I was looking a nice Planet X Kaffenback cyclocross bike frame and fork that I could get pretty cheap, it's steal, and has a sweat paint job, I know Planet X deals mostly with DH and FS bikes, but how are they for road and cyclocross bikes? Are the an altogether reputable company? Anyone ever try this frame before? Is this frame anygood for cyclocross racing or should it stick to touring?

Some how I seem to recall that it's the same frame as the On-One's from the UK. I just built up my Il Pompino (SS CX) and the frame seems identical (except paint) to the kaffenback's on ebay.

Otherwise seems like a deal. Not the lightest, but not necessarily what you're going for at that price point combined w/ steel.

so would it be primarily for touring though or would it also work for cyclocross?

Mine will be a road and CX trainer. It'll spend most of it's time as a commute trainer w/ some singletrack in for good measure. Not sure if I'll race it, don't have the legs for SS, I just started doing C's this year.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=810413&postcount=1560

I was looking a nice Planet X Kaffenback cyclocross bike frame and fork that I could get pretty cheap, it's steal, and has a sweat paint job, I know Planet X deals mostly with DH and FS bikes, but how are they for road and cyclocross bikes? Are the an altogether reputable company? Anyone ever try this frame before? Is this frame anygood for cyclocross racing or should it stick to touring?
Did you ever get the planet X ? I was looking at them too.

Tim

I have a Planet X 'uncle John' which is the bis.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.com/road/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=158&MMN_position=355:355

a lot lighter than the kaffenback ( cafe and back? ), I have seen a few being raced over here with no complaints. (the price being the major advantage)

I have a Planet X 'uncle John' which is the bis.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.com/road/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=158&MMN_position=355:355

a lot lighter than the kaffenback ( cafe and back? ), I have seen a few being raced over here with no complaints. (the price being the major advantage)
I take it Uncle John is aluminum. Nice looking.

Tim

Yes, aluminium, just the one colour also.
If you look on this page:

http://www.londoncyclesport.com/pics_2006/lx_14_s/thumb.html#

bottom left (not me, although I am in there somewhere!) there is one in action.


:)

I have an Uncle John and an On-One MTB (same people, different name), they're both really great. Very well built (Taiwan), real good service, and they both ride fantastically. The only reason not to buy one is if you simply don't like it.

As for the Kaffenback, unless you're a top amatuer or pro it'll hold up fine for racing (and even then you'd be ok unless you're a bike killer). It's steel after all, and tough as old boots.