Cyclocross Bikes

[Ian]

Who's got one?

I'm interested in what you've got, how you rate it etc.

Purchase recommendations also helpful - have an open mind currently, but have looked at both the Singular Kite and On-One Dirty Disco

Thanks,

Ian

[Bearbonesnorm]

Here's mine ... Felt Breed SS

[Cheeky Monkey]

I assume you've ruled out a Singular Gryphon?

I really like mine but if you're specifically after a CX bike then I guess it's not one (not that I've ever ridden a propoer CX so wouldn't particularly know) :?

[Ian]

I assume you've ruled out a Singular Gryphon?

Yes, mainly because a crossbike it isn't.

I used to have an Omega Ti with custom geometry (not for me, sadly) and there was some toe overlap that made it difficult to ride on technical stuff:



Was nice though. I'm verging on getting rid of my Cotic Soda because it doesn't get ridden in favour of the Pegasus. Whenever I do ride it, I think that 26" wheels are too small when you ride 29ers a lot. Following the recent 29er fork purchase, and along with other stuff in the garage, I now run the Pegsus rigid/suspended/half-fat in either geared or singlespeed depending on the time of year or type of trip.

Some of my general riding requires long flat sections to get out to as I pretty much ride entirely from my house, so I thought a cross bike would suit that, whether its geared or singlespeed. I can also slick it up if I want to go on the road. I also did a couple of cross races on the Pegasus that I quite enjoyed, and had I had a proper bike would probably have enjoyed more.

Still currently trying to resolve the dilemma of geared/ singlespeed or discs/ canti's and the 6 permutations that can result.

[Cheeky Monkey]

Fairynuff 8-)

A mate who rides a lot has a Giant "something" CX and rated it although it seemd to be sized so it was short and upright, whether that's common to all their bikes I don't know.

I tried, very briefly, some Spesh' Tricross which were OK but again, very short and upright with a rather high TT (nad worryingly so) to get what felt to me like a nice fit.

Both comments might be because I'm predominantly a dropped TT, MTB rider (or was at the time). However, the Sepsh did seem a very funny fit. Got good reviews though. I imagine to some extent the fit issuees could be resolved with bars / stem / rotation but the high TT was always a bit, mentally, uncomfy. BOdy shape a bugger as well as a bit apelike with long arms / shorter legs.

In the end I bought (cycletowork) a Roadrat with alfine and discs. I quite like it though I thought the build was a bit gyp. I do really like the Alfine though and consequently got a cheap set of 8 spd gear to convert the Gryphon to one day and a bargain 11 to stick on an MTB.

I have waaayyyyyy too much gear in the garage

Well, it was nice telling you about all that but I doubt it helps much

[Stevemorg]

Ian - I've got a 56cm genesis vapour CX (happens to be for sale ATM) - you are welcome to try it out to see if a CX suits you before you decide what/if you want to buy a CX

[Ian]

Thanks Steve, but I think I'll be needing a 54cm if or when I do get one.

[Stevemorg]

no worries - feel free if you want to try it

[nostoc]

Ceredigion Council security policy is preventing me from posting a pic of my beloved Crosslight 4T on top of Plynlimon on my birthday. If I had spare cash at the moment I would be making an offer on this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230827929912? ... 1423.l2649

[Ian]

Thanks for that Kev. I looked at the Kenesis website last night and found myself looking at the same frame.

Presume your 4T is a 54cm? Do you get any toe overlap with the front wheel?

[restlessshawn]

Here's my old Jake that I no longer have (kinda regret getting rid now). Was a great bike. Did a lot of off road on it, cycled the Irish end to end and did a few centry rides and a sportive in roadie mode.



was a 52 and had a bit of toe overlap and I don't have big feet

Love the look of stu's felt, trying to resist googling to see how much they are

[gairym]

my old flat-mate (who just won the London and South East cyclocross title last season) rides a pretty much stock Jake and loves it!

in other news: he's coming out this week for a visit and i've got the impossible job of trying to keep up with him while we're out riding (he's like some weird mutant stamina machine - he never tires!).

[nostoc]

Yes, 54cm. Toe overlap has never been a problem though it may well be theoretically possible.

[Ian]

Thanks Kev. Tempting.

Anyone got any views on a Genesis Croix de Fer?

[Trafford]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/84792738@N ... /lightbox/

My Kona Major One. I use it to commute 100 miles a week. Have done a lot of XC on it, like Pennine Bridleway sections, Cheshire canal ring and a run from South Manchester to my sisters on the other side of Bowland Forest, (that was before I discovered bikepacking

It's light and tough, 42/18 is a great gear for riding in traffic. Climbs really well.
My only criticism is that the frame is pure bred SS,CX. Horizontal drop outs and canti brakes only.

[Ian]

Just thought I'd update this thread with the outcome of my Cyclocross purchase. It took a while to accumulate the various bits and pieces once I'd bought the frame, and though it made an appearance at El'an Back, there have been one or two component changes since.


Singular Kite by ianbarrington, on Flickr

Here's the spec:
Frame: Singular Kite (56cm)
Headset: Chris King headset
Stem: KCNC scandium
Bars: Salsa Bell Lap
Levers: Cane Creek SCR-5
Brakes: Paul Components Neo Retro/ Touring Canti's
Wheels: Pace Carbon front hub on DT Swiss RR1.1 rim (32 hole)
Wheels: Paul Word rear hub on Stans Alpha 340 rim (32 hole)
Rear Gear: White Industries Eno freewheel (18t)
Cranks: Middleburn RS8 with Uno ring (36t)
Tyres: Maxxis Larsen MiMo 32mm tyres
Seatpost: Thomson Elite Layback
Saddle: Charge Spoon Ti

It's a really nice bike to ride - handling is very quick and responsive, which becomes really evident once you get onto slippery terrain. Putting the power down on the uphill feels really solid. I deliberated long and hard over the gear ratio - opted for 36/18 in the end, which given the hills around here I think was a good choice. 38/18 might have been a bit long...
Anyway, it's been a great tool for getting out in to the local forests quickly and putting down a good distance when I'm there. I've done 781km on it since its first ride on 15 December, and I'm looking forward to putting in some dry miles at some point!

[24tom]

That's lovely Ian

Although, my OCD side is in overdrive... Brake pads matched to logo, but no collar/cuffs on seatpost/stem? Tut, tut! Would look lovely with a polished Thomson stem too.

Incidentally, I bought a Kinesis Pro6 in the Autumn. Love it and have used it for much more than just 'cross racing,

[Ian]

Cheers Tom :)

I was quite pleased with the brake pad/logo match. A Thomson stem is on the list too, as is a Paul front hub and Alpha 340 rim to match the rear. Not allowed to buy anything else until I've sold all my other spares

Got a pic of your Kinesis Pro6?

[24tom]

On t'ipad, so can't embed the photo but it is here http://projectenduranceracer.com/2012/0 ... -long-now/

[Chew]

Anyone got any views on a Genesis Croix de Fer?

Loving mine :D



Its hard work, but a lot of fun. Opens up a lot of riding which i wouldnt bother with on the other bike, and great for mixing up routes which have a fair amount of road/easy bridleway in them. Very stable and confidence inspiring on the drops. Also flys when you stick some slick on it.