still comfortable," he emphasizes with confidence.

We’re on the Highway to Hell!