[Closed] Which cyclocross bike (or frame) for racing

bump for the day crowd 🙂

Similar quandary here too.

Tempted by a Giant TCX Advanced here, though I'd rather buy a frameset and build it up but don't think that's an UK option. I like the Spesh Crux carbon frameset too, but that's a grand and a half and mud clearance doesn't look brilliant, though borrowed a canti one for an afternoon a while back and it was amazing to ride. I'll probably end up just getting a new Crosslight.

I've heard the crux is good but very different to a ridley (much lower BB drop). Although I think a lot of these changes you can get used to. I've got used to my crosslight but i jumped on a ridley and that felt great and could get used to straight away.

I'm leaning very much to disc brakes because i know they are going to get better/lighter. Everyone compares the canti/disc argument to pros but forget that pro's can get a new clean bike every lap if they want to (and are very concerned about weight)

Also i'm loving my v brakes so i'm used to a bit of power

Plenty of posting on Chinese bikes and the right places to get them from:

This is a good starting point:
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/chinese-carbon-road-bikes-with-discs-like-wot-clubber-has-got

Yes, I rode the Crux and a TCX pretty much back to back and after the Crux the handling on the TCX felt very wrong, almost fell into corners, and took a little getting use to. Probably the high BB. I think it would be something you just got use to. The Crux definitely feels more like a fast road bike in terms of handling, and still felt surprisingly good out on some trails. Still, £1.5k for the frame 😕

Still on the fence about canti or disc. Probably go disc just because that seems the way forward.

Plenty of posting on Chinese bikes and the right places to get them from:

The prices are pretty compelling. Regardless I'd probably get some carbon Chinese tubs for whatever I end up building.

cheers. Although i'm more interested in hearing comments of people racing on them (stiffness shouldering, how does it handle around cross courses)

Some of the chinese frames have very different geometry where the top tube seems longer than the seat tube.

Ridley is the first i've seen where the seat tube is longer than the top tube (effective).. [url= http://www.ridley-bikes.com/be/en/bikes/4/148/46/cyclocross/x-fire-10-1403a ]So a 56/53.5[/url]

I'm really happy with mine. Probably my favourite bike if I dare admit that 😳

FWIW, I'll probably have it at the Bristol Bikefest this weekend (doing the Steve Worland event and he always liked riding CX bikes round there)

The MC098 is basically the same as the Fuji Altamira Disc. You'll find that's pretty common - that the chinese frames are based on an existing design - or at least most/many of the decent ones. Miracle/Ican offer a Dirty Disco clone too. It does mean that you can find reviews of the geometry/etc at least.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/cyclo-cross/product/review-fuji-altamira-cx-1-3-46777/

What have you got nemesis? Is it the same as clubber frame?

ahem... yes... identical 😳

Ridley is cross, or at least that's what everyone says.

Plenty to drool over here:
http://shop4cross.com/rahmen.html?limit=all

Make sure you're certain about the sizes though as they can come up a little on the large size.

Disks with the new TRP cable to hydraulics’ look interesting too!
http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1198&catid=206

ooh gotta love cross threads in June, less than 100 days to CrossVegas 8)

i've ridden my mates x night (52 c-c 56-c-t) with the ISP and that fits perfect. I really liked the shorter top tube 53.5 (as opposed to 55.1 on my crosslight)

What do you ride swedish chef?

Also love the look of the dedacciai super cross which the hope guys ride.. pretty expensive though

What about a crosslight pro6?

Mine was £400 from probikekit ebay outlet

Crosslight pro6

I'll probably go for one of these. Just seems a very safe (if a little boring) choice for a first CX race bike. Available at my LBS too which is good.

Have a look at Fossa - http://www.fossa-bikes.com/

Race-winning frames designed by cyclocross racers for cyclocross racers (I'm slightly biased as I ride for them).

I came from a genesis day one 54"

Built this and sizing is close bar shorter headtube(hence spacer stack) feels very good doing a 2hr local blast in my local woods.. Yes I will be racing it come cx season 🙂

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14020112059_4febcf66c5_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14020112059_4febcf66c5_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/54931015@N07/14020112059/ ]image[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/54931015@N07/ ]Plus one2010[/url], on Flickr

Bought from speeder cycling(aka focus carbon technologies)

I've got a shop branded hand built carbon frame from Italy which I'm 90% sure is a Dedacciai.

Logic says a Ridley, passion says a Ritchey, as possible next frames.

I'll probably go for one of these. Just seems a very safe (if a little boring) choice for a first CX race bike. Available at my LBS too which is good.

That was my alternative to the Chinese carbon. I decided to take a risk (which turned out not to be much of a risk) and go Chinese but the Pro6 is definitely a good option. I am glad I did take a punt now though.

