2015 Croix de Fer 1...
 

[Closed] 2015 Croix de Fer 1st ride (at last...)

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[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/sunshine-day-off-new-bike-but-i-cant-ride-it-arse ]So, I swapped my Madone for a CDF on a whim, because it looked lovely, then buggered my back up. [/url]
It's been sitting in the garage taunting me for nearly 2 weeks but today I got out for a ride at last. It was never going to be a long or fast or in any way impressive ride as I'm still a bit tender and it's a new bike so there's bound to be faffing. And so it proved....
The plan was to ride to Guildford using a mixture of cycle paths, minor roads and tracks then cross the Hogs Back somehow and return via Seale and Runfold. Well, that was the [i]plan....[/i]
I followed the Blackwater Valley path down to Tongham then picked up the Christmas Pie trail, a route I've done quite a few times and know well. It was a bit sloppy in places but the bike handled it surprisingly well. It's a lot more forgiving then the only other drop barred bike I've ever owned (Trek Madone) and typical steel-feeling, forgiving and comfy.
There was of course faffing. Things needed adjusting and the seaport slipped a bit.

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15716357951_fb305f1022_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15716357951_fb305f1022_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/pWNrEP ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/27857042@N00/ ]PeterPoddy[/url], on Flickr

But i was getting into it. Rather than the slightly flighty feeling of my Trek it's got a solid and reassuring character, and it feels a lot more stable out of the saddle, where I could feel the Trek flex. But I guess that's what I should expect, yeah?
The first 8 miles or so is basically my old commute, a route I've ridden in one form or another a million times, but it's largely traffic free and still rather pleasant despite my familiarity with the route.

After that you head out into the sticks a bit and the ground got sloppy in places. Bike handled that fine. But a CX bike should love mud, right?
Lots of autumn colours around which I seemingly failed to miss most of in the only 3 pics I took....
I was getting towards Guildford when I saw a photo opportunity:

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15532843158_2c80697772_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15532843158_2c80697772_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/pEzT7E ] [/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/27857042@N00/ ]PeterPoddy[/url], on Flickr

If you're extremely observant you might just notice the lack of rear light between the first and second pics there. Arse. That was a Lezyne light that's fallen out of the bracket. Mrs PPs Lezyne light to be precise. Double arse. Like I said, plans.....
So I decided to cut the ride short as I knew I'd be needing lights on my way back and if I turned round there was a vain hope I might find it. I had a rough idea where it might be. SO I carried on a mile or so to the White Heat pub in Wood Street Village, and turned round to retrace my steps. Que lots of very slow riding and looking at the floor, and miracles do happen, I found it after a couple of miles in the mud and leaves!
I wound my way home along much the same route, then took to the road through town to home.

Conclusion:
Take your expensive lights off when riding off road
The CDF was lovely. I really, really like it. Yeah, it's a base model bike but that's part of the charm. 9sp stuff is cheap as chips to replace and the frame has some lovely details.
I'm happy I went down a size to 52cm from my 54cm Trek. It's spot on for what I'll do with it.
Yep, it's a weighty bike but it's planted and solid. Much like my good self.... It's got that lovely steel-feel to it as well.
The bars, as I expected, are too narrow (50cm) but I've got some 54s on order. I felt a bit cramped and more width will give better control off road and more space for my bar bag!
The bar tape is a bit thin for an MTBer like me, so some Specialised Bar Phat will go on the new bars.
I changed the nasty FSA chainset to a lover geared Shimano CX50 on Ultegra BB and that's perfect. I can spend most of my time in the big ring, and it's more in keeping with the bike.
I don't think I'll change much else, maybe the saddle, but I need to get that in the correct position and get some miles on it before I decide. It's not too bad though as it is.
Oh, I've got a more slender Tortec rack on it's way too, something that won't look too bulky when the panniers are off.

[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15098892463_22944d7a1a_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15098892463_22944d7a1a_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/p1eLG8 ] [/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/27857042@N00/ ]PeterPoddy[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:37 pm
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I rode under that same bridge (well aquaduct this evening).

Nice ride!


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:41 pm
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It's a nice route is the BVR path 🙂

Straaaaaava of the ride if anyone's interested?

http://www.strava.com/activities/215822475


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:43 pm
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*Looks in vain for the "Like" button*

Nice review, PP, and looks like it's doing just what you wanted it to!

However, I disagree on this;

Take your expensive lights off when riding off road

Far wiser to use lights that have a decent fitting system instead!

