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Ridley Racing Team can be admired this winter on our X-Night RS. It is now the fifth generation of our most prestigious cyclo-cross bike on which numerous (world) champions have already ridden. The X-Night RS fully focuses on aerodynamics and the specific needs of the professional cyclo-cross rider.
Ridley and cyclocross have been a dream marriage since 2002. With the creation of Ridley Racing Team, we also have our own cyclocross team for the first time since autumn 2024. They make their appearance in the field on the X-Night RS, which was launched last winter and can now be admired in competition for the first time. In the past, Mario De Clercq, Bart Wellens and Zdenek Stybar also rode in the rainbow jersey on a predecessor of this bike.
Aerodynamics
A cyclocross bike should be agile and easy on the shoulder, which goes hand in hand with a specially adapted geometry. We always look for opportunities to improve and also listened to feedback from the riders of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, who have been riding bikes from the Belgian bike maker since its inception. Anno 2024, ‘marginal gains’ in line with the latest trends are crucial when building a bike.
Competition riders and ambitious amateurs naturally want first and foremost to cleave through the wind as fast as possible. Even in cyclo-cross, aerodynamics are still gaining importance. Average speeds are ever higher and races are more often a fly meeting. The X-Night RS therefore has aerodynamic tube shapes based on those of the successful Falcn RS. In addition, the D-shaped seatpost also stands out. When there is a fall, which is not rare in cyclo-cross, the saddle will always remain in the correct position. This seatpost is also more aerodynamic than a round model.
Geometry
As usual on a cyclo-cross bike, the bottom bracket sits higher than on a gravel bike or road bike with the aim of riding agile and smoothly through the mud and taking short turns without touching the ground with the pedals. The steep angle of the head tube and shorter wheelbase allow the cyclo-cross rider to fully exploit his or her technique. Ridley designs a modified chainstay with extra space around the bottom bracket and between the rear wheel and the chainstay fork to allow for easy mud clearance. Thanks to these technical aspects, you can race for an hour, full on acceleration, braking, turning, turning and jumping. Everything you need to excel in cyclocross.
The X-Night RS has a special top tube for the running lanes in the field. This is typical of a true cross bike, as having a straight shape and a flattened bottom makes it easier to carry the bike on the shoulder. The upper headset bearing, in turn, creates more space for cable routing, which improves maintenance. The stiffness created makes you fly razor-sharp through corners.
Based on feedback from the cyclocross riders of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, Ridley brings special mounting points to attach bottle cages to the bike. This comes in handy during hot weather or long endurance training sessions, as hydration remains an important part of sports.
Details
With a few details, Ridley makes a difference with this X-Night RS. For example, the front derailleur clamp is easily removed when using a 1x drivetrain. A custom Wolf Tooth and Ridley chain guide can be installed in that case. On top of that, the bike has a universal derailleur hanger (UDH), so you will be able to find a different hanger anytime and anywhere because of the new universal standard. In mountain biking, UDH has been very common for some time, there are no reasons not to bring this technology to cyclo-cross.
When opting for a 2x drive, shifting will always be electronic. When opting for a 1x drive, mechanical shifting is possible. In summary, the new X-Night RS is a worthy successor in the X-Night dynasty and already raises the bar for a cross bike!
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