CAADX. If you aren't wedded to disk then there are some bargain SORA bikes around for easy upgrading. It's a fine frame.

plus one. Whats the geometry on that?

Is it the Icann frame?

I think i remember you mentioning this in another thread

they say only race what you can afford to replace.

i struggle to see past an kinesis alu pro6 when looking at racing frames, just seems sorted in terms of features, clearance and affordability. i worry about the top tube - bar interface on carbon frames in the inevitable crash.

xls looks lovely esp. in the flanders colours but it has a big mudshelf on the bottom bracket.

pro 6 here with trp hyrd! great frame.

CAADX geometry - not disimilar to their CAAD8 race bike.

[img] [/img]

i worry about the top tube - bar interface on carbon frames in the inevitable crash.

I wondered the same.

I broke my original CX frame. Got it warrantied but had the old frame less the seat tube/top tube junction. I cut up the tubes and did some non-scientific testing on how tough they were. The carbon tubes were ridiculously tough against what I expected and I'm not someone who thinks of carbon as fragile. I had an another broken aluminium frame and, non-scientifically again, gave it some stick.

In conclusion 😉 I'd trust a decent carbon frame to stand up to abuse more than a thin walled aluminium one.

Anyone got an opinion on the Trek Crocket?

Link

http://www.speedercycling.com/Carbon-Bicycle-Disc-Cyclocross-Frame-FF-R014-_p32.html

I've got a TCX Advance1, the carbon jobbie. Unfortunatly it's with Giant having the recall on the SRAM brakes, yet to know when I'll get it back TBH and I'm a touch ferking annoyed, but hey.

The TCX 2, alloy versions nice, got all the bits on and loads of clearance. If you could get a ride on one I think it'd be worth it.
Or indeed the Adanced1 like mine. IIRC the TCX 2 is about £2.2k and I know the Advanced1 is £3k.. don't forget the season sales are almost with us.

Where are you based, if you are around London or Southampton you could have a spin on mine (when I get it back) .. 😀

I'm brizzle based but reckon i could look in one of the giant shops ( i think one of the giant guys help run the western cx league)

My mate has offered me his x night for good money but it's not disc 🙁

Buy it if it fits! Cantis are fine, even from a mud clearance perspective. I ran one bike for years and the brakes were never the bits that clogged up.

Probably a lot of good deals to be had on second hand CX bikes with cantis.

I rode a very muddy race last week. Even with v brakes the worse area was around the crank and jockey wheels. The clearance on the kinesis looks a bit crap! this led me to look at the pickenflick. The clearance is huge!

I also hear ppl talk about similarities with mtb riding and cx with discs - late braking as opposed to gradual slowing

Did you race last night, Tricky?

I couldn't get across to race, it must've been stinking anyway.

I've just bought a carbon Ritte Crossberg which is lovely-haven't raced it yet, still tampering with the shifters/bars.

Matt Lewis

I didn't know. I was a wuss and couldn't be bothered (spent the previous night cleaning from warmley!)

Wow! a ritte crossberg. My dream bike! what's the build?

I rode a very muddy race last week. Even with v brakes the worse area was around the crank and jockey wheels. The clearance on the kinesis looks a bit crap! this led me to look at the pickenflick.

Bum. That might be off my list. I wonder how long before we get mtb crank spacing on cross frames for this reason. 29er space with 32c tyre heavenly.

Problem is those who take cross seriously solve it with two bikes and a jet wash.

To Tricky:

Sram Red/Force groupset/Avid Ultimate Cantis and some Velocity A23 wheels- I got very very lucky on ebay!

I dont think the clearance on the planet x bikes are brilliant. they are ok but not the best. the new picknflick has a seat stay bridge too (to collect mud)

clearence on kinesis evo's are very good

I like the look of the Fossa bikes

with regards to weight the PLX bikes arent actually that light

the fork on the xls is 700g I think

BB heights are 'horses for courses'

with regards to canti's are the pro choice - I think this might have something to do with Shimano (who supply almost all the Belgium cx field with kit - most run Shimano kit, wheels and finishing kits) I'd bet they will all be running discs as soon as Shimano have the Hydro sorted for good

I know friends that race the addict frames and rate them highly! £1600 frame/fork though.

with regards to canti's are the pro choice

I also think this is due to them being able to come in whenever they want for a fresh clean new bike. In amateur races this just isn't possible.

It was like riding through treacle the other week. The cranks and wheels had to be properly forced round cus of all the mud

...still coming in for a bike change is a disadvantage.

I'm happy with canti's but from what I see disc frames hold less mud around the back (there is no brake cables/cantilevers for mud to cling to so all the crap simply falls off) this makes for a lighter bike.

what I need is jockey wheels that dont clog and let you keep putting the power down without risking ripping your mech off.

what I need is jockey wheels that dont clog and let you keep putting the power down without risking ripping your mech off.

yes please! i think i remember seeing crossjunkie adding some fins to his. Not sure if it worked?!

