10,000 km on the Crossworx Ride280 – My Honest Verdict

A bike that lasts.

Gravel bikes come and go. But after more than 13,000 km on the Crossworx Ride280, I know one thing for sure: this bike has proven itself – day in, day out, ride after ride. Whether it was quick spins after work, long-distance tours, or getting back into the saddle after two hip surgeries – the Ride280 handled it all. And then some.

I built the bike in September 2023 – with high expectations and a clear vision. My first post on the Crossworx blog covered the build, geometry, and setup. Now, many months and well over 10,000 km later, it’s time for a verdict: straightforward, honest, no marketing fluff. Crossworx Ride280 – here’s my experience.

From Quick After-Work Spins to All-Out Ultra Rides

The Ride280 has been with me through just about everything – from short, punchy after-work loops to epic 250 km rides with 2,800 meters of climbing. I’ve spent plenty of time in the woods, often on demanding trails that push both bike and rider.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 647 hours in the saddle

  • 160,000 meters of climbing

  • 110,000 calories burned

 

Simply a bike that does it all – no fuss, no drama.

A Standout Ride: Through the Heart of the Rhön

What was waiting for me out there? Pure nature, brutal climbs, buttery-smooth trails, punchy gravel descents – and yes, a few hike-a-bike sections too. A ride that packs in everything gravel is about. This is exactly what the Ride280 was built for.

Beyond the Frame: The Emotional Side of This Bike

When I bought the Ride280, I was just about to have my first hip surgery. It wasn’t just my companion through rehab — a year later, after my second operation, it was still my loyal partner. Over time, I realized how much this bike had become a part of my life — not only on epic rides, but also on days when it was simply about moving and clearing my head. I’ve truly come to hold my Ride280 close to my heart.

How It’s Performing & The Numbers (May 2025)

Distance: 13,869 km

Climbing (elevation gain): 160,000 m

Highest average speed: 31.5 km/h

Top speed: 69.3 km/h

Average cadence: 76.6 rpm

Average power: 189 W

Max power: 1,460 W

 

How I Set Up and Fine-Tuned the Bike

Riding Position & Cockpit:

Here’s what I mainly changed from the original setup:

  • Saddle moved forward → more pedal pressure, more aero

  • Lower cockpit for a sportier stance

  • Final handlebar choice (60 mm reach, 110 mm drop, flare 16°, width 42 cm): noticeable difference on rides over 100 km

 

How Does the Ride280 Handle? My Take on Riding It

Downhill: Stable, smooth, and confident — even at high speeds.

Tight technical sections: A bit bulky, but still manageable.

With gear: No wobble at all — rock solid even fully loaded.

Aluminum frame: Tough and reliable — after 13,000 km, barely any wear visible.

 

Durability & Maintenance: Reliable and Straightforward

Over the entire distance, there were no major failures — just regular wear-and-tear parts replaced:

  • Chain

  • Brake pads

  • Handlebar tape (changed several times due to cockpit swaps)

  • Tires

 

Wheels:

The Newmen ADVANCED SL X.R. 36 didn’t let me down!

  • Front hub bearings replaced after 10,000 km

  • Rear hub bearings replaced after just 5,000 km

 

Thanks to the Newmen Fade R hubs, the replacements were quick and hassle-free.

Component highlights:

My favorites are definitely the SQlab gear.

  • SQlab 314 saddle: no issues, no pain

  • SQlab 712 handlebar tape: grippy, comfortable, and durable

The Takeaway and What’s Next: The Ride280’s Sticking Around!

The Ride280 is worth every single cent. It’s not an overly aggressive gravel bike — and that’s exactly what makes it special. No extreme race geometry, no exaggerated smoothness — just a balanced setup that works everywhere.

What’s next?

Shimano out — SRAM 13-speed in: I’m curious to see the difference.

New look: The Ride280 is getting a fresh color. Want to see it? Check out the Crossworx Instagram channel.

The plan: Keep riding. Keep graveling.

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