Ridley X-Trail
83/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Ridley X-Trail. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
14 reasons to buy
- Owners praised the X-Trail’s ‘sleek’ good looks, with the Carbon Ultegra HDB offering online custom paint options.
- Big tires masked uneven surfaces and soaked up rough conditions.
- One expert described the SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain on the Apex 1 650b as ideal for adventure riding.
- The X-Trail features three bottle mounts plus mudguard mounts, that are hidden on the Carbon SRAM Force1 HDB, keeping things neat and attractive.
- Some owners considered carbon X-Trails to be lightweight.
- Confident steering and good handling were reported from the Carbon SRAM Force1 HDB, with the bike receiving plaudits for stability, stiffness and all-day comfort.
- The X-Trail was chosen for its versatility and worked for many as a backpacking rig. Some reviewers said it could replace three of your other bikes. On-road and off-road, it rode equally well.
- On the Carbon SRAM Force1 HDB, braking power from the SRAM Hydraulics was strong in both dry and wet conditions, even on descents.
- Clearance for 700x36c, or 50mm tires (on 650b models), was strongly appreciated.
- Both the X-Trail Alloy and the A20 105 were considered good value.
- Front and rear thru-axles were a bonus for stiffness and disc-brake adjustment.
- Slack geometry was described by one user as ‘perfect’ and contributing to performance on rough surfaces.
- Some long-term owners described their experience of the X-Trail as ‘low maintenance’.
- Reviews described excellent power transfer, translating to good climbing ability.
6 reasons not to buy
- Experts described alloy models as heavy, with somewhat-weighty componentry. One reviewer even said the same for carbon models.
- It was considered a bit pricey – unless you use the X-Trail to replace multiple bikes.
- The Carbon Ultegra HDB was mocked by one expert, for sporting outdated '90s looks.
- Vibration, causing discomfort, was also reported by this expert on the Carbon Ultegra HDB.
- This reviewer also found that the Carbon Ultegra HDB’s tires didn’t grip so well.
- A20 105 and A55 models only used mechanical disc brakes. Experts felt they’d fair better with hydraulics.
Bottom line
The Ridley X-Trail comes in four build-options, three carbon and one alloy. All of them have received consistently positive reviews from most experts and owners. In this price range, bikes can be judged harshly. However, the X-Trail was frequently labeled as a rig that performed very well both on-road and off-road, while not being a dedicated expert in either department. If you are looking for a dedicated adventure bike to add to your quiver, you might find more committed options. But if you want one bike to rule them all, the X-Trail might be your champion.Expert Reviews
75/100 based on 3 expert reviewsReview: Ridley X-Trail C
Level 4 expert
Reviewed: Ridley X-Trail Alloy
Level 3 expert
X-Trail Adventure Review
Level 5 expert
Ridley X-Trail – First Ride
Level 5 expert
Long Term Review Ridley X-Trail Gravel Bike
Level 1 expert
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