Cyclocross - Is it sick to own two Cyclocross bikes...

... and never race cross?

I'm considering a lighter/faster sport bike to complement my Soma Double Cross.

My Soma has great for everything I ask it to do. It's been a commuter, fitness bike and century-ride bike. I can stay with the CF road bikes during longer group rides with a high degree of comfort and no-worries durability.

I'm considering putting a touring triple crankset, fenders & racks on the Soma and will begin using the bike for credit card touring. It will soon become a little to heavy for faster group rides.

While searching for a faster & lighter road-bike to build, I came across the Gin & Trombones from Van Dessel: http://www.vandesselsports.com/gandt.html

The bike is not only awesome, It's a bargain.

I don't think I could find a better deal on a frameset. It should also be stable and road worthy with a 7 CM BB drop. I could see a 18 lbs road bike with Campy 11 speed and 700 x 28 tires. That's just the way I like 'em.

Michael

Nothing wrong with your plan at all. I'd probably go more road in the 2nd bike just to have more variety/difference (there are a lot of relatively relaxed road bikes out there at great prices), but if you really like a CX bike for road riding, this looks like a nice one.

- Mark

I have no idea whether this bike is any good or not, but the "Gin And Trombones" name is brilliant - this is the cross bike Tom Waits would ride! (Especially if it came with an ashtray on the handlebars.)

I don't think so. Reason I say that is I just bought a second Tricross Comp a few minutes ago. 2010 model. Not sure I'll keep my 2006 model though, but might keep it to race on. Cross bikes are such sweet bikes.

I have an aluminum SS cross bike that I ride fixed gear all year round, I don't own a car so I consider it my car replacement. I have a steel mutli speed cross bike that I use for my summer urban/suburban transport. I'm playing with the idea of an alu. frame with carbon stays that I want to build as light as posssible. So I'm thinking yes two cross bikes really does not make a lot of sense. It needs to be three.

And of course now that you've mentioned Van Dessel I'd really like to get a Country Road Bob.

I just bought a third cross bike (TCX frameset off ebay), and I've never raced cross, so I clearly support this. Cross bikes make fine road bikes (and yes, I've ridden "real" road bikes too)

The main thing wrong with your plan is that it involves not racing cross. Fix that and you'll be good to go. :thumb:

I have two of the same model :) Though if I ever convince the gf to ride more, one will be hers... Currently set up one for road, one for offroad.

It is sick.. I have a 08' Bianchi Axis and a 07' Specialized Tricross s-works, both are great bikes. I dont race cross either, just like the versatility. I say if you want it, go for it.