Cyclocross - Masi CXR just for fun???

Well, I'm posting this here where there will hopefully be more people familiar with the Masi CXR. I do not intend to do ANY Cyclocrossing... just looking for a bike to have fun with... day touring, roads, light gravel trails, etc. I came upon a new Masi CXR available at a discounted price, took a brief ride and was very impressed. Does anyone have more experience with this bike that could share their opinion?

Thanks in advance!

the new owner of masi usa is on this forum. his name is masiguy, might be worth sending him a pm if you have any questions. he's obviously biased, but has been frorthcoming with information over in ssfg and seems to be a nice guy.

First, thanks dirtyphotons for the compliment... I actually AM a nice guy... I promise.

Ok, the CXR is a very capable race bike and is designed with a high bottom bracket for clearing obstacles. That said, it's also a very fun trail bike/ dirt road explorer. Not trying to let my bias shine though or anything, but it does ride very well. The angles make it a very quick and agile feeling bike and the frame and fork work well together to keep from beating you up too much. I was hoping to do some cross racing this year, but the work and travel schedule are just too hectic for me to actually train and get fit, so my CXR has been relegated to being my "fun" ride bike. (I'm not disappointed by that at all either.)

Hope that helps.

Tim- Masiguy- Jackson

Thanks Masiguy!

I have lurked recently on your very enjoyable blog. You have given some teasers about new things to come and I am wondering if I should just be a bit more patient, or go ahead and get this CXR...

Also wondering your thoughts on using it on paved trails? Thanks again!

What other bikes are you considering or did you happen upon the Masi and decide it was for you?

Truthfully, I happened upon it. :) I am also intrigued by some of the Kona models. My budget is in the $1,300 - $1,500 range.

Truthfully, I happened upon it. :) I am also intrigued by some of the Kona models. My budget is in the $1,300 - $1,500 range.

The Kona bikes are cool too, so I'm in good company here.

The CXR is quite a capable road bike. It has a high BB for obstacle clearance, so the weight balance is a little different that way, but it still rides well on paved roads. I have a nice cross course about a mile from the office and I ride on the road to the course. Granted, almost anything feels ok for a mile... but the CXR doesn't feel much different than my other road bikes. I also like to ride the CXR on the road to get to a few dirt roads that offer up some fun, so it's not unheard of to ride it for several miles on paved roads.

Thanks for considering my bikes.

Tim Jackson

Bought the CXR, so I am officially one of your posse Tim! Great experience so far... hat tip to Chuck at Behind Bars ...

Bought the CXR, so I am officially one of your posse Tim! Great experience so far... hat tip to Chuck at Behind Bars ...

Chuck is one of my favorite people ever in the bike business- a great guy with a great wife and super cute daughter. You're in good hands with Chuck- that's a given.

Glad to have you in the posse. It's small, but it's growing.

Masiguy

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I just happened across an 08 cxr, and then stumbled across this post and was hoping someone could help me out. I was wondering if the 08/09 cxr would have enough tire clearance for the panaracer 45 fire cross tires? I saw the cx speciale could accomidate them but didnt know if this year/model had enough room?
Thanks for your time