Looking for a do it all, road/fireroads/touring bike.
What do you have and what do you think?
loving my Nature Boy...
Got a cross check built up with second hand bits and bobs. Probably my favourite bike to be honest. I use it for the commute to work and for CX in the winter. It's not the lightest but rides brilliantly, is comfortable and is nicely understated.
Would be even better if it had discs as cantilever brakes can be a bit funky downhill off-road at speed in the winter.
Good strong dependable frame! It's used much more than my mountain bike. It's a great feeling passing people on mountain bikes on. The look you get is brilliant. As if to say how is that possible 🙂
Got a Norco Indie Drop which I love - was looking at a Salsa Vaya or Kona Rove/Sutra but they were both out of my budget, so I picked this up last summer. Currently set up in commute mode but will also take front & rear rack for touring, and I'm planning on getting some CX tyres soon for a bit of off road stuff. Definitely my favourite bike at the moment!
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The Gaycross...
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/12661400095/ ]2013-08-04 16.15.52[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/dave-lowe/ ]lowey.com[/url], on Flickr
Kinesis Decade Tripster. Its ace.
2014 Croix De Fer.
Built up from frame with full 105, TRP Spyres. Kinesis CX wheels and some tarty thomson/3T bits.
Due to a knackered shoulder, only been out on it 3-4 times since I built it at the beginning of November. It's my only bike, and am quite happy with it for the mo. Might have gone for a ally/carbon frameset if had my time again, but currently, my weight is more of an issue than that of the bike.
Might consider a DC37 carbon fork down the line, tho.
Only other issues is the paint is a bit weak, or rather it seems to have worn off inside the stays with impressive ease, but have touched it up and none the worse. I am in the process of swapping the QRs, with XT, that came with the Kinesis wheels as the front has come loose twice now.
Not sure if it happened for the 2014 frame, but the rear brake cable got routed underneath the downtube. Unfortunately, the designers forgot to remove the crud catcher bosses, and when bolts are in there...which you probably want as otherwise water/crap can get in there, then it fouls the cable run. The current solution is to fit low profile bolts to minimise the issue.
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My 2013 Croix, I've made a few changes including TRP Hy/Rd brakes, Ultegra chainset and H Plus Son Archetype / Hope Pro II wheels.
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2013 Genesis Cdf, £699 in the Bicycle Co-op Xmas sale, lovin it 🙂
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastkid71/12091392223/ ]22nd Jan; Genesis Cdf 40 miles roads and some Roughstuff 032[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/coastkid71/ ]coastkid71[/url], on Flickr
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/coastkid71/11894389926/ ]11th Jan; Genesis Cdf Half Century-with a bit of Roughstuff 103[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/coastkid71/ ]coastkid71[/url], on Flickr
Coastkid what's that frame bag?
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Old one with hydro discs
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Kinesis Tripster ATR built with up with Ultegra groupo, TRP Spyres and Halo Aerotracks in the pic. Got some of the new Kinesis wheels to put on for this summer and since that pic (almost at the end of a two day tour doing the 180 mile Cheshire Cycleway Route 70 last summer) have pimped it with some Ritchey carbon bars and post, Time carbon/ti pedals and a few other nice bits.
Top bike for commuting, touring, easy bridleways / old rail lines (did that ride with 28mm Conti 4 Seasons on that were fine on road and on the off road sections). It's quick as a regular road bike too...
Salsa Vaya.
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Now with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour tyres.. Which seem about perfect for this.
As for the bike?
It's my most ridden bike at the minute.. Love it.
About to build up a Fargo too...
cloudnine - Member
Coastkid what's that frame bag?
JabDD frame bag, around £40 posted from USA. I use it for my camera and munchies 🙂
[url= http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FFP ]JanDD Frame Pack[/url]
If your looking at the Crosscheck, i'd consider the Stragler, which is basically a crosscheck with disc mounts.
[url= http://surlybikes.com/bikes/straggler ]Straggler[/url]
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comfy, reliable, fairly fast.
longer headtube* and wheelbase** please.
(*so i don't need a massive stack of spacers, and an ugly stem)
(**even my diddy size9's get overlapped)
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105 kit and 46/34 chainset, iron cross on hope pro2 evo - 22.5 lbs with those pedals. Saddle could be lighter but its comfortable with that titanium seattube.
Salsa cowbell 2 bars.
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I've had my Cotic X (Weekday build, plus disks) since last April. Used it for my short, urban commute since then, plus [url= http://mikeactually.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/cross-at-hamsterley.html ]riding to and at the 'local' trail centre[/url] and some [url= http://mikeactually.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/30-in-30.html ]local on/off road rides[/url].
My eyes have broken looking at Mike's pic...
Coastkid what's that frame bag?
Nice, innit? Might get one. Do wish there was an option to get from the UK, though. As will there not also be duty charged on anything over £18? Or is that old info?
My eyes have broken looking at Mike's pic...
