Ridley

X-Fire 20 SRAM Disc Complete Cyclocross Bike - 2015

The X-Fire is Ridley's go to frame for riders who like the aesthetics of a beefier frame. Unlike the X-Night, which has been streamlined to decrease weight and increase stiffness, the X-Fire retains the over-sized squared-edge tubes, headtube juncture and bottom bracket from last season. This full carbon fiber frame and fork are perfect for the hard-hitting cyclocross racer while at the same time being bombproof for gravel road races and winter training sessions in the mountains. This version of the X-Fire features the SRAM groupset. 

The X-Fire frame was built from 24T carbon fiber. If you're a carbon aficionado, you know that the "T" stands for ton, and that the designation means that the fiber is able to withstand 24 tons of pressure per-square-inch. And while this may seem a bit of overkill for a bicycle, by using stronger carbon, Ridley is able to use less, and less carbon means a lighter bike frame. And with the strength of the 24T carbon, you're ensured a frame with increased torsional and lateral rigidity. This is a small difference between the X-Fire and the X-Night with the latter using additional 30T carbon to help reduce tubing size even further.

The shape of the tubing itself was designed with the 'cross rider in mind. Knowing that regardless of how honed your skills are, chances are you'll be shouldering your bike a few times. For this reason, both the top tube and down tube have been squared at the bottom edge for enhanced grip. This shaping stiffens the bottom bracket juncture which, in turn, means more effective transfer of power to the drivetrain so that months of building up your power in the summer months doesn't go to waste.

The X-Fire comes ready to handle the stresses imposed by load forces from the disc brakes. Ridley did this by using its full carbon 4ZA Oryx fork. This fork utilizes a reinforced lower leg design which prevents lurching or torsion from the BB7 calipers. Additionally, the oversized blades help absorb chatter on rough terrain. The fork is integrated into the frame with an oversized 1-1/8 x 1-1/2inch steerer tube mated to an oversized head tube juncture for even more precise handling and explosive power for short sprints.

The Ridley X-Fire 20 Disc Complete Cyclocross bike was built with a full complement of SRAM components. While the X-Night SL features SRAM Red 22, the X-Fire uses the slightly heavier, but just as smooth-shifting Force and Rival groups. These new 22-speed groups provide you with a 46/36 tooth front chain ring and an 11-28 tooth rear cassette to give you all the gears you need for any course. The crankset is by FSA. The alloy wheels are built with 28 spokes in front, and 32 in the rear, and mounted with Kenda Clement tires in 33mm width. To complete the build, Ridley uses its own 4ZA components for the cockpit: handlebars, stem, seat post and saddle.

The Ridley X- Fire 20 SRAM Disc Complete Cyclocross Bike - 2015 is available in a size 41cm and then in even sizes from 48 to 58cm. It comes in Stealth black.