The bar tape is a bit thin for an MTBer like me, so some Specialised Bar Phat will go on the new bars

I'm not that in to my Spesh tape. Will be changed for some Lizard Skins once it's worn out.


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:44 pm
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Far wiser to use lights that have a decent fitting system instead!

True, true, but do you know of ANY rear light that won't bounce off? I don't. The all have some QR system that eventually gives up....

I'm not that in to my Spesh tape.

I had the Bontrager equivalent on the Madone. It's more to make the bar physically fatter then anything to be honest. It's too slim for me. Plus I work in a Spesh dealers, so what am I gonna do? 😉


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:48 pm
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PP, using a Moon Shield on the back of my grrrravel bike, and to date, it's not come off on the rougher stuff. (To be fair, some of the roads around here are rougher than the trails!)


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:49 pm
 sv
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Nice bike and review. HTR


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:51 pm
 kcal
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Nice..

Have similar bike - or at least similar ethos - and love it to bits. Sometimes shake it to bits hooning down inappropriate trails.. Agree on the bar width bit - if I'm doing loads of off road I'll be on 54cm, if its rough touring or just back roads laden, happy with 52cm. But unless you're from a roadie background (I imagine) or have unfeasibly narrow shoulders, the wider bars just feel righter...

Lizard Skins tape here too.


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 8:53 pm
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Yeah, we sell Moons. They do have a nice positive click now you mention it. But I've already got more rear lights than I inow what to do with TBH. 🙂


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 9:00 pm
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+1 for the Moon Shield. Mine's survived on my cross bike, mountain bike and road bike. My experience of Lezyne was that water got in and killed the electrics - unimpressed and also dubious about the mounting system.


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 9:26 pm
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Is now a good time to mention Mrs PP won the Lezyne so we didnt actually choose it. 🙂
It's a good light


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 9:55 pm
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What are the ratios on the new chain set?

Thanks for posting your thoughts it looks lovely


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 10:08 pm
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How was the back afterwards?

Looks nice , don't suppose you weighed it by any chance?


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 10:26 pm
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but it's planted and solid. Much like my good self...

🙂


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 10:34 pm
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have they sorted out the cable routing on the down tube ? from memory it goes down the middle and conflicts with the 'crud guard bolts' ?


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 10:36 pm
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I see they have actually:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/blog/03/07/14/2015-bike-launch-croix-de-fer-20


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 10:42 pm
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Nice looking bike that. Nearly bought one a few years ago - good to see it's now a whole range!


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 11:04 pm
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nice bike, nice write-up.


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 11:15 pm
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PP - are those the standard bars at 50cms? My 2013 CdF (size 56) has 42 cms bars. I didn't think drop bars came much wider than that. What are you going to replace them with?


 
Posted : 05/11/2014 11:49 pm
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Beautiful looking bike that looks just like a bike should, if you get my drift.
Jealous you got out for an autumn daytime ride too!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:41 am
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Sounds great and glad you're back on the bike !


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:54 am
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Ogled the new 2015 red in Johns Bikes, Bath, last week. OMG that's a good looking colour up close. Closest I ever got to a sexual experience whilst looking at a bike. Wonder if Gensis would re-paint my 2014 frame?


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:08 am
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I'm having some mojo issues and for some reason your write and the pictures of that fine looking bike are making me want to get out again.
Ta!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:32 am
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My Exposure Flash and Flare lights have never come off when riding off road.....

Is your saddle at the optimum height there? I am thinking if I get a TDF I might go for a 50cm frame looking at that.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 8:14 am
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wilburt - Member

I'm having some mojo issues and for some reason your write and the pictures of that fine looking bike are making me want to get out again.
Ta!

it's a discipline of riding i call 'pootling' - you can forget #Enduro, pootling is the future.

(with panniers ideally sized to accommodate at least an extra 3Kg of unexpected foragings, and/or market produce like sausages, or perhaps a chicken)


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:31 am
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it's a discipline of riding i call 'pootling' - you can forget #Enduro, pootling is the future

I think you'll find that next year is all about #enduravel


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:35 am
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Looks good and I do like that colour. 🙂 The CdF is a really comfy bike and the wheels are bomb proof. Have taken mine down some really shonky back roads without tears.

Looking forward to hearing of further adventurettes!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:39 am
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I hate to say it but I do really like the look of those bikes!
I find lights with a silicone band bounce off less...
How's the back?


