Test: At the end of the cross season, Velomotion presents another absolute highlight: The Ridley X-Night SL is a top-class cyclocross bike that could be good for a place on the podium at the upcoming World Championships. Velomotion was allowed to test it extensively on a World Cup course in Zonhoven.
The cyclo-cross season is coming to an end, but that doesn't necessarily mean that interest in the material abruptly dwindles. Of course you can still drive your Crosser in the coming months; be it as usual on short, intensive laps in the field or with different tires in street training. There are cyclocross bikes that are more tailored to all-round use, and others that are purely specialized.
The Ridley X-Night SL is such a case. The top model from the Belgians, who describe themselves as market leaders in the cross-country segment, is definitely an off-road sports machine. With a short top tube and a steep steering angle, the frame, which weighs around 1.000 grams, is tailored to a compact, aggressive seating position and steers with exceptional agility; and then there are factors like just a pair of bottle cage holes and the 1×11 groupset that make it clear: this bike is destined to stay off-road.
And there, as is to be expected, it delivers top performances. Our test bike weighed almost eight kilos with pedals, which in itself is fun to ride, because the bike can be accelerated easily, moved with a light hand and shouldered without excessive effort. With weight-optimized racing wheels instead of folding tires and carbon rims, a few hundred grams should be possible.
In the case of bikes used in professional sports, the question of rigidity is irrelevant. Sure, some hobby cyclists are significantly heavier than the average professional cyclist. But crossers are not emaciated climbers; one can therefore assume that their material easily withstands high loads and powerful pedal strokes. In any case, the Ridley gives no cause for complaint in this discipline; it doesn't sway when pedaling out of the saddle, and in longitudinal gullies it never gives rise to the feeling of lateral torsion on the fork and head tube.
In cyclo-cross sport, rim and disc brakes lead a peaceful coexistence. One rider prefers one, another prefers the other, and Ridley respects that dichotomy rather than pursuing an educational mission, like some other manufacturers, and only offering disc crossers. We rode the X-Night SL with SRAM discs, which are excellent for metering and, if necessary, slow down a lot; on the other hand, we were on a course that explains why many drivers still rely on the old cantilevers. In the Zonhoven sand, light braking is required at best; the deep underground ensures that you have to pedal rather than slow down, even on the downhill sections. In any case, the emotional basic discussion about the pros and cons of disc brakes has long since turned into a pragmatic consideration.
In view of the difficult course, we were initially skeptical as to whether the 1×11 drivetrain with a 42 ring and 11-28 cassette would be sufficient. But it turns out that if you get stuck in the sand, no lifebuoy will save you – get off and push or carry is the motto. If you prefer a shorter gear ratio, you can also mount a 40 or 38 blade.
As is well known, SRAM uses a chainring with the Force CX1 with different teeth for inner and outer plates, which are also longer than usual. That this, together with the special rear derailleur, held the chain securely in place, was something we could tell when we involuntarily dismounted. Nevertheless, some professionals install an additional chain catcher. On the test bike, you could attach one to the front derailleur mount, which is the Ridley's only flaw. With internal cables and lines, the frame is very smooth and elegantly designed, so the empty base protrudes quite conspicuously. It would be nicer just to include a derailleur clamp.
Ridley relies on the combination of thru-axle at the front and quick-release at the rear – you see that a lot and it works well. The Challenge folding tires are also a typical sight on off-the-shelf crossers; In connection with the rather wide rims of the high-quality DT Swiss wheels, they roll easily and can be ridden with little pressure without having to be particularly afraid of defects.
"Done in 60 Minutes" is what it says on the seat tube, referring to the length of cross-country races. Our test drive takes much longer and leaves a lasting, positive impression. Only the price tag raises eyebrows: the complete bike costs 4.499 euros, and the frame kit costs 2.499 euros. That's around 500 euros more than competitors are asking for identically equipped models with frames that are at least as high quality. However, these are not available in a cantilever variant.
Conclusion – Ridley X-Night SL 10 Disc
With the X-Night SL, the Belgian market leader puts a racing machine on wheels that shines with very good driving characteristics and top components. Now if the Ridley were a little more affordable...
Product Highlights
- Stiff, agile carbon frame
- Very good components
- Easily switchable 1×11 group
- Top controllable disc brakes
price and web
- Complete bike 4.499 euros
- Frame set 2.499 euros
- www.ridley-bikes.com
Leave a Comment