I'm new to the forums and to road bikes. I've been using my old Rocky Mountain mountain bike for the past 12 years, and I've decided to get into road biking. I'm looking to get a cyclocross bike since it suits the type of terrain I will be biking on (roads/gravel trails) and I will use this day-to-day for commuting.
I'm interested in the following models:
Solo CX
http://bikes.com/bikes/2007/cx/solo-cx.aspx (~1300 CAD)
Solo CXR
http://bikes.com/bikes/2007/cx/solo-cxr.aspx (~1600 CAD)
Both are within my price range, but I'm wondering if there's a significant difference between the CX and CXR. I don't really know the difference between the gear systems or if there's anything notable about any other parts or what to watch out for. The key thing is that I will keep it for a long time, hopefully more than 10 years. So I wanted to ask you guys what you think of these two bikes, and if anyone owns either one of them and could share their experience. The local stores don't have it in stock, so I unfortunately can't compare them up front. Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
rocketfuel
Rotten Bastard
04-03-07, 11:39 AM
I own a Solo CXR and love it. It's my commuter and I've put about 700 miles on it in the last few months and it's been great.
You can't go wrong with either model, but the big difference with the current batch of CXRs is that they come with the Easton EC90X fork instead of the standard EC70X. The story goes that Easton ran out of the 70X due to underestimating demand, and since they have a good business relationship with Rocky, they sold them a bunch of the 90s for the price of the 70. So you basically get a free upgrade on a $500 fork (plus all 105). Spoon!
I should also add some info since you said you're not familiar with road groupsets. Tiagra is a decent set to start with, but 105 is significantly smoother. My previous bike was almost all Tiagra, and I'm still loving the 105 setup on my CXR.
Here's the Shimano hierarchy for road bikes, from highest to lowest:
Dura Ace (Tour de France guys use this)
Ultegra
105 (beginning pro)
Tiagra
Sora (has thumb shifters that a lot of people dislike)
rocketfuel
04-06-07, 07:03 PM
Thanks a lot for the info. I think I'll go for the CXR, hopefully I'll get one with the EC90X fork.
btw. it's an honor to be speaking with the inventor of post-its, my life would be in total disorder without them :)
spatz
04-06-07, 10:40 PM
I to have the CXR and love it. Without taking into account the EC90X fork it is still well worth your while getting the R particularly as a commuter. The 105 10 spd groupo is reliable, carbon solo seatpost helps smooth out the bumps, and Shimano 550 bladed spoked wheelset is another plus. We have 3 people at the shop on solo CX's and the rest wishing they were. Being made entirely in Canada out of Easton Ultralite aluminum when everything is going oversea's is another feature. A better crankset with external bearings is again another bonus. Topping it off with Easton's CNT carbon fork pretty much settles any wavering that may exist between the CX and R versions. The current Solo CXR's are quite a deal and shouldn't be passed up as next year I'm sure they'll adjust their prices to reflect demand. Racing on the CXR I find the degree of slope to the top tube to be a little much as shouldering the bike is a little awkward. Other then that though the frame is light, stiff and a absolute blast to ride anywhere.
rocketfuel
04-07-07, 06:45 PM
Thanks, I do think it is a good deal from your comments. Out of curiosity, when will Rocky likely announce next year's (2008) model or will it just be the same? And how often does Rocky redesign their bikes?
Finally, what sort of pedals would you recommend for a commuter like me? I want to try clipless pedals/shoes. The roads/trails that I go on intersect with a lot of streets along the way, so I will be mounting/dismounting quite a bit.
Cheers!
Rotten Bastard
04-08-07, 02:11 AM
Finally, what sort of pedals would you recommend for a commuter like me? I want to try clipless pedals/shoes. The roads/trails that I go on intersect with a lot of streets along the way, so I will be mounting/dismounting quite a bit.
Cheers!
My CXR came with Crank Bros. Smarties, but I've been using Shimano campus pedals (similar to these (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=2275&subcategory_ID=10045)). One side has an SPD clip, the other has a platform. When commuting in winter, I wear regular shoes and use the platform side for easy on/off without having to think ahead, which is nice in traffic. When the weather warms up I'll be using my SPD sandals on the other side. The Shimano pedals are about $70, but I probably shoulda saved a few bucks and gotten the Forte version, which I imagine is comparable in quality.
