Cyclocross - Is there a CX bike that meets these requirements

- Sub 2000gm for the frame and fork
- Ability to take 40mm tires
- More stable/less race oriented geometry
- Relatively taller head-tube

Basically, I want a long-ride bike that I can use for long, moderately-fast rides on tarmac and also take onto gravel and graded roads. Dont want a race-oriented frame but something that puts me in a more upright position.

Thanks,
V.

There may be one but you would probably be better off with a custom built frame to meet all your desires. I build steel frames and 2000 grams for frame/w carbon fork is really close, basically depends on the size frame you need. I imagine someone could hit your requirements with aluminum or maybe titanium, other than that you are talking about a custom carbon frame, not cheap but super-cool. Good luck. http://meechcustombikes.blogspot.com/

Custom isnt really an option for me, right now, to be honest.

How about if the weight limit is increased to 2500gm - essentially, I want to be able to build up a sub-20lb bike for regular riding and then have the ability to add 40mm tires for singletrack/loose over hardpack riding. So a CX-style bike but one that is less focused on mud/racing and ideally, with a slightly slacker HT.

V.

A sub-20 pd. bike should not be a problem, even with steel, but finding one with all the requirements you desire will just require a little or a lot of research. Your local bike shop would probably have a head start in finding one or actually this forum is probably your best bet because there are so many riders with so many different brands of bikes. You might also want to put a post on the frame builders forum because a lot of those guys are really familiar with different brands and their geometry. If you could find the head angle you are wanting, you could just leave the steerer tube a little longer to get the upright position, and if you are not worried about racing or mud I am not sure why you need a 40c tire. I ride a cross bike all winter long with 32-35c tires, mostly rode riding and occassional gravel like you stated. With a 32-35c tire I pump it up to around 75-80psi and roll with it. Clearly it isn't as fast as a road bike with 23c tires but you can ride 17-20mph no problem depending on the terrain. What size rider are you and why are you set on a 40c tire width? Also, what kind of head tube angle are you wanting? I re-read your post and realized you ride some loose terrain, hence the 40c tires. I am sure there are plenty of frames out there with s-bend stays that will accommodate the 40c you are looking for. Someone will post something shortly I imagine.

I think the Specialized Tricross Expert frameset will get you what you want. I had one and could fit 42s, rack and fender mounts (if you need them), pretty light (not sure how light as they don't post weights) and isn't that aggressive. For $880, that's a lot of frame. Includes seatpost and fork.

Thanks for the suggestions, Meech151. Knobster, looked at the Spesh frameset and it seems to fit the bill quite well - thanks for the suggestion. Am also waiting to hear back from Salsa if their Chili con Crosso can take 40mms, as well.

V.

Take a look at this Ti frameset ...

Shimano Ultegra 6700, 20 Speed Cross 2010 Fantom Cross Team Ti $1895
Carbon Fiber Fork, FSA Crank, Disc Brake Tabs + Rear Rack mounts, Ritchey Bar, Stem & Wheels

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_ti_x.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/images/ftx_tm_ti_600.jpg

I looked at that, actually - is it available as a frameset or without wheels, ya know? Doesnt seem to be so on the BD website.

I am going to have the frame shipped out of the US to me, and so am looking at a frameset-only (have most of the bits and bobs otherwise, plus a full bike adds about $250 to the shipping costs.

Thx,
V.

Also look at the Van Dressel Gin & Trombones (ya gotta love that name)!

http://www.vandesselsports.com/gandt.html

"The Gin & Trombones has its roots in the hardcore cross scene in Belgium. But it's also earned its place on race podiums here in the U.S. of A. For those of you who think racing really starts in September, this has all the mud clearance you need, even for the sloppy axle-deep New England courses, plus a lower center of gravity for better stability. And thanks to the carbon seat stays and oversized chainstays, you get a smooth ride with the snappy acceleration you would expect to find only in a road bike.



Frameset
(Frame/Fork/Headset) - $1100

Frame Weight: 1450g for 54cm
Bike Weight: 16.4 lbs"

I looked at that, actually - is it available as a frameset or without wheels, ya know?
Doesnt seem to be so on the BD website.

I am going to have the frame shipped out of the US to me, and so am looking at a frameset-only
(have most of the bits and bobs otherwise, plus a full bike adds about $250 to the shipping costs.

Thx,
V.

It looks like you can get the Ti frameset only with fork ... :thumb:

Frameset 3AL/2.5V Butted Titanium 2010 Le Champion Team $999.70
3/2.5 Butted Titanium, High Modulus Carbon Fiber fork with Carbon Steerer
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_teamti_10_frameset.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/images/lec_tm_ti_frameset_600.jpg

^^^^^That's the road bike frameset.^^^^^

Also look at the Van Dressel Gin & Trombones (ya gotta love that name)!

I did check that one out. Massively love the red/yellow/black model, actually. I have sent an email to Van Dessel, but the low BB is a bit of a concern for the type of riding I plan to do. If it can take 40s, that should help a little.

Flat611 - yeah, as Barrett said, that's the road version. I emailed BD asking them if they can do a frameset + parts (ie, no wheels) and the answer was a "no".

The closest fit I have found is the Spesh Expert Tricross - if I can find one mail-order, I am set (no Spec dealer around here).

I did check that one out. Massively love the red/yellow/black model, actually. I have sent an email to Van Dessel, but the low BB is a bit of a concern for the type of riding I plan to do. If it can take 40s, that should help a little.

Flat611 - yeah, as Barrett said, that's the road version. I emailed BD asking them if they can do a frameset + parts (ie, no wheels) and the answer was a "no".

The closest fit I have found is the Spesh Expert Tricross - if I can find one mail-order, I am set (no Spec dealer around here).

I have a local dealer if you'd like to work something out.

Knobster - thanks for the offer. Give me a day or so, and if I dont hear back from Spesh, I'll PM you to see if we can work something out!

V.

A Bianchi San Jose will do. Is a single speed but you can also ride it fixed and upgrade it later to an IGH if you want to ever tour with it.

Nah, a single speed wont really work for me. I am planning on doing some rides in the Himalayas with this bike. The roads there arent really cut out for road biking, and a MTB is overkill, especially with the thin air at altitudes of 10-15k feet. Hence the CX.

I understand... you could get a Rohloff IGH for the San Jose. Why not? You'd have a CX bike you can go with anywhere and if you ever want to ride it singlespeed, you always do that later. It really is a sweet CX bike you can set up the way you want.

I understand... you could get a Rohloff IGH for the San Jose. Why not? You'd have a CX bike you can go with anywhere and if you ever want to ride it singlespeed, you always do that later. It really is a sweet CX bike you can set up the way you want.

The San Jose is a sweet cross bike, but is far from the most ideal mountain bike. The Specialized Tricross is probably the best bet, really solid frame, the entry model is sold with smooth tires because it is used more for commuting than off road use.