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:41 am
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really shonky back roads

Went through Hunton/Stoke Charity area the other day. Almost wanted to be on my Enduro for some of those roads!

Oh, and watch out for the bees on Hunton Down Lane. They sting! (One got in to my helmet. Ouch)


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:43 am
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Had my Croix De Fer frame set custom build for getting on a week now and have to say I love it. Very comfy and lots of fun. Same frame as PP's but with the carbon legged forks.

Nicely made and brings a smile to my face. What more do you want or need from a bike?

Si


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:13 pm
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Never thought I'd say it, but I do feel like I could do with upgrading my road bike from one cheap and cheerful-ish use all year round bike, to a 'winter', crap weather bike and a 'nice' summer bike.

I keep coming back to bikes like this and things like the Pinnacle Arkose for a winter option.

Looks like a very nice colour, that frame....

PeterPoddy - Member

Far wiser to use lights that have a decent fitting system instead!

True, true, but do you know of ANY rear light that won't bounce off? I don't. The all have some QR system that eventually gives up....

I've got one of the Cateye 5 LED (wide) lights on the rear. It's regularly swapped between road bike and mtb so lots of unclicking and must be at least 5 years old now. It's never come loose (touch wood).

Sometimes when swapping between bikes I notice that it doesn't engage properly.
I think this is only when it gets muddy/dusty and a quick brush out always has the fixture working OK again.

Would be good if some of the more expensive rear lights came with a small safety lanyard wire that could be fastened to the saddle rails. It could have a quick release clasp on it so you can remove it from the bike quickly.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:27 pm
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[img] ?oh=25fdcfdf674d9af23b1b7a1656246b7d&oe=54D205A6[/img]

Just an excuse to post a pic of my Salsa again, I found myself agreeing with everything you've written there, I'd had the Salsa for a few months before I got my hands on a new road bike as well (a Cannondale Synapse). So far I find myself gravitating back to the Salsa every time, to the point where I'm questioning what I've got the road bike for.

I guess the marketing is rubbing off on me, I do enjoy sportives etc. but really I'm more into 'adventuring' now, I don't really care how fast I cover the ground (although the Salsa with 25mm slicks can really truck along).

Nice dilemma to have.

Sometimes shake it to bits hooning down inappropriate trails..

Broke my first Salsa frameset doing this 😳

Edit: re: gearing, very much regretting not spending the extra and getting a triple set up, for the extra weight (negligible...) I would really appreciate a bigger range, I spend most of my time in the big ring and top four cogs at the back which the purist in me hates.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:34 pm
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What are the ratios on the new chain set?

36/46 TBH I should have just got the Sora CX chainset with 34 inner ring but I thought the CX 50 had hollow arms... It doesn't!

How was the back afterwards?

Looks nice , don't suppose you weighed it by any chance?

Fine thanks dude, better if anything. No, I didn't weigh it. I fitted the mudguards as it came out of the box anyway...

have they sorted out the cable routing on the down tube

Yes, it's perfect with the top braze on being on the head tube with neat little adjusters. No cable rub! YAY!

PP - are those the standard bars at 50cms? My 2013 CdF (size 56) has 42 cms bars. I didn't think drop bars came much wider than that. What are you going to replace them with?

Yes, 50cm is standard. It's only a 52cm frame. I'm putting some cheap Planet X compact drops on, 54cm wide. I did find some 56s somewhere!

Sounds great and glad you're back on the bike !

Yes indeed. I've been in somewhere between agony and just pain for well over a week now

Is your saddle at the optimum height there?

Probably a bit low (20-30mm?) in the top pic as it was slipping and I corrected it after that

I'm having some mojo issues and for some reason your write and the pictures of that fine looking bike are making me want to get out again.
Ta!

Good to hear it. Pootles are the new GNARRR! 🙂


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:43 pm
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Looks good and I do like that colour

In all honesty, it's mostly the colour that sold it to me. I built one up for a customer a few weeks back and fell in love, my Trek was for sale 2 days later!
It's got some really nice design touches too, neat cable adjusters on the head tube, a full set of front and rear rack mounts, rear brake in the correct place. And they've thought about the spec. Apart from my extreme dislike of FSA chainsets and that I happened to have a King headset lying around, I think they've done well. Even the stuff they try to save money on usually is pretty decent - Mainly M525 hubs with proper seals rather then cheapo 475s.
It's a very neatly finished bike and it looks a LOT more expensive than it actually is IMO


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:50 pm
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seeing as there is a Croix De Fer love in here, I am likely to be wanting to shift my 2014 size 54 one in a few weeks. Its mint and totally standard 🙂


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 12:56 pm
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PeterPoddy - Member

Yes, 50cm is standard. It's only a 52cm frame. I'm putting some cheap Planet X compact drops on, 54cm wide. I did find some 56s somewhere!

