Cyclocross - Shimano gets a clue - new components

Cyclocross Specific Components

From Cyclocross Magazine:

The continuing popularity of cyclocross has only made the need for more CX specific components more evident. For the 2012 model year, Shimano will introduce two new cranks, a new front derailleur, and two different cantilever brakes for CX use:

FC-CX50 and FC-CX70: The new CX cranks will have 46-36T gearing and Hollowtech II construction for maximum power transfer

FD-CX70: The new front derailleur is designed specifically for used\ with the new crank gear ratios as well as optimized for the harsh conditions associated with CX racing.
BR-CX50 and BR-CX70: The new cantilever brakes have better clearance compared to the BR-M550 and the performance of Super SLR. The BR-CX70 has the additional benefit of using cartridge road brake pads for easy pad replacement.

CX50 components will be available November 2011 and CX70 available August 2011

Bikerumor.com has pictures of the new components. http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/03/01/more-crazy-new-stuff-from-shimano-cx70-cyclocross-specific-group/

Missing: 130mm disc hub.

Also I kind of wish I would've waited and not gotten a non series Octalink triple.

Cyclocross Specific Components

From Cyclocross Magazine:

The continuing popularity of cyclocross has only made the need for more CX specific components more evident. For the 2012 model year, Shimano will introduce two new cranks, a new front derailleur, and two different cantilever brakes for CX use:

FC-CX50 and FC-CX70: The new CX cranks will have 46-36T gearing and Hollowtech II construction for maximum power transfer

I also hope they sell the 130 bcd 46 & 36t chainring as an individual item.

If those brakes work as well as R550s at a lighter weight, they're a winner.

Also missing: serviceable brifters

And why are they still insisting on link wires for their brakes?

The top-pull derailleurs are nice.

And why are they still insisting on link wires for their brakes?



Liability and consistent setup. For the average Joe they are easier. You and I want more control over our setups. I'm wondering why they didn't include a barrel adjuster into the brake. They are so nice for wheel swaps.

And why are they still insisting on link wires for their brakes?Work great. Easy to set up. Doesn't stop you from using a straddle cable if you wish.

I also hope they sell the 130 bcd 46 & 36t chainring as an individual item.you need 110 for a 36 tooth

Also missing: serviceable brifters

And why are they still insisting on link wires for their brakes?

The top-pull derailleurs are nice.

Just think of all the wet muddy grass that won't get caught in the cable pulley. That's where my current bike really gunks up.

I got all excited that there would be a hollow 46t chainring like 6700 or DA. No such luck, making the cranks nothing special to me.

Brakes look nice though, and the top pull front derailleurs are excellent.

you need 110 for a 36 tooth

True: (that's what I ment to write).

A company other than Campagnolo makes derailers and chainrings and stuff? Wow! ..Why?

Liability and consistent setup. For the average Joe they are easier. You and I want more control over our setups. I'm wondering why they didn't include a barrel adjuster into the brake. They are so nice for wheel swaps.

The average Joe probably really does want more control over his setup. He just thinks he wants brakes with better power. Several years ago I went through a period where I kept going into my LBS trying to get them to sell me one of the shorter link wires I read about on Sheldon's site. They insisted that what I really needed was a straddle cable. They weakened their credibility by claiming that the shorter link wire didn't exist, so I ordered it over the internet and found that while it did help somewhat, they were really right about the straddle cable.

As for the barrel adjuster, I feel like the link wire sort of makes that not viable -- not completely, but sort of.

I was thinking that if any company was truly serious about coming out with cyclcross-specific components they'd make an 8-speed cassette and shifters that are as good as their 10-speed stuff (and maybe a bit lighter). A rear derailleur optimized for a 1x8 setup would be nice too. But maybe this kind of stuff only appeals to us non-sponsored middle tier and lower racers who don't have the legs for a big ring.

I guess that was an indirect point of mine. Shimano's use of the link wire has limited then to what is fast becoming an industry standard. If I was designing for Shimano I would have aimed at the Shorty Ultimate but less expensive.

I was thinking that if any company was truly serious about coming out with cyclcross-specific components they'd make an 8-speed cassette and shifters that are as good as their 10-speed stuff (and maybe a bit lighter). A rear derailleur optimized for a 1x8 setup would be nice too. But maybe this kind of stuff only appeals to us non-sponsored middle tier and lower racers who don't have the legs for a big ring.

That's the beauty of the shimergo set up!