Ritchey Swiss Cross Disc V2

£1299 (black frame only*)

IT’S AN EVOLVED CLASSIC

The original Swiss Cross cantilever brake-equipped ’cross bike has been lusted after by racers for decades. This second generation Swiss Cross Disc has much greater tyre clearance for exploratory riding as well as racing, and comes as a frameset only with full carbon fork. It can built to suit, with our all-Ritchey test machine coming in at approximately £3000. Ritchey’s triplebutted Logic steel tubing is joined with welds and a lugged seat cluster, maintaining its slim lines.

ITS NO-NONSENSE NATURE

As built, it’s a very monochrome affair, but its performance is anything but black and white, exploring all the exciting shades in between, with a fast-rolling, precise ride. There’s a seatstay bridge, but the chainstays are bridgeless, leaving heaps of clearance behind the threaded bottom bracket shell and the broad-shouldered fork easily clears the chunky tyres. The drivetrain is all SRAM Rival, with a single 42-ring and 10-42 cassette covering all the bases. Helping to smooth the ride are a 27.2mm carbon seatpost and new carbon Butano handlebar.

BIG TYRES FOR THE WIN

The 40mm Ritchey Speedmax tyres measure 41mm wide on the Ritchey Zeta wheelset and its asymmetric, 25mm tall aluminium rims do a fine impersonation of carbon. An aggressive but open central semislick section rolls quickly everywhere, without buzzing on tarmac, and the angled shoulder treadblocks bite hard in to all but wet mud. There’s ample clearance for when things get sticky, but the tyre volume’s plushness keeps the Swiss Cross feeling smooth.

ONE THING WE’D CHANGE LOSE THE TUBES

Converting the tubeless-ready Ritchey Zeta Comp rims would further improve ride quality.