You sure about that Pete !! As someone with shoulders like a American Football player I would love to find some wider bars than 46cm

I still love my 2009 CdF (they had CF forks then 🙂 )


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:03 pm
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I thought the CX 50 had [s]hollow[/s] heavy arms... It does!

FTFY.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:05 pm
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Salsa Cowbell bars for the win!

Peter, I am somewhat near you (in Horsell) if you want to see what cowbells feel like.

I have just changed my 54cm croix de fer framset for a kinesis tripster, which is a bit different as the ride is more stable - I somewhat missed the quicker steering of the croix initially but I am used to the tripster now - and the extra stability offers its own fun factors - the stability offers a base to pedal/accelerate against when coming out of turns so its quick out of turns rather than quick into them...


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:06 pm
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You sure about that Pete !! As someone with shoulders like a American Football player I would love to find some wider bars than 46cm

Oooops

I mean forty-something, not fifty-something don't I?? 😳

I did see [i][u]4[/i][/u]6 somewhere though


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:23 pm
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I somewhat missed the quicker steering of the croix initially but I am used to the tripster now -

New CDF is a degree slacker then the older ones I believe.

so its quick out of turns rather than quick into them...

I'm not quick anywhere. 😆


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:24 pm
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Shame though Pete as I thought you had found me some nice width bars 😉

Like you I swapped the FSA cranks almost straight away but I put a triple Sora on as I don't like the big jump of compact units, I've probably ridden it more than any of my other bikes since 2009 and always take it on holiday with me.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:33 pm
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Pootling is the best thing ever! I am of the strong opinion that touring, the type where country lanes, old railway lines and coastal paths are mixed with tea shops, chippies and a warm B+B at the end, averaging 10mph and no more, are the future. 🙂


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:37 pm
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Yes, 50cm is standard. It's only a 52cm frame. I'm putting some cheap Planet X compact drops on, 54cm wide. I did find some 56s somewhere

not being arsey but i'll bet hard cash that this shoudl read. 40, 52, 44, 46.

46 is about the widest drop bar you'll find. I love my vaya for very similar reasons.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:41 pm
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Tom we covered that 20 minutes ago 5 post up ^^^^^^^^^


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:48 pm
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robdob - Member

Pootling is the best thing ever! I am of the strong opinion that touring, the type where country lanes, old railway lines and coastal paths are mixed with tea shops, chippies and a warm B+B at the end, averaging 10mph and no more, are the future.

That is my thought to, I only get to go mountain biking at night these days and local is fine for that, so for getting a good ride in and a bit of a chat with mates Pootling is the answer 🙂


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 1:54 pm
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Yes, there's loads of quiet lanes, paths and tracks round here that I could go exploring... well, that's the plan!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 3:42 pm
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My Croix weighs 23lb 3oz with pedals (Shimano M520 SPD).

Mavic Aksium disc wheels
SRAM Force shifters
Avid BB7 road cable disc brakes
SRAM Rival 50/34 crankset
Tiagra 12/30 cassette
Challenge 33c Cyclocross tyres
Madison Flux saddle
Condor carbon seatpost
3T stem and 44cm wide flat top drop handlebars


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:31 pm
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Yes, there's loads of quiet lanes, paths and tracks round here that I could go exploring... well, that's the plan!

Should see if I can get over your way for some enduravelpootle some time!

It's a great way to ride, takes me back to my early days on MTBs. Was living in the middle of the Plain at the time, and would just ride wherever the mood took me. "Oooh, I wonder what's along that lane/path/trail" sort of thing.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:32 pm
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Peter on a tangental note, guess where the 2015 Tour Etape route goes. 😀


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:35 pm
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Flashy, I was toying with the idea of posting up a grrrrravel pootle at some point, but I'm not 100% sure what people would expect, plus I need to sort the route first. I'll see.....

Geetee, go on then, let us in on the secret. 🙂


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:41 pm
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We're sort of getting some momentum towards a grrrrravel pootle via the Hampshire thread.

