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Ridley X-Fire Cyclocross Bike - Standard Build
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Ridley are constantly developing their products based on feedback from their world class riders. For this season, the X-Fire is the direct result of close collaboration with the Belgian U23 National Champion Niels Alberts. Alberts was looking for a frame that was light weight and easy to carry. Ridley engineers developed the full carbon X-Fire with a proportional diameter down tube. The diameter of the down tube gets smaller as the frame size gets smaller, making the down tube easier to grip when carrying. This also provides increased lateral stiffness for larger frames as they'll come with a wider down tube.
Ridley also reduced the height of the bottom bracket by 3mm to reflect the change of cyclocross racing in Europe which is more like a dirt criterium as opposed to out-and-out off road riding. The lower bottom bracket height provides more stability at higher speeds and also makes getting back on the saddle much easier. While testing the X-Fire prototype, Alberts won his last 2 races in the elite men's category finishing with a clear gap ahead of the competition which stands the X-Fire in good stead for the 08 season. All of Albert's team mates from Palmans Cras will be riding the X-Fire this season.
The X-Fire frame is a monocoque construction with Ridley's 24-ton carbon fibre finished with a 12k weave for that eye catching carbon look. Ridley have chosen their 24-ton carbon to ensure that the frame is extremely responsive, but also compliant enough to soak up knocks and bumps. The full carbon monocoque fork also helps to keep weight to a minimum.
It's Ridley's aim to make thetransition fromdismounting and then getting back onto the saddle as smooth as possible. This is why all of Ridley's frames featurecables routed along the top tube. This leaves the down tube free from cables and makes it easier to grip when carrying the frame. It alsoensures greater braking and gear performance because the cables are less likely to be clogged up with mud. All of Ridley's frames feature a flat shoulder spot on the underside of the top tube; again this is tomake the frame very easy to carry. The shoulder spot has been rounded off on the X-Fire to make it even more comfortable when carrying. And all of the frames feature cyclocrossspecific chain stays for optimal mud clearance. They also come supplied with a replaceable rear mech hanger which helps to minimize frame damage.
Ridley's cyclocross geometry is based on a standard horizontal geometry that's tweaked specifically for cyclocross. Featuring a slightly shorter top tube, this enables the rider to shift their weight easily for maximum control. It also provides an easier reach to the brake levers, particularly important on steep technical descents. Having horizontal geometry also makes it easier to reach through the front triangle and mount the bike onto your shoulders.
The X-Fire is supplied with an Ultegra groupset which works well with the Gossamer chainset to provide smooth gear performance. With oversized hubs and sealed cylindrical bearings, the Fulcrum R7 wheels provide a very solid and reliable platform. The low profile aluminium rims ensure that these wheels are easy on climbs and will not be affected by strong cross winds. The rear wheel features Fulcrum's 2-to-1 spoke pattern for quick acceleration.
The Fidea Team use the 4ZA CB2 brakes, proving that these brakes are worthy of the world championship circuit. The CB2 brakes are designed to provide superior braking power. 4ZA have achieved this by positioning the pads higher than the brake arms. When the brake cable is pulled, more force is exerted on to the pads, therefore making them more powerful. The CNC alloy arms offer very reliable and controlled braking. Cyclocross riders often position their cable hanger to the side of the head tube; the 4ZA hanger allows you to secure the cables in the exact position required and prevents the brakes from being knocked out of alignment.
Ridley X-Fire Bike UK SRP £1599
Sizes available: 48 – 58cm
Frame: 24-ton carbon fibre monocoque with a 12k weave outer weave.
Fork: 4ZA X-Fire full carbon monocoque
Groupset: Ultegra
Crankset: FSA Gossamer cross
Wheels: Fulcrum R7
Brakes: 4ZA CB2
Documentation and image courtesy of Zyro UK |
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