Ridley X-Ride 1203A Ultegra 2012 Review
The Belgian company Ridley have produced an exquisite cyclocross bike in the X-Ride 1203A that features the lightest cyclocross aluminium frame in the world and comes equipped with Shimano Ultegra shifters and a Truvativ chainset. The X-Ride may not be the cheapest cyclocross bike on the market but the performance and components justify the price.
Ridley have also managed to cram a number of features into the bike, including mudless tube technology on the front fork and the seat stays, a Disc and cantilever brake compatible post mount frame and S-Bend seat stays that provide additional comfort and an increased tyre clearance.
The triple butted aluminium frame on the X-Ride weighs in at just 1500g and is complemented by the 4ZA Oryx 12K carbon fork to provide a rigid, light weight and responsive ride that is ideal for cross racing, dirt and gravel tracks. Ridley have decided to equip the X-Ride with Shimano Ultegra shifters and this seems a wise choice. The Ultegra sit on the second tier of the Shimano groupset and provide quick, smooth and responsive shifting and should have a long lifespan. The rear derailleur on the V-Ride is also Ultegra, while the front derailleur is Shimano 105.
Ridley have decided to go with the Truvativ Elita for the chainset, with a combination of 48/34. The wheels on the X-Ride are Shimano Pro Clincher and, while they may not be top of the range, they provide solid performance and a good build quality and are complemented by the Challenge Grifo tyres which provide excellent grip. The saddle on the X-Ride is the 4ZA Stratos and Ridley have also gone with 4ZA for the stem, handlebars and seatpost. Overall the X-Ride 1203A weighs in at 9.3kg, which is more than respectable for a cyclocross bike. It offers good looks, excellent components and a light and responsive ride and is an excellent choice for Cyclocross enthusiasts.
Written by: Quatos