Lightweight yet reliable, even when riding hard. This is the claim that Ritchey has made for its newly developed Trail groupset. Wider handlebars, longer seat posts and an extra-stiff stem are designed to meet the tastes of trail bikers.
WCS Trail stem made from aluminium
Ritchey forges the discreet black stem from 2014 aluminium and refines it with the so-called "Blatte" finish. This is intended to make the surface more durable. Zero degrees of rise keep the cockpit low. The 220 degree handlebar clamp is intended to increase stiffness, but proved to be less user-friendly and difficult to access during initial assembly. The Trail stem is available in lengths of 60 to 110 millimetres, weighs 115 grams (70 millimetres) and costs 97 euros.
Extra long seat posts
The new WCS Link Trail seatpost is available in either carbon or aluminium. What both have in common is the ability to accommodate both standard saddle racks and Selle Italia's Monolink system. The 400 millimetre extension is also sufficient for frames with a very low top tube. Diameters of 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres are available. The weight is around 180 grams (27.2 millimetres, carbon). The price: 108 euros (aluminium) or 250 euros (carbon).
Two new handlebars
The Trail groupset can be set up with a very wide (740 millimetre) aluminium riser with a 20 millimetre rise or a carbon riser with a 15 millimetre rise. Of course, the bars can be shortened if required. On the first few rides, however, the flat carbon riser provided very good control. Weight and price: 193 grams, 195 euros (carbon) and 276 grams, 82 euros (aluminium).
The WCS Trail 2X handlebars are particularly suitable for 29er and 650B bikes. Depending on how it is mounted, it offers a rise or drop of 5 millimetres. There is also an aluminium version (720 millimetres, 232 grams, 79 euros) and a carbon version (710 millimetres, 180 grams, 172 euros).
We have put the 70 millimetre stem and the carbon riser through their paces and will keep you up to date.
Information on Ritchey components is available here.
Stefan Frey
Editor
