Ridley

X-Trail C40 105 Complete Bike - 2016

If the bike world were a classroom, the 2016 Ridley X-Trail C40 105 Complete Bike would be that one kid in class who knows every answer in every subject. It's meant to be a versatile know-it-all of sorts, able to cross boundaries not often traversed by the competition. One part speedy roadie, one part gravel grinder, and one part trail mule, this bike is up for the challenge wherever you want to ride.

The X-Trail is fashioned from stiff, yet compliant high modulus carbon fiber that dampens energy-zapping vibrations for a comfy ride that efficiently transfers power into forward motion across washboard and b-roads. Internal cable routing makes for crisp, clean lines across the frame and a race-inspired endurance geometry means this bike will go as fast as you let it. Its massive 40mm tire clearance is on par with many mountain bike, leaving oodles of tire options to tackle almost any terrain, while the 12 x 142mm rear thru-axle keeps the back end solid and stable through it all. Throw on a set of slicks to cruise the urban circuit, swap out for knobbies to tackle singletrack, or opt for something in the middle to rock across a scenic gravel road.

The 2016 X-Trail C40 comes outfitted with the same Oryx Disc carbon fork found on Ridley's cyclocross racing X-Night line, and it imports a few details to increase durability and reduce stress. The fork features a 15mm thru axle for a stiff ride that tracks well across off-road terrain. It also has an almost imperceptible asymmetry to counter the torsional forces the left fork leg experiences during braking. Stainless steel inserts at the dropouts protect the carbon from damage, and a scuff plate on the inner left fork leg protects the surface from errant discs during wheel changes. The key differences found on the X-Trail's Oryx are hidden fender mounts for quick, easy fender attachment.

Ridley builds up the X-Trail C40 with a full complement of Shimano components for precise gear shifts and powerful braking in even the worst conditions. Buttery smooth 105 derailleurs make sure you're always in the right gear, while a set of BR-RS505 hydraulic disc brakes provide all the stopping power you need to safely weather any cycling adventure. A Shimano FC-RS500 crankset featuring 50 and 34t chainrings pairs with a Shimano 105 11-32t cassette to provide a knee-friendly range of gear choices to tackle everything from fast, sweeping road descents to steep, twisty hard pack climbs. The 4ZA Stratos cockpit controls the ride, while a set of Fulcrum Racing Sport DB wheels wrapped in beefy 38mm Challenge Gravel Grinder tires provide a cushy ride over rough terrain.