Ritchey are bolstering their range with several new components for 2012. These include a new integrated road cockpit, ultralight stem, carbon fibre wheels for both on- and off-road, and a 29er cross-country tyre.
Road
First up on the road side is the Carbon MonoCurve – an all-in-one bar and stem. Weighing in at a claimed 353g, the system combines a monocoque EvoCurve bar with a carbon stem. With a shallow 128mm drop, it's available in 40, 42 and 44cm widths for €479.50.
Also added to Ritchey's cockpit line is the alloy C260 stem, which we took a sneak peak at a couple of weeks ago. Weighing in at a reported 100g (100mm length), its bar clamp wraps 260º around the handlebar (hence the name), which aims to distribute clamping stress more evenly through the bar, faceplate, steel hardware and stem body. The C-260 comes in two colour options: wet black (€95) and wet white (€110).
There's a new road wheelset for 2012, too: the Apex 46mm Clinchers. These hoops feature 46mm aero carbon rims, Ritchey WCS hubs and Sapim CX Ray Aero stainless steel spokes. Claimed weight is 1,537g (643g front, 894g rear) and RRP is €1,349.80.
Mountain bike
Ritchey have a new carbon wheelset for 29er fans, too: the Vantage II. These hoops are tubeless-ready and weigh in at a reported 1,537g. The rim has an internal width of 26.5mm to fit wider tyres. RRP €1,200.
Finally, the Shield 29er (€51) is a fast-rolling cross-country tyre with a dual compound tread. Softer rubber on the outside is said to enhance cornering, while the firmer, more durable centre section rolls faster. The Shield has a tubeless-ready bead and weighs 554g. For more information, visit Ritchey's website.
