Sea Otter 2012: Redline's new carbon fiber frames

This article originally published on BikeRadar

Following up on last year's disc-compatible Conquest Carbon frame, cyclo-cross specialist Redline has added a proper disc-equipped bike to the range for 2013. It's more a means of testing the waters so to speak, though, rather than a full-blown race rig. The Avid BB7 cable actuated disc brakes are attached to Shimano Tiagra components and a splined FSA Vero crank fitted with conventional 50/34T compact gearing instead of a more 'cross-specific combination to lend more versatility.

Redline is also sticking with 130mm rear dropout spacing for now and while overkill for 'cross, the dual 160mm rotors are better suited to general dirt and paved road riding.

Meanwhile, the Conquest Carbon has been updated with revamped internal cable routing, an all-carbon PressFit 30 bottom bracket shell, and a smoother internal tube finish. In total, Redline's Tim Rutledge tells Cyclingnews says the claimed frame weight is now down to 1,120g – a decrease of 80g. Expected availability is this July, well in time for the first races.

As on the Conquest Disc, rear hub spacing remains at 130mm, which may limit wheel availability as the rest of the industry seems to be settling on 135mm. We also have reservations on the internal cable routing. Redline uses full-length housing to prevent midline contamination but the company uses a small clamp to secure the housing to the inside of the bottom bracket shell. This means users will have to remove the bottom bracket for a housing swap though in fairness, that at least shouldn't be too frequent since it's sealed from end to end.

Finally, Redline showed off a new carbon fiber 29er hardtail, which Rutledge says was developed in conjunction with Germany company Ghost. Key features include short 440mm-long chain stays, a PF92 press-fit bottom bracket with widely set chain stays for better tire clearance, a tapered head tube, internal derailleur cable routing, and a chain stay-mounted rear disc brake that allows the seat stays to be built smaller and more flexible to enhance ride comfort.

Expected availability for the new hardtail is some time this fall.

Finally, joining the new carbon hardtail is a belt-driven version of Redline's popular Monocog. Dubbed the Monobelt, the new bike features a Gates CenterTrack belt drive that's quieter-running and requires less maintenance than the base belt system. The butted steel frame is similar to the Monocog but the driveside seat stay is now built with a removable T-shaped plug so that the belt can be inserted into the rear triangle without having to bend any tubes apart.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1