Ridley knows a thing or two about riding off-road. It has one of the most successful and recognizable cyclocross ranges on the market, and the company is located in Belgium…a country known for its rough roads. Recognizing the emerging gravel market in the US and other markets, and its own ability to make some good off-road bikes, it’s no surprise they’ve finally launched their own all-road line, which includes this X-Fire model.
Complete with a Shimano Ultegra 6800 drivetrain, this carbon fiber rig can fit up to 40mm tyres, and features fender mounts. Its geometry is a bit more slack than a cyclocross race bike, and that means it’s more stable and comfortable on longer rides, yet plenty capable on trails.
We have this bike for the next six weeks, and will point it towards all manner of rough Belgian roads and trails (and beyond). We’ll give a full report in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
