Ridley

X-Bow 10 Disc Complete Cyclocross Bike - 2015

It's perfectly acceptable to race cyclocross on just about anything—even a mountain bike. But if you want to experience it with all the thrills of the bunny-hop and barrier-carry, the Ridley X-Bow 10 Disc Complete Cyclocross Bike takes its place as the perfect entry-level rig.

Although fabricated from the same 7000-series aluminum as its big brother the X-Ride, the X-Bow features double-butted junctures rather than the beefier triple-butting. But not to worry, these joints are still plenty strong enough to take the repeated abuse from bunny-hops as well as survive continuous bouts of Northwest rain, and maybe even early season sleet. And because all except the fastest of the fast have embraced the stopping power of disc brakes, Ridley mates the 7000-series frame to its 4ZA carbon fork. This fork features carbon legs and an alloy crown and steerer tube and is made purposely to withstand the rigors of 'cross racing. Additionally it is designed to handle the torque from disc brakes reducing chatter and brake dive. You'll feel confident in tight corners and track through muddy trails without a second thought.

The shaping of the alloy tubing comes from the X-Ride. The slightly oval top-tube reduces shoulder dig when you're forced to carry your bike. Furthermore, Ridley has placed the cables on top so that they won't encumber your movement or cut into your skin.

If you're still unsure as to whether you'll get enough race time to justify buying a cyclocross bike, not to worry. The X-Bow features eyelets for panniers as well as mudguards. And while we really don't recommend racing with a rack, though it would provide extra room for a six-pack, once the weekend is over you're able to throw on your commuter pants and roll away to the office. It really is one of the first bikes to combine both a race-ready cyclocross bike and commuter frame in an all-in-one package.

This version of the X-Bow was built with SRAM Force and Rival 11-Speed components. From the Rival shifters and front derailleur to the Force rear derailleur, it is designed with durability in mind. The FSA crankset features a 46/36tooth chainring pattern and sits on a 68mm English bottom bracket. It rides on alloy wheels laced with 28 front and 32 rear spokes and built with 33mm Kenda Clement tires. The cockpit features Ridley's own 4ZA stem, handlebar, seat post, and saddle.

The Ridley X-Bow 10 Disc Complete Cyclocross Bike - 2015 is available in Grey. It comes in sizes 41cm, 45cm, 48cm, 51cm, 54cm, and 57cm.