Following up on last year's disc-compatible Conquest Carbon frame, cyclo-cross specialists Redline have added a proper disc-equipped bike to the range for 2013. Shown at the Sea Otter Classic, it's more a means of testing the waters, so to speak, than a full-blown race rig.
The Avid BB7 cable actuated disc brakes are attached to Shimano Tiagra components and a splined FSA Vero crankset fitted with conventional 50/34-tooth compact gearing instead of a more 'cross-specific combination to lend more versatility. Redline are also sticking with 130mm rear dropout spacing for now, and while overkill for 'cross, the dual 160mm rotors are well 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. Redline's Tim Rutledge told BikeRadar that 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 about the internal cable routing. Redline use full-length housing to prevent mid-line contamination but secure the housing to the inside of the bottom bracket shell with a small clamp. This means users will have to remove the bottom bracket for a housing swap. That at least shouldn't be too frequent since it's sealed from end to end.
Redline have made some revisions to the Conquest Carbon frame for the 2012-13 season
Redline also showed off a new carbon fiber 29er hardtail, which Rutledge said was developed in conjunction with Germany company Ghost. Key features include short 440mm chainstays, a PF92 press-fit bottom bracket with widely set chainstays for better tire clearance, a tapered head tube, internal derailleur cable routing and a chainstay-mounted rear disc brake that allows the seatstays to be built smaller and more flexible to enhance ride comfort. Expected availability for the new hardtail is some time this fall.
Redline showed off a new carbon fiber 29er hardtail at Sea Otter, developed in conjunction with German company Ghost
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 seatstay 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.
New from Redline for 2013 is the Monobelt singlespeed 29er built with a Gate CenterTrack belt drive