Ridley

X-Bow/Shimano 105-Tiagra Disc Complete Bike

'Cross bikes historically have been about as advanced as stone hammers, and we have to admit, we like it that way. Don't get us wrong, the carbon fiber machines being piloted by factory teams get our hearts racing, but there's something beautifully uncomplicated about even the most sophisticated cyclocross bike. Thankfully, Ridley has kept simplicity at the forefront with the X-Bow/Shimano 105 - Tiagra Disc Complete Bike, but the Belgian 'cross gurus added disc brakes to the formula for consistent braking when you're tearing up the grass circuit. With proven geometry and a race-ready spec, it gives you everything you need to mix it up at your local series, and adds a few nice touches that give it added versatility for those times when you want to hit some single track, tarmac, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

The X-Bow's 7005 aluminum frame forgoes the aggressively butted tubing and tapered head tube of the X-Ride, but borrows heavily from the geometry. It maintains the relaxed head angle and higher bottom bracket of classic 'cross race bikes, for aggressive cornering in the dirt. The handling is the most relaxed out of Ridley's lineup, owed mostly to mellowing steering geometry. But don't think for a second that it won't dice up turns with the best of 'em. A short wheelbase keeps the handling lively, and it means that you won't have any issues throwing it into turns at full speed.

While the straight gauge tube set won't win any awards for revolutionary design, it does get external tube forming that helps it cope with the stresses of cyclocross. Specifically, the down tube is heavily formed, with a horizontal squash giving it greater weld surface at the head tube, and manipulation on the vertical plane to provide maximum weld surface at the bottom bracket shell. When you factor in the slightly flattened portion at the bottom of the top tube, which enhances carrying comfort, it becomes clear that the X-Bow has racing written all over it. But since it will likely do double-duty for commuting, training, and just generally messing around, it gets dual water bottle mounts to enhance the versatility.

Ridley outfitted the X-Bow with a blend of components that are perfect for cutting your teeth at your local race series. The 4ZA Zornyc fork mates vibration damping carbon fiber legs to a durable aluminum steerer tube. The build kit consists of Shimano's Tiagra group for the shifters, 12-28t cassette, and front derailleur, with a 105 rear derailleur to round out the drivetrain. The 105 - Tiagra blend is a proven, reliable performer, without a painful price tag when a season's worth of mud-paste finally takes its toll on moving parts. The crankset is a cross-optimized 48/34t FSA Omega, while braking is handled by Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes. The cockpit consists of 4ZA items. It's not super flashy, but it's nothing if not ruthlessly effective.

The Ridley X-Bow/Shimano 105 - Tiagra Disc Complete Bike is available in sizes XX-Small to X-Large and in the color White/orange.