The Redline booth was filled with seven Conquest models. © Cyclocross Magazine
by Jamie Mack
Redline typically has one of the deepest cyclocross bike selections of any manufacturer, and 2011 should be no exception. There seems to be a Conquest model for any size rider, budget or skill level.
Redline guessed right a year ago that the UCI would re-allow disc brakes in cyclocross, and added disc brake tabs on several of its bikes to accommodate the controversial stoppers on bikes throughout the line. The disc tabs are a bit of an unusual sight on most cyclocross bikes, but it’s likely something that we’ll all be getting used to if the top cyclocross pros embrace the option and bring technical innovation to this this area that gives us lighter, more affordable options.
The Redline 2011 line is deep and offers six complete Conquest cyclocross models, plus a singlespeed frame. On the small side, in addition to the popular 24″ wheeled Conquest, there is a 20″ flat bar model that brings ‘cross to an ever younger generation. The smallest addition to the product line will be an alloy frame and fork ready to satisfy the smallest of the ‘cross community. But the size of the bike doesn’t mean that shortcuts were taken – from the SRAM shifters to the Kenda Small Block Eight tires, this is the bike you probably wish was available when you were a kid.
At the other end of this year’s Redline spectrum is the $2999 Conquest Team. An aluminum main triangle with carbon rear seatstays and chainstays, the Team represents the company’s adoption of carbon. Equipped with a SRAM Force drivetrain, Ksyrium Equipe wheels and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires, the Conquest Team is ready to go out of the box.
The 6061 aluminum framed, $1299 Conquest model offers a disc-ready aluminum frame, 9-speed Tiagra / Shimano has an FSA Vero compact crank with 36/46t chainrings and Kore Race brakes and Kore Gradient wheels. It’s a no-nonsense race-ready bike for not a ton of coin.
While most of us have all seen a bunch of red, white or blue Conquest models at our local races, the company’s understated Classic model is perhaps the most versatile with full disc options, a compact crankset, Tiagra 9 speed, 4130 steel frame.
Stay with Cyclocross Magazine for further details and product tests as Interbike continues.
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