It is now early August and the cyclo-cross season isn't very far away, but in all reality it is never a bad time to swing your leg over one these fun rides. We will go over quite a few bikes this summer so stay tuned to slowtwitch. Today we were able to look closer at the 2012 Ridley XFire, a Shimano Ultegra equipped high-modulus carbon monocoque bike for just bit over $3000. A big thanks goes to Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem for letting us steal this bike for a little while. This shop actually sponsors both a Pro road team and a Pro cross team and the latter races on the Ridley XFire.
All images are © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com
The 2012 XFire looks quite expensive.
Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes make sure you'll stop when needed.
Ritchey WCS bars and stem with Gel Cork tape up front.
Control this bike with Shimano Ultegra brake/shift levers.
A 4ZA Cirrus saddle comes stock but is quickly swapped out for one your taint prefers.
A tapered 1.5" headtube makes sure the front end is stiff.
Continuous internal cable routing ensures clean action.
FSA SLK Light 36-46 cranks and an Ultegra front derailleur in the center of the bike.
A Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur at the other business end.
Reynolds Solitude wheels and Challenge Griffo folding tires round out the package.
