Still doubt the wave is coming? Raleigh Bicycles in the US will make the bold move into the disc brake arena on their top-end cyclo-cross bike, the RXC Pro, and according to "marketing guy" Brian Fornes, it'll be available for sale well in time for the start of the 2012-13 season.
The rear Shimano CX70 cable actuated disc caliper is tucked inside the rear triangle and bolted to post-mount-style tabs on the chunky chainstays. Rear spacing is set at 135mm – the de facto standard for disc-equipped road and 'cross frames. The front caliper is bolted to ENVE Composites' awesome disc-compatible carbon 'cross fork.
Other changes to Raleigh's top-end carbon fiber 'cross frame include a newly tapered head tube, tubular looped stays, and a clever internal/external convertible routing system compatible with either electronic wires or conventional cables. Adding further to its versatility is the PressFit 30 bottom bracket shell, which not only reduces weight but also allows for an easy singlespeed conversion with the correct adapter fitted.
The complete bike will come with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 group and Cole C38 Lite carbon clincher wheels. Fornes told BikeRadar that final pricing is still to be determined but he estimates it will be somewhere around US$6,000. Raleigh UK tell us they're likely to bring in the RXC Pro as a frameset only, with pricing to be confirmed.