In a land obsessed with cyclocross, it only makes sense that Belgium’s premier bicycle company offers more ‘cross options than most other bike companies in the world.
For 2014, Ridley is serving up four models, each available in canti or disc versions. The range runs from the entry-level alloy X-Bow. to the top-of-the-line, full carbon X-Night that the pros ride. To help broaden the line-up even more, the Ridley Customizer feature on the Ridley web site allows visitors to choose from a wide spectrum of colours for a nice custom look. Pricing on the Ridley cyclocross line ranges from €1,000 for a complete X-Bow to €5,000 for the X-Night, all depending on build kit choices.
X-Bow
With a 7005-T6 aluminum frame and carbon fork, the entry-level X-Bow is an adaptable rig for cyclocross-curious riders, and for people who might prefer a race-style bike for commuting. Featuring fender and rack mounts, the X-Bow would also be a decent option for gravel and adventure riding.
X-Ride
The X-Ride shares the same ‘race-proven’ geometry as its higher-end siblings. Aimed at more intermediate cyclocross racers, the X-Ride features internal routing, a tapered head tube, a triple-butted aluminum frame and a full carbon fork.
X-Fire
Racers looking to upgrade their game and their bike will want to take a look at the full-carbon X-Fire. A true race bike, the X-Fire features a PressFit 30 bottom bracket, a unidirectional carbon fibre layup and internal cable routing that works with electronic and mechanical cables.
X-Night
The X-Night is Ridley’s top-end, pro-level cyclocross rig. Made from a proprietary carbon layup, the X-Night is the bike you’ll see the Telenet/Fidea pros riding every Sunday in Belgium. It features rather skinny seatstays, which should deliver some vertical compliance for a bit more comfort on the course. Integrated disc brake mounts (on the disc version frame, of course) help increase braking power.
Paris Roubaix
The brutal cobblestone sections of Paris-Roubaix will rattle even the toughest professional bike racers. To ease the pain and suffering during the race (and to ride something a bit stronger), many riders and teams turn to cyclocross frames. This sort of bike offers the ability to run fatter tyres, and generally tend to stand up to the abuse of The Hell of the North. For Paris-Roubaix, the Lotto-Belisol team chooses the X-Night cyclocross bike.
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