SOC13: Redline Conquest Pro Disc Cyclocross Bike Lightens Ups, New Carbon 29er & More!

Redline’s been near the forefront of disc brakes on cyclocross bikes, introducing an either/or version with the 2012 Conquest Pro. Now, they’re all-in. The 2014 Conquest Pro Disc is the top version and comes only as a disc brake model.

Another improvement over past models is a dedicated move to 135mm rear spacing…but it doesn’t sacrifice the ability to run any 130mm disc wheels you may have. Thanks to their new MSD (Multi Space Design) dropouts, it’ll accept either 130 or 135 rear hub spacing. The side benefit of the completely removable design is that they’re completely replaceable if something breaks.

The bike ships with Avid mechanical disc brakes, FSA alloy cockpit and cranks and Shimano 105 for just $2,750. Oh, and it’s lighter…

The complete bike (56, I believe) came in at 19.16lbs (8.67kg) without pedals. Claimed frame weight is about 1180g, down from the prior model’s 1250g thanks to removing the canti bosses and going to PFBB30. Wheels are tubeless-ready Novatec CXD and about 1,480g with a 23mm outside rim width. Fork weight is 480g.

135mm hub dropouts on the left, 130mm on the right. Simple solutions are the best, no?

While we do like internal cable routing in general, for running the new crop of hydraulic disc brakes, this will make it much easier.

The complete bike for the Pro model is disc only, and it’s UCI approved for competition. The Team model uses the same frame and comes with cantilever brakes on the complete bikes, but framesets are available for either discs or cantis. Realistically, they say it’s probably the last year they’ll offer a premium cantilever model.

And if you’re the type that likes to mingle their passions, Redline’s ‘cross bikes have a lower BB height than many brands, making them good for gravel road racing, too.

They currently offer a Conquest 24, and now they’re also bringing back the Conquest 20. It’ll be monster green and have upgraded components over the similar Torker model (same parent company). It’ll use flat handlebars, which are easier for small hands to use. Retail will be around $450.

Shown last year as a prototype build that was designed in collaboration with sister company Ghost, the D680 carbon 29er is now a production model. It uses heavily shaped, angular tube shapes and comes in at a respectable weight:

The complete bike with Ritchey Vantage II wheels, Schwalbe Racing Ralph Rapid Rob tires and SRAM X9 build is 22.95lbs (10.4kg).

Rear end gets a 142×12 thru axle and cleverly placed derailleur cable housing that keeps it hidden from your heels. It’s easy to roll eyes when a brand brings out “just another carbon hardtail”, so it’s nice to see some thought put into little details to set it apart.

It’s built around a 100mm Fox CTD Kashima fork, gets a Ritchey alloy cockpit and retails for $5,000.

Redline also showed off their new RA1 alloy road bike. Aimed at the endurance/comfort segment, it has a slightly taller headtube and lower bottom bracket. The combo provides a more upright riding position and low center of gravity.

The frame’s main tubes are hydroformed 6061 alloy with smoothed welds.

The design is smartly built with lots of tire clearance and a 27.2 seatpost, meaning you could put a carbon flex post and up to 28c tires for comfy gravel road cruisin’.

The complete bike comes spec’d with Shimano Tiagra 20-speed and FSA Omega compact crankset, Vuelta Zero Light wheels and XLC/housebrand cockpit. Retail is $1,349.