The new Ignite Carbon SL takes last year’s carbon hardtail and updates it once more to bring it up to par with a thru-axle rear and an even higher modulus lay-up. The update proved to greatly improve rear-end stiffness and overall handling, while dropping weight. And for 2016 the builds get higher-end with top level single ring setups from either SRAM or Shimano on tap. Hop past the break with us for a closer look and full pricing and availability…
While Ridley’s standard carbon Ignite is built with 24T raw material, the new SL frame mixes in stiffer 30T UD carbon to shed weight and boost drivetrain stiffness. Ridley had their team riders out testing the new more complex layup and now has it ready for consumers.
The top level Ignite CSL 9.0/7.0 at the top with an XX1 build and RS1 fork will sell for $7500/6500€ and has a claimed weight of 9.8kg (21.6lbs) without pedals. The black and blue single-ring mechanical XTR Ignite CSL 9.1/7.1 will sell for $5300/4600€, and the black and red XT double Ignite CSL 9.2/7.2 for $3650/3200€. As with other high-end bikes from Ridley, for an extra 400€ buyers can use Ridley’s Customizer program to get a truly unique finish on the bike, as well.
The new frame looks a lot like last year’s version, with most of the updates inside. It carries over a tapered headtube for optimal steering and control, but updates to a 142x12mm thru-axle with a chainstay post mount for better rear end stiffness and braking performance. It also sticks with a wide Pressfit 30 bottom bracket and boxy chainstays in Ridley’s Stable Core Concept for max power transfer stiffness. The seatstays use a flattened center section and a tuned layup to dampen vibration and add a bit of vertical compliance. Then the frame gets internal cable routing, with external rear brake line routing and is compatible with mechanical shifting and Di2.
Like several other bikes on the market now, the Ignite carbon series is available in both 27.5″ and 29″ variations depending on size, with smaller wheels on smaller frames. Mediums can opt for either size, with the 29er getting a longer toptube. The Ignite CSL is being pre-sold through dealers now and will be available sometime in January 2016.
Just for those curious, here is another photo of Jean Biermans this year racing the new Ignite Carbon SL, this time on his way to win the 36One MTB Challenge with a Lauf fork.
