Commuting - Nashbar Cyclocross Frame as Commuter Pic

I began searching for something more efficient then my mtb with slicks a few months ago & this forum came up alot & in big part of it I finally decided on a 2006 19" Trek 520 touring bike. It was nice but I had bought a frame one size too small so I was thinking how I could trade up a size without losing too money. Well I ended up in a stupid accident over a month ago that severely bent the top & bottom tubes near the head tube. Surly & Soma immediately came to mind as Trek was quoting $400 for a replacement frame & I also wanted something sportier. Didn't want to spend that much cash though so I came upon this medium aluminum Nashbar "X" cyclocross frame which seems perfect for my needs.

I was able to swap most of the parts from the 520 except for the headset, fork, & I'll need to redo the cable lengths & probably get a new chain. I think I already screwed up one of the rear rack eyelets by crossthreading it, but it seems to be holding. There's only one set in the back so fenders & rack have to share. The front fork is also from Nashbar & is made of steel. The disc brake mounts do get in the way of mounting the rack & fenders, but a few washers in the back & attaching from the inside up front solved that. The chainstay is 1" shorter then the 520 so I have to mount the pannier fairly far back. A new rack would probably be in order.

http://angelvoice.net/misc/nashbarxcommuter_side.jpg
http://angelvoice.net/misc/nashbarxcommuter_front.jpg

It's nice to be able to switch the mtb back into an mtb & ready for the expected 6" to 12" of snow today in Chicago.

Looks good! How does it ride? I was considering this frame for winter commuter, but chickened out thinking that alu would be too tough on my old bones :).

PS. I think you need more lights ;).

That looks great!! I had been considering one of those frames, and you may have just pushed me over the edge there...

Dang, that's a sharp lookin' ride. If only it had horizontal drops...


/me wants a ss/fg cx rig as a new ride.

Sweet! (but I'm biased, see attachments) Yeah, mine's an ebike, for commuting in the hot months here. (I have to be sweat-free when I get to work, but at least I can get some exercise on the way home.) I built this bike almost a year ago and put over 1000 miles on it this summer. Now that it's cooler I'm commuting on my Bianchi San Jose, but the MonkeyRocket 2000 will be ready when the morning temps get above 60.

I had a bit of trouble with rear tire/fender/front derailleur/seat tube clearence, so I cut off the lower front part of the fender & zip tied it to the seat tube.

I think I may have the same Nashbar fork as you.


Now you just need to find yourself some nice custom decals. :) (I got mine at edecals.com)

Looks good. I have an 03 Hardrock that I've been wanting to make my next project but I just couldn't visualize it with drops and a rigid fork. I'm spatially challenged :lol:

Dang, that's a sharp lookin' ride. If only it had horizontal drops...


/me wants a ss/fg cx rig as a new ride.


Bianchi San Jose.

Dang, that's a sharp lookin' ride. If only it had horizontal drops...


/me wants a ss/fg cx rig as a new ride.
IRO Rob Roy (click the sig)

Looks good! How does it ride? I was considering this frame for winter commuter, but chickened out thinking that alu would be too tough on my old bones :).

PS. I think you need more lights ;).

I guess compared to steel it's stiffer, but I've been use to aluminum for years so it doesn't bother me. Had both lights on to compare will likely stick to the HID though. ;)


That looks great!! I had been considering one of those frames, and you may have just pushed me over the edge there...

For the low price I don't think it can be beat. Welds & finish look good. Feels like it's black anodized rather then painted. It's made in Taiwan which makes me wonder if it's oem to any bike company or custom made for Nashbar.



I had a bit of trouble with rear tire/fender/front derailleur/seat tube clearence, so I cut off the lower front part of the fender & zip tied it to the seat tube.


It was tight but I didn't have to cut the fender to fit it. Used zip ties to secure it to the bridges. Not sure if I'll put decals on it yet since it looks pretty stealthy the way it is though I guess not a quality you want in a commuter. :o

I doubt I'll ever do the single gear thing so the dropouts are fine with me. That Santa Cruz Chameleon behind it though has horizontal dropouts & it's a pain to remove the rear wheel.