Ridley X-Fire Gravel-ish build completed
#1
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Ridley X-Fire Gravel-ish build completed
A while back I purchased a Ridley X-Fire cyclocross bike not so much to use for cross racing even though I am giving that a small bit of thought for the future. Rather I wanted a gravel bike , but I just can't afford a new purpose built gravel rig. Over the weekend I finally finished my overhaul of the bike which involved replacing the rather tired Ultegra 6700 10 speed group with a new 105 R7000 11 speed group. Other changes made were to remove the FSA 44cm cross bars and really long stem / then installing an 80mm stem and 48cm Whisky gravel drop bars. I also purchased a new set of Velocity hoops and Shimano 105 R7000 hubs and a 11-34 R7000 cassette. Last but not least I also went with a Brooks Cambium saddle which I must say is actually not bad .
When I completed the build yesterday evening around 4pm it was starting to get dark , so I was unable to go for a really long ride, but the first thing I noticed was how nice the ride was on this bike, granted I do have 35mm tires on the bike but I was genuinely surprised how nice this carbon frame actually rides. Hopefully over Thanksgiving weekend I will be able to get out and his some unpaved trails and some gravel.
When I completed the build yesterday evening around 4pm it was starting to get dark , so I was unable to go for a really long ride, but the first thing I noticed was how nice the ride was on this bike, granted I do have 35mm tires on the bike but I was genuinely surprised how nice this carbon frame actually rides. Hopefully over Thanksgiving weekend I will be able to get out and his some unpaved trails and some gravel.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
actually the cambium saddles from what I’ve read on various places around the web tend to need to be tilted down . That is ultimately where it felt right I may futz with it more but they do not sit nose up like a leather saddle Which is what I usually ride at least that is I know this from riding it a little bit , you’re not gonna slip off the texture is seems abrasive enough that you don’t go anywhere .
however you probably know all this already.
however you probably know all this already.
#4
Sunshine
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Leather saddles have the nose up because they act like a hammock to keep you planted.
Cambium should be set up like every other saddle- just flat and neutral. Then from there, you can tweak it if needed to point a direction that is more comfortable.
A saddle tilting down naturally leads to more weight being placed on the wrists because its a constant push back to keep you from sliding forward.
But in the end, whatever is most comfortable is whats best. Everyone has different body geometry, limitations, and abilities- and seatposts adjust for a reason.
Speaking of the saddle- I need to buy a weatherproof Cambium and see what the difference is over the regular. Im close to wearing out the top of one of my regular C17s. I really like that your weatherproof Cambium is black(vs the faded gray of all mine).
Cambium should be set up like every other saddle- just flat and neutral. Then from there, you can tweak it if needed to point a direction that is more comfortable.
A saddle tilting down naturally leads to more weight being placed on the wrists because its a constant push back to keep you from sliding forward.
But in the end, whatever is most comfortable is whats best. Everyone has different body geometry, limitations, and abilities- and seatposts adjust for a reason.
Speaking of the saddle- I need to buy a weatherproof Cambium and see what the difference is over the regular. Im close to wearing out the top of one of my regular C17s. I really like that your weatherproof Cambium is black(vs the faded gray of all mine).
#5
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all weather cambium uses nylon outer compared to cotton on the regular
#6
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Sweet bike. I personally found the high BB on the Ridleys to not be great for the gravel riding that I do, but ymmv. I was also able to fit 40mm (measured width) tires but my frame was an alloy model.
#8
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It just felt too high and not as stable. This was particularly noticeable on extended climbs and descents.