Bicycle maker Ridley’s Noah, an aero race bike first introduced about 20 years ago, left a strong impression. The iconic model has recently been reborn as the E-Noah, an electric aero road bike fitted with a remarkably quiet electric drive system, continuing its modern evolution.

Electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported on Jan. 13 that the E-Noah is different from heavy, bulky e-bikes built for commuting or delivery. It is an electric road bike for cycling enthusiasts, designed to help riders enjoy longer distances and more climbs with a small amount of assistance. It is also designed to provide a solid workout with less sweating for riders whose fitness is not what it used to be or who are recovering from injuries.

Ridley equipped the E-Noah with the TQ HPR 40 drive unit. The motor was rated at launch as one of the lightest and most efficient e-bike motors in the world, and it is quickly becoming a standard among high-end ultralight e-bike makers. It weighs just 1.2 kg but delivers up to 200 watts of power and 40 Nm of torque, aimed at extending range and assisting on climbs.

A debate persists over whether electric assist undermines the "purity" of road riding, but Ridley has chosen to minimise the motor’s presence. In appearance, the E-Noah is almost indistinguishable from the standard Noah model. The 292Wh battery is neatly integrated inside the downtube, and its slim profile helps preserve Ridley’s aero silhouette. The battery weighs about 1.42 kg, and the entire system weighs about 11 kg. That is a very light figure for an electric road bike.

The controls also follow a restrained setup. There is no large display on the handlebar or top tube, and a small LED indicator is hidden at the end of the bars. Control buttons are also placed under the bar tape so as not to spoil the appearance. The geometry uses slightly more relaxed head and seat tube angles and a longer fit than the Noah Fast, focusing on long-distance riding. The smallest XXS size is not available.

The E-Noah is available through Ridley’s official dealers and the brand’s online configurator. Pricing starts at 7,099 euros (about 12.21 million won) for a Shimano 105 Di2 specification and 9,099 euros (about 15.65 million won) for an Ultegra Di2 specification. It is not cheap, but Electrek said that given high-end road bikes inherently go beyond the realm of a reasonable hobby, the E-Noah is a model with a clear target.