I do love the look of the pickenflick with single ring set up
[url= http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEJp-o28k1M/Us0eWZ2IqiI/AAAAAAAACI0/2kzkpi5kPrc/s1600/photo+(3).JP G" target="_blank">http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEJp-o28k1M/Us0eWZ2IqiI/AAAAAAAACI0/2kzkpi5kPrc/s1600/photo+(3).JP G"/> [/img][/url]

I will be going single ring with whatever bike i choose

The seatstay bridge is a total mud trap and a daft design feature on a Ti frame, no need for it at all.

Ooo just seen [url= http://road.cc/content/news/120603-exclusive-first-ride-storck-tix-cyclo-cross-bike ]this[/url] over at road.cc...

[img] [/img]

Could be a contender. Bit pricey. Shame no frame only. Hydraulic version available in December, just in time for the end of the cross season!

The seatstay bridge is a total mud trap and a daft design feature on a Ti frame, no need for it at all.

[img] [/img]

Ah This one?

Sorry - meant chainstay 😳
But yes, that one!

Trek Boone looks absolute quality if you've got the cash.

Im just going to leave this here Gav...

[img] [/img]

And this..

[img] [/img]

Ha ha.. That's the one. Very nice bike 🙂

thought it was 1x10? What's the clearance like? Last weeks race (warmley) has got me paranoid about clearance now (not the fact that i'm so unfit at the moment)

Don't know about the Boone but the trek crockett does look a sorted bike. Doesn't set the heart racing as it's a Bit dull in the flesh, looks better in photos, but they've got the important things right, clearance looks very good with no bridges. Geometry is nu Skool US, whether that makes a difference in real life I have no idea 🙂

Raced an XLS all last season. Great bike for the money. I never had mud clearance issues really, and I wasn't bike changing (no helpers!)

Just bought a second one for next season now I have helpers lined up.

The bridge on the Pickenflick might appear to be a mudtrap but with a single ring, both myself and Dave have had no problems with clogging, including at legendary mudders Bradford and Todmorden.

I can't think of many bikes on the market that I've seen that would have better clearance overall, and the huge clearance on the seat stays on the 'flick help massively in this respect.

But Alan, it'd be so easy to get rid of it altogether without losing any rigidity, and then you'd have absolutely monster clearances. I managed it fine on mine with a standard 68 shell and 130 dropouts so I'm sure P-X could do it with the different chainline setup and 135 dropouts! The rear ends of my Tis were absolutely rock solid, no compromises at all. And they were big old gates, remember 😀

And they were big old gates, remember

I remember 🙂 Take your point about it not being a necessity, though it doesn't bother me in practice.

These [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/paul-milnes-columbus-59-cm-carbon-mud-x-cyclo-cross-frame-and-fork-X-large-PMC-/171162566222 ]Columbus Mud-X[/url] will be too big for you but could be worth ringing the shop and seeing if they have any smaller in? I race on a 56 seat tube/53.5TT. Light, shoulders really well and very stiff.

Any pics Shedbrewed? How light is it?

The mud-x hasn't got the mud clearance the x-wing has at the back of the BB. in fact I remember thinking it didn't have good clearance.

I haven't rode one but I have had a good luck at one.

IMO CX racing is all about the details. get all the tiny gains and collectively you have a good advantage.

you looked at the focus bikes? they look good but no frame only.

plus one - is that an eccentric hub or BB you've got there? Lovely bike!

I race on a SS Surly crosscheck (campag-style dropouts so easy to SS) but would love something lighter. Never considered anything carbon.

trickydisco - Member

Any pics Shedbrewed? How light is it?

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Notice the clag build up around the brakes; I was using TRP mini-vees last year and will probably go to Cantis this year, at least on the back. Sefton, I didn't have a problem with mud around the BB, it was at the brakes and I think due to the mini-vees.

Weight, figures of ca.1500g frame and 500g fork from memory.

yep I ditched the mini v's - they are terrible for collecting mud. deep brake blocks can push them out wider but still no where near as good as canti's for clearance. the trp revox look like a halfway house.

build up behind the BB doest effect the bike as much as build up on the front (I bet it was hard to turn your wheels with all that build up)

What does everyone think of Moda? Are they still producing cross bikes?