Tough thing is trying to work out the exact definition of grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrravel. For some, it's just a smooth towpath, for others it's CX bike terrain. I think I'm somewhere in between for the most part!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:43 pm
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Well it's not remotely a secret, but it does have your name on it Peter:

[url= http://www.letapedutour.com/ET1/us/the-route.html ]It goes up the Col de Croix de Fer[/url]

(BTW did I see you in the Sony RX gallery on Flickr?)


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 5:43 pm
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As we are having a cdF love-in. I thought that I would add a gratuitous picture of mine 🙂

[img] [/img].


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 6:04 pm
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this was mine before I stripped it down - 22.5lbs with pedals :

[img] ?oh=7736f02d609c17fef3e65b7e0e147256&oe=54D18B9C&__gda__=1423178788_2c0b9328817efe39833d7355b2534773[/img]


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 6:09 pm
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My mate has a croix as well (I bought mine after trying his - even though it was a stock/heavy one), and I bought him this shirt and hat for his last birthday (hat came free) :

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 6:12 pm
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If I do get one of these here Pootlers I'll need low ratios.

Might be my weight, might be high cadence, certainly not being very fit

So assuming the bike I buy is like a CDA sora 9 speed

If I do a triple conversion I'll need a new chain set and left hand shifter and a new front mech? (oh and a longer rear mech)

Could i use a MTB or treking chainset as long as its 9 speed

Or put a 36 tooth block on and MTB mech

I can't find a 9 speed 28 42 chainset. Is that something that no one makes, in 9 speed


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 6:28 pm
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I've had a triple put on my CdF, all new parts and done properly. Run a triple on everything cos it's hilly Darn Sarf. 🙂

Edit: CdF's are 10 speed, or they were.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 6:34 pm
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28-42 chain set. You have a few options. 74 BCD inner triple with outer ring in the bin. careful as some newer (shimano) triples have a bigger bcd
Middle burn do one
Surging have OX601D
Rene herse
Velo orange


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 7:01 pm
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A pootle route should link up as many tea shops and nice benches to sit on as possible.

There should be no sweating or over exertion of any kind.

Some sort of pannier should be used to carry emergency ?cake.

Anyone who brings a stove and a kettle to make a fresh cup of tea should be held aloft on people's shoulders and given the title of Lord of the Pootle. The prize should be extra ?cake. Or chips.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 7:20 pm
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My C2C pootle was perfect.

There was a lot of this:
[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/44D4F0A8-74C4-4D75-BDAE-953B2D845B11_zpscbkqllbu.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/44D4F0A8-74C4-4D75-BDAE-953B2D845B11_zpscbkqllbu.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

And this.

[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/A93CDBA6-E6B9-4A3B-A95F-D5E741B8CF0D_zpslx2wfvhz.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/A93CDBA6-E6B9-4A3B-A95F-D5E741B8CF0D_zpslx2wfvhz.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

And this.
[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/3D21C0EB-8150-46F5-A456-F3530EA50BC5_zpskntwceuh.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/3D21C0EB-8150-46F5-A456-F3530EA50BC5_zpskntwceuh.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

All done slowly along lanes like this

[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/9509655F-FB38-44C4-8B78-AB3CBBB73FBF_zpsyjj0glm3.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/9509655F-FB38-44C4-8B78-AB3CBBB73FBF_zpsyjj0glm3.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/85D6050D-E574-4603-B2E3-7BA516C5078C_zps3szjpgsm.jp g" target="_blank">http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp187/rcatkin/Rides/C2C%20September%202014/85D6050D-E574-4603-B2E3-7BA516C5078C_zps3szjpgsm.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 7:25 pm
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[s]***king awesome![/s]

edit: sorry about the swearing.

that looks brilliant.


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 7:42 pm
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ThomThumb thanks

Cinnamon Girl

are you sure? CDF isn't an abbreviation in 2015 its a model

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/croix-de-fer-10-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec073913

I think Sora is 9 speed

Tiagra is 10 speed


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 8:36 pm
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I got the same bike a few weeks back, went down a different route with the setup though as I hate drop bars! Loving it so far and I've never been one for skinny wheels, the only things I'm still to do are mudguards as it's a commuter for work, bottle cage and a new saddle as compared to the Superstar Peak on my SC this one is stupidly flat and hard!

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 9:19 pm
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CG

My 2013 CdF is definitely a 9 speed Sora :).

The 2013 full fat Croix is a 10 speed (Tiagra)

Same for 2014 models.

