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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
I rode under that same bridge (well aquaduct this evening).
Nice ride!
It's a nice route is the BVR path 🙂
Straaaaaava of the ride if anyone's interested?
http://www.strava.com/activities/215822475
*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.
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? 😉
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!)
Nice bike and review. HTR
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.
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. 🙂
+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.
Is now a good time to mention Mrs PP won the Lezyne so we didnt actually choose it. 🙂
It's a good light
What are the ratios on the new chain set?
Thanks for posting your thoughts it looks lovely
How was the back afterwards?
Looks nice , don't suppose you weighed it by any chance?
but it's planted and solid. Much like my good self...
🙂
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' ?
I see they have actually:
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/blog/03/07/14/2015-bike-launch-croix-de-fer-20
Nice looking bike that. Nearly bought one a few years ago - good to see it's now a whole range!
nice bike, nice write-up.
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?
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!
Sounds great and glad you're back on the bike !
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?
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!
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.
wilburt - MemberI'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)
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
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!
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?
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)
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
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 - MemberFar 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.
[img] 
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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.
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!
Fine thanks dude, better if anything. No, I didn't weigh it. I fitted the mudguards as it came out of the box anyway...How was the back afterwards?Looks nice , don't suppose you weighed it by any chance?
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! 🙂
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
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 🙂
PeterPoddy - MemberYes, 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 🙂 )
I thought the CX 50 had [s]hollow[/s] heavy arms... It does!
FTFY.
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...
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
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. 😆
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.
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. 🙂
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.
Tom we covered that 20 minutes ago 5 post up ^^^^^^^^^
robdob - MemberPootling 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 🙂