A LEGEND. THE EVOLUTION OF REDCHILLI FR1 ROULER
It’s remarkable to think that ten years have passed since the FR1 first rolled onto the road. In that decade, the FR1 Rouleur has grown from an exciting debut frame into a beautifully honed race machine — engineered to deliver speed, control, and confidence across whatever terrain the ride demands. From mountain passes to rolling lanes, tight circuits to fast open roads, FR1 has always been the bike that simply gets on with the job.
From the very beginning, FR1 was created with a clear purpose: to help riders go faster. Every generation has taken that founding ambition and refined it — shaping the frame through rider feedback, race‑team insight, and our own obsession with performance. Today’s UCI‑approved FR1 is the most advanced expression of that vision yet.
A lot has changed over the past decade, but the spirit of FR1 remains the same. So let’s take a look back at how this remarkable frame has evolved into the speed machine it is today.
FR1 – VERSION 1 – 2014-2016
Where the Legend Began
FR1 began with a clear ambition: to create a full‑aero race bike that could rival the global brands on performance, but at a far more attainable price. In the rim‑brake era, David — founder and driving force behind Redchilli — set out to build a frame where quality of construction always came first. As he says: “Looks matter, but true performance starts with build quality.”
The first‑generation FR1 delivered exactly that. Fast, responsive, and aero‑efficient, it gave riders the feeling their bike was working with them — transferring power cleanly and performing across any terrain.
Those early models laid the foundations for every refinement that followed. And with so many still out on the road today, they remain a testament to the ethos behind FR1 from day one: pure quality, built to last.
FR1 – Version 2 -2016-2019
Refinement and Responsiveness
With the success of the original FR1, the next step was clear: improve climbing performance and sharpen power transfer. Version 2 achieved this by lowering the rear seat stays, creating a stiffer, more responsive rear triangle that reacted instantly to sudden bursts of pedal pressure.
To maintain balance and stiffness across the frame, the head‑tube junction was also reinforced. Aerodynamics took a significant step forward too, with a wider “Air Flow” front fork designed to reduce drag between fork and tyre. This worked in harmony with a redesigned seat‑stay/seat‑tube junction, forming a distinctive T‑Tube Aero Fin that channelled air cleanly away from the rear wheel.
The rear brake moved beneath the bottom‑bracket/chainstay junction, giving the frame a cleaner, more streamlined rear triangle — and offering an early hint of the disc‑brake era that was just around the corner.
FR1 – VERSION 3 – 2019-2022
Transition In Turbulent Times
During a time when Covid-19 was first being introduced to the world, version 3 experienced challenging times. As David says “We all know what happened during the pandemic. Those were indeed unprecedented times and I think we all witnessed something of which I hope, will never be experienced again. Lockdowns were common, and manufacturing partners were forced into highly restrictive workforce policies. The entire global supply chain for raw materials and bicycle parts collapsed.” But of course, there was a lot more to the pandemic….
As demand for bikes soared to unprecedented and unsustainable levels, only the global brands were in a position to secure stock. We simply could not obtain sufficient parts/components and we literally had to cancel orders as there were no guarantees as to when bikes would be completed.
Version 3 however, did usher in some transitions of which are now viewed as the norm. The switch from rim brake to disc brake and the trend for full internal cable routing.
FR1 – Version 4 – 2022-Present
The Modern Masterpiece
David says “This version FR1 is simply magnificent. When you’re rolling along at speed, the bike literally hums along the road, providing superior performance and incredible stability. To say I am proud as to where FR1 is today, would be an understatement of volcanic measure. It is simply sensational.”
Version 4 represents the most advanced evolution of FR1 to date. Faster, more aero, more dynamic — and now fully UCI Approved, ready to race at the highest level anywhere in the world. Every element has been refined to obey the rider’s every command.
David goes on to say “When you believe you have perfected something, how do you improve? How can you take perfection further? Is there room for improvement? In all honesty, I have always believed that things can be improved, but at the moment, I may even doubt myself, for this model FR1, well it really is a stunning bike.”
FR1 – BUILT JUST FOR YOU
Because No Rider is “One Size Fits All”
Have you ever bought a new bike, only to later change your saddle, or handlebar, or handlebar stem? Maybe you’ve had to change the cassette or chainrings because your new bike didn’t quite meet your exact requirements? And how much extra did you have to pay in order to make those changes?
Why buy a bike built for the masses, when you can have a bike built specifically for you, and one where you can even choose your own colour scheme and have a FREE bike and saddle fitting session..!! What’s not to like?
With complete 105 Di2 builds starting from just £3195.00. it really does make sense to consider a Redchilli FR1. From the outset your bike will indeed be built specifically for YOU and one that WILL have a correct saddle, stem length, stem height, bar width, crank length, chainrings, cassette. No more additional cost when you ride away.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT REDCHILI FR1
Your Bike. Your Way.
At Redchilli, every FR1 is built around one simple principle: your bike should reflect you. If you already have a dream build in mind, just get in touch — we’ll create your FR1 exactly as you want it.
And if you’re not sure where to begin — whether it’s Di2 vs eTap, BB86 vs BB30, or anything in between — there’s no need to worry. Before any build starts, we take time to understand you, your riding, and what you want from your next bike. Over a coffee and a few biscuits, we’ll talk through your cycling, your goals, and the options that will suit you best.
Our aim is simple: to build the best possible bike for your budget, and one that meets — and very likely exceeds — your exact requirements. No ifs, no buts.
