reshp1

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._10000__202339
What do you guys think? Seems like a heck of a deal for a 105 equipped bike. Looking at the geometry, it seems more like a cyclocross bike than their aluminum cross frame (headtube not too slack, chainstays look long enough for big tires and fenders). I'm looking for a commuter, but racing it is not out of the question either. Geez, I'm really tempted, they've got a 20% off coupon right now too.

Andy_K 

You know, I was all set to groan and point you at the thread on the $79 Nashbar CX frame, but then you mentioned the 105 components which made me do a double take and look at the spec for this bike. Doing so, I see that it's not the same frame as the $79 model that Nashbar sells. The fact that it's steel should have tipped me off, but I really had never paid very close attention to the other frame either.

Anyway, at 20% off this definitely seems like something worth taking a chance on. It would definitely work for commuting, and you could race it, though I expect it would be a bit heavy by racing standards.

M_S

The shifters and derailleurs are certainly higher end than a lot of the other components like wheels and brakes, but heck, for 600 bucks it is still a steal and the frame is pretty much a freebie along with the components. Look at it this way: a new set of 105 STIs alone is like 250 dollars at the cheapest.

It does have a carbon fork too though with a steel steerer i can't imagine it is light. Actually I think Fuji did that several model years ago, so I bet the fork at least is one of those considering that nashbar's parent company is Performance.

If I was on the market with a limited budget I would get this bike in a heartbeat, thanks for bringing it up. I also like that it has no decals.

reshp1

Yeah, I was already contemplating the X frame, but was a little leary of the slack headtube and poor chainstay clearance issues people were reporting. This frame seems to get around both. I ended up talking myself out of it yesterday (or my girlfriend talked me out of it ), but I'll be keeping my eye out for the next 20% deal for sure.

reshp1

That matte finish with matching matte fork looks sharp too.

Barrettscv 

It's a no brainer. I might get one as a rain & winter bike.

Rumpled

Spec'd almost identical to my '09 Fuji Cross Comp which weighs 23 lbs with pedals. Same wheels, shifters, brakes, cranks. My Fuji has Ultegra RD.
How much more will the steel frame weigh to my alu? 1-2 lbs?

Barrettscv 

I would presume 24-25 lbs. My Soma Double Cross with 105 comes in @ 23.

Andy_K 

Yeah, my Cross Check with 105/Ultegra/Gossamer triple crank weighs about 25 pounds. I'd guess the Nashbar bike is very close to that--maybe a pound lighter with the steel/carbon fork and the double crank.

GipsyKing

I'm the guy who wrote the review on that bike's page, so count me as a fan. Wish I'd seen that bike earlier! I may even grab it and sell my Fuji Cross Comp. Tough decision. I also like the matte finish, black fork and zero decals.

cs1

I read your review this morning. Nice job. My only question is there's no stand over height in the specs.

robo

In a similar vein, just saw this on the BikesDirect site: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fantom_cxx.htm

I wish they had a slightly higher specced model though. Manufacturers seem convinced that people who want steel frames also want low end components.

GipsyKing

Thanks, kind of an oddball review, but the specs make it look like such a sweet deal for those of us who like 105, I had to put something down in hopes that others might take a closer look. I thought it was funny how many people on that page have called the review "unhelpful."

But yeah, I was bummed there was no geometry listed. I'm trying to figure out who the frame maker is and then extrapolate the geo from a major brand that uses that frame. (After all, how many major frame makers are there, 3 or 4, that service most of the major brands?) Kinda' hard to pin down, though. Reminds me a little of Bianchi or Surly frames. Doesn't look like my Fuji CC, that is certain.

GipsyKing

I'll agree, although from what I've read, Apex is fairly comparable to 105. My guess is BD is pricing that against the Fuji CC and other "entry- to mid-level" cross bikes. So the price isn't too bad, but I'd guess 699 or even 749 would probably move a lot more volume for them. Yeah, it would be nice to see more steel priced and spec'd like that Nashbar. Which is still tempting me. Dang 20% off coupon was one-day only!

M_S

That moto is a great deal for Apex, plus the frame looks like it has horizontal drops. SS friendly? Hmmmm...

EDIT: I wonder what the tire clearance is like. That bike looks disturbingly similar to a crosscheck. Seriously.

EDIT 2: Holy crap, it comes in chrome. I wonder if I really want to pay rent this month

JWalton215

If BD made an 853 / Rival version I would be all over it.

reshp1

Geo for the Nashbar bike is available under the "sizing chart" link by the select item pull-down. It doesn't list stand-over height, but it should be pretty standard for a given seat-post length.

GipsyKing

Just took another look at the BD mentioned above. Nice ride, lots of quality branded components for the price. They need pix of the other colors.

foofighter29er

bumping this to find out how many tooth the front CR's have

StanSeven

I saw a thread somewhere that the Nashbar weighs 25 lbs. That's a lot. I decide to look elsewhere even if it means more money.

cs1

Apex is bottom of the line in finish only. It's comparable to better SRAM groups in performance. I wouldn't sell it short. You're right M_S, that is a great buy for an all SRAM equipped bike.

cs1

I'm thinking the buyers interested in an all steel bike aren't too concerned about weight. Still it's nice bike for the money. Comparable or better than a Cross Check for less money.

himespau 

Yeah, but the carbon fork means no front rack which I'd find to be a bummer. Yup, I'm one of those who think 25 sounds kinda light.

matimeo

The one review on Nashbar's website says it weighed 25 out of the box. However, I'm pretty sure I read on bikeforums (unless I misunderstood the post- I can't find it on a search) that the person who wrote that review hadn't actually bought the bike- he had just written the review to generate interest in the bike (or something). It made me question the review. Anybody else remember that?

cs1

Yeah, he's on this thread. See #4 GypsyKing.