Good luck on your purchase. You're gonna love the CXR but don't hesitate to ask any other questions you might think of before you decide to take the plunge :)
rocketfuel
04-11-07, 05:26 PM
Thanks again. I'm hoping to walk into the bike store this weekend to order one. I do have another question: does the CXR have a double or triple crankset?
jjjj
04-12-07, 11:32 PM
Both the CXR and the CX come with compact double crankset (50 x 36 chain rings and I believe a 12 x 23 cassette). You may want to ask the bike shop to change the cassette to a 12 x 27 cassette for a better climbing gear depending on how strong you are.
I own the CX model and have been thrilled with it. I use it to ride during the winter months and for a change of pace from my road bike. Riding cross trails is a ton of fun..
I have had no issues with the Tiagra shifters. They certainly are not as crisp as Ultegra or Chorus, but they operate fine. They are miles better than Sora. I have never used 105, so I can not comment on them.
I was undecided between both models like you. For me both bikes met my needs and the value proposition for both models seemed about equal. Since this bike would not be my primary ride except during the winter months, I chose the one that looked better to me (the Black CX). It would be near impossible for me to distinguish the difference between Tiagra and 105 and the carbon fork with gloves and multiple layers of clothing. I have not regretted this decision as I love the bike. In the end if this was going to be my primary bike year round I probably would have chosen the CXR.
I am sure you will enjoy your new bike. let us know how the first ride goes.
Rotten Bastard
04-13-07, 12:26 AM
^What jjjj said (sorry, I missed this thread for a couple days).
The CXR is a really underrated bike. I don't hear it mentioned much anywhere, as it seems the Kona Jake and Surly Cross Check are the favorites of the cyclocross crowd. It's incredibly solid and predictable when descending on uneven ground, which I do every day for a bit on my commute. You're gonna love it :)
rocketfuel
04-18-07, 04:33 PM
Thanks everyone. I've ordered my CXR. Should arrive in the next couple of weeks. I'll post pics when I get it.
Cheers!
jjjj
04-19-07, 08:10 PM
Congrats! You will be happy. I hope it arrives sooner versus later for you.
Yeah, definitely post pics when it arrives! Speaking of which, I gotta get myself a digicam one of these days so I can post pics of mine.
waytoomanybikes
04-30-07, 08:31 PM
You will not go wrong with that bike.
I have the older version of Rocky's CX entry. The Rail.
Although it came with 105 I have since converted to Veloce on it. The bike travels with me and has seen a lot of countryside.
It is a great bike, nice and solid yet light too. I expect the CXR will be better.
Completely under-rated, off the radar bike.
Enjoy it.
Rotten Bastard
05-01-07, 12:06 AM
You know, I was thinking the extra $300 you're paying for the CXR is probably getting you about $800 worth of upgrades. And $1600 for the CXR is already a steal.
rocketfuel
05-01-07, 11:42 AM
Thanks everyone for the comments and info.
My CXR has finally arrived. It's a very well built bike and I was extremely surprised at how light it is. Definitely a quality bike and I've taken it out for a spin a few times. I'm very happy so far and I love the silver metallic color.
I'm having some difficulty with the Crankbrothers smarties as I'm still getting used to clipless pedals, but hopefully over time I'll get better at locking in/out. Perhaps the springs need time to loosen up.
Congrats! :beer: And welcome to the club :) I like the silver color too, kinda adds to the whole understated look of the bike. You're right.. it is pleasantly light. My 51cm rig weighed in at 19 lbs. at the shop. Throw on some slicks and you have yourself an instant road bike.
Congrats again and have a blast with it. :)
justinb
04-29-08, 07:21 PM
snip...
I'm having some difficulty with the Crankbrothers smarties as I'm still getting used to clipless pedals, but hopefully over time I'll get better at locking in/out. Perhaps the springs need time to loosen up.
...snip
2 things have helped me:
1.) Crank Bros pedals do take a little time to wear in. I think this is because the cleat needs to wear down a touch. I'm always a little shocked when I change to new cleats, by the second ride I'm used to the new forces required to clip in/out
2.) The cleats can be set up for a 20 or 15 degree release angle. If your issue is with clipping out, perhaps you have it set on 20? Switching the cleats will change it to 15, if you want to do this. There are detailed instructions on which cleat is which on the CB website.