Thoughts on Nashbar CX Aluminum frame
06-30-14, 06:39 PM
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Thoughts on Nashbar CX Aluminum frame
Has anyone built up a bike using this frame - and what are your experiences with racing it - if any?
It's about time to upgrade my trusted 2008 Van Dessel Hole Shot - but here's the deal:
Last year I literally replaced every major component on the bike (due to fatigue and to increase performance). So, other than the frame, I literally have a new bike.
The VD has been rocked for 6 years and I'm not a small rider (190lbs) and is starting to make some weird creaking noises. Anyway - rather than drop $2K on a decent bike, I am strongly considering just getting a frame to last me a few more years.
The Nashbar aluminum CX seems like a great deal ($114 - less 20%). I would use mine for mostly touring and a few CX races per year. (I'm late 40's so I don't need to have a top of the line bike anymore for racing).
The head angle on the Nashbar frame is only 70 degrees but the VD is 73 - all other geo's are pretty similar.
LMK if you have any experience with it - much appreciated.
Thanks.
It's about time to upgrade my trusted 2008 Van Dessel Hole Shot - but here's the deal:
Last year I literally replaced every major component on the bike (due to fatigue and to increase performance). So, other than the frame, I literally have a new bike.
The VD has been rocked for 6 years and I'm not a small rider (190lbs) and is starting to make some weird creaking noises. Anyway - rather than drop $2K on a decent bike, I am strongly considering just getting a frame to last me a few more years.
The Nashbar aluminum CX seems like a great deal ($114 - less 20%). I would use mine for mostly touring and a few CX races per year. (I'm late 40's so I don't need to have a top of the line bike anymore for racing).
The head angle on the Nashbar frame is only 70 degrees but the VD is 73 - all other geo's are pretty similar.
LMK if you have any experience with it - much appreciated.
Thanks.
Last edited by ambro; 06-30-14 at 06:40 PM. Reason: spelling error
07-01-14, 09:30 AM
#3
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I recommend against this frame. First, as you've already noticed, it has a ridiculously slack headtube angle. Three degrees of difference doesn't sound like much, but it's huge. The geometry just isn't very good.
Second, and much worse, there is a very real possibility that your crankset of choice won't fit. Crank and chainstay interference is a known problem with this frame, even with relatively short cranks. I had a set of 170s installed, they cleared the stays but literally only just - the clearance was something like 1-2 millimeters. That's not an exaggeration. When I sold the frame, there were scuffs on the stays from the ends of the cranks, which must have been making some slight contact as the cranks and frame flexed under pedaling loads.
I think you should stay away. Just about any other bargain CX frame would be a safer bet.
Second, and much worse, there is a very real possibility that your crankset of choice won't fit. Crank and chainstay interference is a known problem with this frame, even with relatively short cranks. I had a set of 170s installed, they cleared the stays but literally only just - the clearance was something like 1-2 millimeters. That's not an exaggeration. When I sold the frame, there were scuffs on the stays from the ends of the cranks, which must have been making some slight contact as the cranks and frame flexed under pedaling loads.
I think you should stay away. Just about any other bargain CX frame would be a safer bet.
07-01-14, 09:42 AM
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
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