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Ridley Frames and Forks

We ride and race mostly in New England, not exactly known for its fine weather and smooth roads. Much of our saddle time is spent riding rough and broken roads in wet and dirty conditions, not unlike the riding conditions in Belgium where the Ridley bicycle company is based. Like most performance bicycle companies, Ridley does make some remarkably light and stiff bikes. Where they part ways with most other bicycle companies is their intense focus on maximum strength and durability. This may be why Ridley is one of the best-known cyclocross brands in the world and why their road bikes are so highly regarded among elite riders.

Read further about the Ridley models we use:
Road – Helium, Damocles,
Cyclocross – X-Fire

SRAM Drivetrains and Brake Systems

The Chicago-based SRAM corporation has had a meteoric rise to prominence in the road bike world, and deservedly so. Not only do they make innovative and functional products at many price points, they’re also extremely supportive of the sport of cycling and racing. It’s obvious they’re passionate about bikes and hungry for the business – that’s a combination we respect immensely.

We use a mixture of SRAM’s Red and Force component groups and braking systems for road and cross as well as SRAM-made Avid brakes on our cyclocross bikes. They work well, look slick and last a long time.

Read the team’s take on SRAM parts:
SRAM Red

Yokozuna Reaction Cables and Housing Sets


When we first received the Yokozuna Reaction cables and housings, there was great excitement amongst the team riders. These cables have a stirling reputation for improving the shift quality and and breaking of all components with their zero compression housings and super high quality stainless steel cables. Thus far they’ve lived up to the hype and we’re convinced they’re one of the most significant upgrades that can be made to any bike.

Read our first impressions of Yokozuna Reaction Cables

Fizik Saddles

Fizik gets it. They get racing; they get product development and they get cycling culture. What’s not to love? They have a small and well-thought-out product line and some of the most iconic and recognizable saddles on the market today for road and off-road uses. Fizik offers riders the choice of several uniquely shaped saddles that offer not only comfort but performance benefits.
We adorned our Ridley cross bikes with Fizik’s Tundra model, which has a long, flat surface perfect for the variable positions required in cross racing. On the road, our team riders have the choice of the Arione Wing Flex or Aliante saddles, depending on their preference and body type.

Read our articles on the following Fizik saddles:
Arione
Aliante

Bontrager Wheel Systems

Don’t think for a moment that because Bontrager is Trek’s house brand that their wheels don’t stand alone as some of the best in the world. They are some of the best wheels in the world and they have the race pedigree to prove that. The Bontrager formula is simple – great hub, solid rims and top-shelf spokes combine for a kick-ass wheelset. They offer tubulars and clinchers, carbon and aluminum, and everything from super deep aero wheels to scale-tipping climbing wheels. There’s something for everyone.

We use the following Bontrager wheel models: Aeolus, Race XXX Lite, Race Lite

Lazer Helmets

Lazer reminds us a bit of Ridley in that they’re not the biggest helmet company with the most extensive product line; rather they focus on performance, race-specific models only. And they don’t just build race-worthy helmets – they ooze race heritage and embrace the sport in a deeper, more personal way than we see with just about any other company. In short, they make really, really nice helmets that have features racers want, and none that they don’t.

View our article on the team’s helmets: Lazer Genesis