A mate in the club lent me this to race yonks about and i loved it

[img] [/img]

I realise now it also has a 53.5 top tube (54 seat tube) similar to the ridley. I think with my crosslight I feel a little stretched (55.1 ETT) and more on top of the bike than in it

Hadn't considered Moda. The [url= http://www.moda-bikes.com/portfolioentry/calore/ ]Calore[/url] looks good. Shame there isn't a frame only deal.

sefton - Member
build up behind the BB doest effect the bike as much as build up on the front (I bet it was hard to turn your wheels with all that build up)

I'll have a look at the revox, cheers.
To be honest with you that was my first race back after a bad car crash (3 cracked ribs and hairline crack at top of pelvis) and I just had to get a finish for league points. The course was so wet and boggy in places it was quicker to run/hobble. Most of the courses were better drained and faster. /thread drift

i currently have 2 specialized Crux with revox brakes. i didn't race/ride at all last year due to an injury but i love mine. just been on it today (ok on the rollers) and was happy!

just don't buy a norco! they are some slack angles. like riding a lowrider

Carbon crux or the alu one? What's it like in the mud?

2tyred

I run a beer components eccentric bb(bb30) fitment .. When I realised no one was going to make a carbon slot dropout frame for cx this was a good option 🙂

alu,

yeah its fine loads of room. between my mates we own 7. there no frills race frames. can't fault them at all. i have drilled my frame and run full length cables (linear brake outers) just sorting tubs out at the moment. getting my file treads ready for [url= http://www.summerseries.co.uk ]summer series[/url]

Anyone ridden the van dessel Gin and trombones? Looks a great frameset. Can run disc or canti with full cable outers. Notice it's got a 70mm BB drop!!

am i right in thinking a 1 degree steeper seat tube angle should shorten the top tube?

No, the opposite. You have to move the saddle back to get it in the same place behind the BB. So the reach is longer on a steeper-angled STA bike versus a slacker one with the same TT.

I've read good things about the Gin and Trombone.

light, good clearance, can take discs on the rear (front will need a disc fork)

probably cheap as a new model (aloominator)has replaced the G&T

The Bearded man has some 54's in stock too.

however the BB30 put me off as I'd have to buy x2 new chainsets.

I think the Kinesis evo 5 sounds better though. these are also cheap at the mo as they have been discontinued too.

Can somone please tell me how different the van dessel might feel to a kinesis crosslight in geometry terms.

Really i'm after something that doesn't feel larger than a 55 top tube,

kinesis has a 55.1 ETT 54 ST 71.5 Head angle and 73 seat angle (125 head tube)

[img] [/img]

the [url= http://www.vandesselsports.com/?page_id=31 ]54 van dessel[/url] has a 72 head angle and a 74 seat angle with a 54.5 top tube (140 head tube)

how many spacers under your stem do you currently have (if any) as the head tube has the biggest difference.

the TT and head angle are almost identical (5mm) the seat angle will put you slightly more forward - just slide saddle back more to get same position.

van dessel could be slightly more aggressive putting you in more of forward position

The van dessel has a more compact frame the kinesis looks like its got more of a horizontal TT

Plus one, That looks great how much was the frame and fork? How long did it take to come? Same questions for the BB. Have to say seriously tempted by one of those now

Just looks fun.

I've ridden it both slammed and now raised it further up (2 spacers)

[img] [/img]

the 54 van dessel sounds a great handling bike

$399 frame/fork
$99 shipping

Around 3 weeks to me .. Luckily no customs charge(pot luck)

Check contacts on speeder cycling I dealt with Tracy she was very helpful and prompt
With any queries ..

Paid via paypal invoice(you cover fees)

Still worked out cheap as frame is really well put together ..

bb30 running beer components eccentric(works really well)

Looks good plusone. How does it ride? what's the bb drop?

Fast-Direct-Stiff-Light... Rides very well I have built this for speed and boy it's quick 🙂

My position on bike feels sweet and I've set up contact points near as dammit to my genesis ..

I was expecting a decent frame set for the money what I never expected was the high quality finish and the
Attention to detail with the neat cable routing guides for brakes ..

Not a clue on bb drop ? Maybe it's on geometry chart on speeder cycling ?

This threads got me thinking about a new frame too, damn it!

Trek Boone @ 1750, a lot of money
Ridley X-Night, see above
Ridley X-Fire, hmm tempting
Specialized, can't get passed the colours, sorry
Kinesis, disk only?
Alan?

That Van Dessal looks cool, UK supplier Bearded Man, only listing 54 though and VD's web site is down for maintenance, other options for them?

Oh missed off the Ritchey Swiss Cross, hmmm lovely looking

Ridley X-Night, see above
Ridley X-Fire, hmm tempting

Wierd that the geometry is different between the 2

have u seen these?

[url= http://www.merlincycles.com/ridley-x-night-cyclocross-bikes-ex-telenet-fidea-team-71090.html ]Ridley X-Night Cyclocross Bikes - Ex Telenet Fidea Team[/url]