Ridley

X-Fire/Shimano 105 Disc Complete Bike

Always on the forefront of innovative frame designs, Belgium's Ridley continues to stay at the top of cyclocross podiums around the world with its latest collection of race machines. The Ridley X-Fire/Shimano 105 Disc Complete Bike was built to continue this tradition, as its efficient frame design, disc brakes, and reliable build kit deliver one of Belgium's finest race-ready packages.

Ridley's X-Fire Disc complete bike features a frame that's been constructed from 24-ton carbon fiber and a full-carbon 4ZA Oryx fork. To manage the load forces from the new disc brake, 4ZA now uses a reinforced lower-leg design. This is beneficial in three ways. First, the massive legs guarantee that you won't experience any lurching or torsion from the caliper. Additionally, the larger blades aid in absorbing any chatter, vibration, or shock from nasty terrain. And last, the 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in, oversized design provides unparalleled rigidity. Coupled with the massive head tube juncture, the Oryx fork provides nimble handling and an explosive sprinting prowess -- perfect for the short spurts of power required after barriers.

And while the newly redesigned fork is amazing, the frame construction and new features bring just as much to the table. For the carbon itself, the 'T' in 24t stands for ton -- meaning that the X-Fire's carbon is capable of withstanding 24 tons of pressure per square inch. This level of strength might sound weighty, but the opposite is actually true. Ridley knows that with stronger carbon, less is required to receive greater results. Accordingly, this application sheds weight while increasing torsional and lateral rigidity. Aside from carbon, Ridley's decades of 'cross experience bred a few frame features that you'll be happy to have when you're running in the mud. For one, the X-Fire has a squared top and down tube for a heightened sense of comfort and grip when you're shouldering the frame. In turn, this feature also stiffens the bottom bracket juncture for greater power efficiency. For added protection from the elements, and for unencumbered dis/re-mounts, Ridley incorporated internal cable routing for the shift cables and the rear brake line. Ridley even designed the fork shape to shed excess dirt and mud.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the X-Fire's mechanical disc brakes. Hayes CX-5 calipers and 160/140mm rotors provide the best stopping power and braking modulation on the market. After all, cantilevers have never been regarded as the 'ultimate' in power or efficiency, and frankly, we're surprised that it's taken this long to witness the shift. Now, the frame has increased mud clearances, and braking is no longer reduced in inclement weather. Also new for the X-Fire is a 135mm rear spacing. So now, you're able to keep your 29er wheelset in the pits as an easy backup or change-out option.

If you're able to think of it, Ridley has already done it. The X-Fire Disc is the culmination of a long list of Ridley innovations -- the first full-carbon cyclocross frame, the first oversized carbon cross fork, and the first 1-1/8 x 1-1/2in cyclocross head tube. It also plays host to a generous component package. For the shift/brake levers, front, and rear derailleur, the X-Fire uses the reliable Shimano 105. The drivetrain is driven by a Shimano CX50 46/36t crankset and a Shimano 105 chain, and Tiagra 12/28t cassette. Ridley's proprietary 4ZA Special cockpit componentry was applied throughout, making up the stem, handlebar, and seatpost. You rest on a Prologo ZERO saddle, and roll on Alex CXD26 Disc wheelset that's been cased in Challenge Grifo tires. As you're able to tell, the X-Fire Disc is ready for the dirt right out of the box.

The Ridley X-Fire/Shimano 105 Disc Complete Bike is available in the color Black/blue and in seven sizes from 41cm to 58cm.