Some times you really can have your cake and eat it too. Or thru axle compatibility as it may be. Seeing as how a number of consumers are likely frustrated by the addition of another axle standard with 12x100mm axles for cross and road disc, Ritchey appears to have a solution. Just allow for both! While it sounds simple enough, we’re guessing there was a bit of problem solving needed to come up with a system that allows for the use of both axles while keeping things light and strong enough to withstand the forces of the disc brakes. Whatever the case, it looks like Ritchey has the answer with their new WCS Cross Disc Taper fork…
Stated as being designed in a way to cope with the stresses involved with disc brakes, the WCS Cross Disc fork uses a 1 1/8″ to 1 1/4″ tapered steerer with an integrated crown race. The monocoque carbon construction results in a 440g claimed weight even with the convertible thru axle system which consists of replaceable chips that bolt into the fork legs. Likely to ship with two sets of chips and two axles (or possibly sold separately) the design should allow fairly easy conversion between the two standards without having to change your fork. Equipped with post mount disc tabs rather than flat mount, the fork will allow for 140mm rotors or 160mm with an adapter. Pricing and availability TBD.
Something we saw from a few different companies in Taipei, Ritchey will be offering their own Universal Stem Mount for accessories. Compatible with C-220, 4-Axis44, and Adjustable stems, the mount simply bolts on underneath the lower two bolts. Compatible with GoPro, SRM, and Supernova lights, we’re assuming more mounts are in the works to allow for the ‘Universal’ mount title. Ultimately the mounts look tidy, adjustable, and fairly light.
If cutting edge plastic rims just won’t work with the style of your bike, Ritchey will soon have the new Zeta Calssic as an option. Compared to the last classic-esque Zeta, the new wheelset uses the j-bend Phantom hubs with an OCR aluminum rim profile. The hand built rims use DT Competition spokes and have an internal width of 17mm, external width of 21/21.5mm and are tubeless compatible.
Adding to their already expansive line of grips, Ritchey will be offering a new Superlogic MTN and Ever silicone grips. The Superlogic MTN grip (below) will be available in standard and ergo shapes with a 128mm width and a ridiculous 9g weight. We saw these at Eurobike, but only in the Ergo shape. Ritchey is also getting into the silicone game with their own TrueGrip models in 30 or 32mm diameters. Measuring 130mm in length, the grips come in at 65g a pair, roughly.
Finally, the Superlogic Streem looks to get a non-Vector Evo makeover for 2017. Equipped with normal carbon rails, the full carbon saddle drops 20g from the previous WCS Carbon Streem and comes in at just 135g with foam padding and a microfiber cover. Measuring 132 x 278mm, the saddle’s rails are shaped to allow maximum fore/aft adjustment and lateral flex for proper pedaling dynamics.