2015 range is expanded more = 4 models IIRC


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:02 pm
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Flashy, yes it needs to be done. I'm thinking the route would involve some tarmac, as traffic free as possible, lanes and cycle paths, and some fairly gentle off road, tow paths, tracks, more cycle routes. I'd look at Sustrans and see what's in the area personally, I've done a lot of their routes and they're generally lovely.

CG, "CDF" is now an abbreviation. They're all "Croix de Fer" now. Mine is the lowest in the range, the 10. Then it goes 20, 30 etc. mines 9sp Sora. Which is perfectly adequate for anyone.. 🙂
(and certainly the best looking one in the range)

Geetee, I didn't even KNOW there was a Col de Croix de Fer! I NEED one of those jerseys though!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:05 pm
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Is disappoint....

That's a Rapha jersey isn't it? I can neither afford or fit into one of those. 🙁


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:13 pm
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I didn't even KNOW there was a Col de [b]la[/b] Croix de Fer!

Go and sit in the corner and think about what you've done.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:14 pm
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I'm not French or a roadie. I'm an English mountainbiker. So shoot me why not.

😉


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:18 pm
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Can be arranged. 😉


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:20 pm
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Maybe those of us from the Sarf should all go en masse to france and cycle up the Col?


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:37 pm
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Sorry chaps, am obviously not keeping up! 😳


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:42 pm
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I need to study your route Peter - living Guildford and working Farnham, I commute on the road sometimes but I wouldn't mind a gravel commute for winter months, that is short and direct enough but avoids traffic along the normandy-ash road in the dark and wet.

I tried the xmas pie trail a few weeks back and got lost - started off on old railway but that ran out into an overgrown swamp. I retraced to a bridge that put me back on the trail eventually crossing the wanborough road, then somewhere after that I lost signs again and ended up hacking round some fields eventually coming out onto the wood street road but quite a way east of the white hart / village green, and was way too muddy given this was before the wetness started!!


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 10:58 pm
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😳

All the steels are that are croix der Fer

The alloy ones are CDA

But CDA isn't the initials of Croix de Fer.

Featuring another dyslexic moment


 
Posted : 06/11/2014 11:29 pm
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Went to the launch night of the 2015 Genesis range tonight at SprocketsCycles in Kilmarnock. Superb looking kit and scrummy sausage rolls and tasty beer 🙂

The Croix De Fer 30 is a peach, IMO looks better than the Stainless Steel one and with Shimano chain set rather than FSA. Only criticism was that the 105 front mech at the cable clamp bolt is awfy close to the rear tyre when on outer ring but apparently the frame was pre production and factory ones have slightly longer chainstays.


 
Posted : 07/11/2014 12:12 am
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JonV, there's a sign that's very very easy to miss! As you go towards Guildford through Chrismas Pie village you cross the main road, then bear right as the road goes left. It turns to gravel road and buried in the hedge on the right is a sign pointing left. Otherwise you go up a gravel road hill and into farmland which eventually does turn into a bog, yes.


 
Posted : 07/11/2014 11:01 am
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Yep, with a newish / renovated barn on the right iirc. That's where i went wrong, looking at your map.

After that, is it well signed?

The other bit where i deviated from your route, is along the disused railway. I went further along, as far as Whitegate copse, before retracing to Drovers way. Should have turned instead at Bin Wood, by the looks of it. Is that an obvious turn, because the railway line is still flat and inviting at that point?


 
Posted : 07/11/2014 12:03 pm
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[URL= http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/garryellam/IMG_0431.jp g" target="_blank">http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/garryellam/IMG_0431.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

an excuse for a piccie of mine


 
Posted : 07/11/2014 12:49 pm
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Jon, To be honest I can't remember any other signs as I'm not really looking for them!


 
Posted : 07/11/2014 12:58 pm
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Hi Pete,
I've got a CDA 2015 model and I am in between sizes. My road bike is a 52 and the CDA is a 52. Though I could probably ride a 50. If i may ask what is the reach from nose of saddle to handlebars compare between your road bike and your Genesis?

The Genesis fits well though got the saddle forward to max.

Cheers,

James


 
Posted : 09/11/2014 8:00 pm
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What size tyres can the croix take now ?

I just fitted some 40c WTB Nanos and I am very impressed. Had 33c Maxxis Raze but these are much less sketchy in the mud and sand, and as fast or maybe faster at 35psi tubeless.


 
Posted : 09/11/2014 8:51 pm
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