Weight weenies, hydraulic disc brake believers, single chainring evangelists, electronic shifting enthusiasts, kids, gravel grinders, rich and the poor: Ridley has released its line of 2015 cyclocross bikes, and there’s something for everyone, with eighteen different cyclocross models spread over five framesets. Ridley, based in Belgium, the homeland of cyclocross, is dedicated to offering a bike for cyclocrossers at all levels with one of its most extensive lines ever.
At Press Camp 2014, we got a preview of a few of the upcoming models, along with specs of the entire line. This is part one of our preview of the Ridley 2015 line, with a focus on the new X-Night and X-Fire carbon cyclocross models, and the new Fenix Disc all road bike for your rough road or smoother dirt adventures.
2015 Ridley X-Night Reaches New Levels
X-Night SL: A cyclocross bike, for the non DIYer weight weenies with pocket change to spare. © Cyclocross Magazine
Counter-intuitively, the most expensive steed in the stable is equipped with the most traditional component group. The 2015 Ridley X-Night SL is built with the tried and true SRAM Red 22 mechanical shifting system, Zipp 303 tubular wheels, along with Forza cantilever brakes. With a price tag of $8,600, the SL (super light) was designed as a lightweight production bike that registers at 14.44 pounds without pedals, below the minimum UCI road weight limit, for the (small) crowd who wants the lightest, and can afford it.
Ridley’s top-of-the-line offering, the X-Night SL, comes standard with Zipp 303 and SRAM Red 22
Ridley was able to achieve this weight without the inclusion of exotic components or an integrated seatpost, which went away with the updated 2014 frames that offered a new geometry (mostly a lower bottom bracket). The company remains one of the few still committed to cantilevers, and many of its sponsored racers still rely on this lighter option.
The X-Night, X-Fire, and X-Ride models are available with hydraulic disc or cantilever brakes. © Cyclocross Magazine
Next up on the list is Ridley’s X-Night 10, which comes decorated with the black, red, and yellow of the Beligian flag. Riders are offered the choice of 4ZA Cirrus Pro Cross cantilever brakes or SRAM Force CX1 HRD hydraulic disc brakes. A front derailleur, however, is not an option as the X-Night 10 is equipped with SRAM’s CX1 drivetrain (despite being pictured below with a double ring crank).
Belgian champion colors on the X-Night 10 Disc with SRAM Force CX1 and tubular wheels.
The single chainring and Type 2 rear derailleur should appeal to the pedal mashers who fear dropping their chain more than utilizing the widest range of gears available to them. Knowing their race ready audience, Ridley also built this bike stock with 4ZA tubular wheels and Challenge Grifo tires. The X-Night 10 MSRPs at $7,250 for the hydraulic disc set up, and $6,750 for the cantilever version.
Bart Wellens’s own race bike #3 also made an appearance at Press Camp 2014, with a different crank, stem and wheels. © Cyclocross Magazine
Shimano makes an appearance with the X-Night 20 and 30 models. The black and blue X-Night 20, priced at $6,800 and available only with disc brakes, is built up complete with Ultegra 11-speed Di2 and a Rotor 3DF crankset.
2015 Ridley X-Night 20 Disc features hydraulic disc brakes and 4ZA Cirrus Pro tubular wheels.
The X-Night 30, which utilizes Shimano’s smooth mechanical Ultegra groupset, can be equipped with disc or cantilever brakes, and will MSRP at $4,300 and $4,150, respectively.
X-Fire Goes All Shimano, Continues with Disc and Cantilever Brake Options:
Fully mechanical: Ultegra 11-speed and Avid BB7 disc brakes.
The Ridley X-Fire, a model which is slightly friendlier on the weekend warrior’s wallet will be available in four models: from the 11-speed 105 to the 11-speed Ultegra, each with either disc or cantilever brakes, will MSRP between $2,700 and $3,400 depending on the components. The X-Fire will not be offered with a Shimano Di2 or SRAM CX1 package.
The aluminum little brother of the family, the X-Ride will be available with the same packages as the X-Fire, and start at $2,000, and the more affordable X-Ride and X-Bow lines continue. Stay tuned for details on those models in part two of our 2015 Ridley preview.
Fenix Disc: A Road Bike for Rougher Roads
The new Fenix Disc allows for endurance riding that even transcends the cobblestones. © Cyclocross Magazine
For gravel grinder riders who prefer their races fast and dry might do well to also take a look at the new Ridley Fenix Disc. With a clearance for at least 28c tires, the 2015 Fenix Disc might not see the mud-fests found in the Paris-Ancaster Race, but in the right conditions, this endurance bike could leave your competitors in your wake when the roads get rougher or turn to (smooth) dirt. MSRP is $2750 for the Fenix 30 Disc 105 build, and $3200 for the Fenix 10 Disc Ultegra model with Rotor 3DF cranks and round chainrings.
The new Ridley Fenix Disc 10 brings Ultegra Di2 and clearance for 30c tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
Stay tuned for part two of our 2015 Ridley cyclocross bikes preview.
More info:
ridley-bikes.com (not all 2015 model year bikes showing)
Want to see the Ridley bikes and riders in person? Attend the free clinic by Ridley pros at Cross Vegas.
See more new products and cyclocross bikes in our 2014 Press Camp coverage.
