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Submitted by
trumpetman
a Road Racer
from spartanburg, scDate Reviewed: September 14, 2003
Strengths: Great geometry means speed and quickness with stability. Excellent carbon fork. Stiff under hard pedaling but not harsh. Nice Easton tube set means it is easy to build up a 21 lb. bike. Powder coat graphics and finish should stand up to rigors of racing.Weaknesses: Early versions didn't have replaceable derailleur hangers, but current models do. They are powder coated to match the dropout, so you have to look closely to see the screws. The fork could be a little lighter with a carbon steerer, but would necessitate going to 1 1/8" to retain stiffness.Bottom Line: The Ridley Crosswind is my 4th and definitely best 'cross bike. I decided to upgrade my frame and fork rather than to buy a new bike and after much research it came down to with the Crosswind or the Impella Bonfire. The Ridley won out because I wasn't convinced the integrated headset on the Impella was a good idea.
The Ridley is a nice looking frame right out of the box. The welds are good and the powder coat finsh and graphics are first rate. The subtle shaping of the down tube looks high tech and adds to the stiffness. When hammering out of the saddle this baby scoots. A slightly longish rear end and S-bend seat stays improves comfort and reduces the tendency for rear tire pinch flats. The slightly flattened top tube makes portaging noticeably more comfortable. The carbon fork is really beefy but not heavy and it soes a great job of isolating trail chatter.
But what really makes this bike great is the geometry. The compact top tube gives the rider a perfect position centered between the wheels. The increased fork rake (48mm) means the front end tracks great while the standard road angles (73/73) mean the bike moves and transitions nimbly.
The high BB (29cm) means this is no all purpose bike. This is a pure bred Euro-pro cyclocross race bike. It is a great tool for the job if the job is doing your best in your local cross race!
Favorite Ride: Duncan Park
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At: cyclocrossworld.com
Similar Products Used: Redline conquest
Wynn
Bianchi I don't remember the model
Bike Setup: Ultegra crank single chain ring with Spooky chainring Guards 44 tooth. Shimano 8 spd Barcon shifters, Ultegra 12-28 cogs. Sachs New Success Derailleur. Avid Shorty brakes,, Salsa cross bar and stem. Flite saddle.
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