Sorry, it's a bit 'Instagrammy' 🙂
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Looks like this at the moment, takes me to work and back and road rides with some or all of the gubbins stripped off.
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Also had plenty of fun with 2.0" Race Kings in proper mtb territory - surprisingly non sketchy downhill at speed - it is on the long and slack end of the scale for this sort of bike.
Not light, is the only thing. I notice it out on road rides with others when the road points up - I start having to really try. But I guess that's good some plus points in the form of reassuing handling etc
Looking forward to Charlie's Gravel Dash, looking at some lighter wheels, a frame bag and cowbells to replace the midges for more useful grip options. - And maybe a double crankset. That or 38T, 11-36
Nice, innit? Might get one. Do wish there was an option to get from the UK, though. As will there not also be duty charged on anything over £18? Or is that old info?
[url= https://www.alpkit.com/products/possum ]Alpkit equivalent??[/url]
Do wish there was an option to get from the UK
Jamie - YHM
You want a frame pack? Talk to [url= http://www.beerbabe.co.uk/ourshop/cat_785755-Bike-Packs.html ]BeerBabe[/url]
Q for the Croix de Fer owners - much weight saving to be had by changing wheels? Not sure if I've got this right but the hub seems over twice the weight of others?
Thanks. 🙂
I've been after one of those Jandd frame packs for a while but the US customs bit put me off. Seem to remember there was a Swedish online bike shop that stocked them?
Was going to sell my Cross Check but then thought I'd wait till the Straggler forks become available.
Q for the Croix de Fer owners - much weight saving to be had by changing wheels? Not sure if I've got this right but the hub seems over twice the weight of others?
Dunno. Never used the originals.
Hope that helps 😀
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Built it from a frame - Hope/mavic wheels, 105/Sram, Ritchey finishing kit. Love it.
I went with a Pompino. Love it. Light and lovely on tow paths, etc..
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A big thumbs-up for the Alpkit Possum here, the M is a good fit on a lot of 54-58cm CX bikes. Nice adaptable strap system means it fits different bikes well.
A big thumbs-up for the Alpkit Possum here, the M is a good fit on a lot of 54-58cm CX bikes. Nice adaptable strap system means it fits different bikes well.
I'm going to order one for my 56cm Cotic X soon. Wondering if it will also fit my 18" Inbred - length is fine, just the tighter front end of the main triangle because of the short headtube that I'm not sure about.
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much weight saving to be had by changing wheels
certainly for the earlier ones, but I guess also for the current ones.
My mate has a stock 2011 and he is very meh about it, and it is a heavy bugger.
I built mine with slightly better kit but the wheels are 1610g and it makes an awful lot of difference.
cinnamon_girl - MemberQ for the Croix de Fer owners - much weight saving to be had by changing wheels? Not sure if I've got this right but the hub seems over twice the weight of others?
don't worry, the rear deore hub is not 'over twice the weight of others' - but it is a bit hefty - around 500grams.
the rims aren't light either, but they are very strong.
you could probably save around 400g?
i think the newer models have upgraded wheels since i bought mine, so the potential savings might be a little less...
A big thumbs-up for the Alpkit Possum here, the M is a good fit on a lot of 54-58cm CX bikes. Nice adaptable strap system means it fits different bikes well.
Confirms my thinking that a S would be appropriate for a 52cm Croix De Fer.
ahwiles - thank you, so not much to be saved. It's a 2014 model with Alex/Deore. Just surprised how heavy they were compared to my 26" mtb ones. 🙂
certainly for the earlier ones, but I guess also for the current ones.My mate has a stock 2011 and he is very meh about it, and it is a heavy bugger.
I built mine with slightly better kit but the wheels are 1610g and it makes an awful lot of difference.
Thanks TurnerGuy. Yes, savings to be made with wheels although at a cost as I've found out with mtb!
Another Crux Doofer.... surprised how comfy it is as I have not been able to ride road bikes for years. Love it.
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On the wheels front, I've been playing with the idea of losing some weight from mine. Thoughts and findings if they're any use:
Current wheels, built to a budget for C2W purposes, are Open Pro on SLX 529 32H with DT comp and brass nips. 1971g bare rims.
I need something that'd do 80,90psi on 28c and take a beating off road. be nice if they were wider, better profile on 2.0' nobblies, and be easily tubelessable.
Lightest without getting silly expensive is A2Z hubs (only do 32H) on Stans Alpha 340 with DT Rev and brass nips = 1462g Self build and all the bits from the cheapest places = £320.
Or there's these for £20 less and a few grammes more:
http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/stans-notubes-ztr-alpha-340-disc-wheelset-4755-p.asp
I don't think the Alpha 340s are up for a beating though, the 400s are better, but some of the old 355s I think would be better still as the bead locks are better.
There are some iron crosses on ebay :
and they guy sells cheaper direct.
He had some 355 wheels a while ago.
They won't do those pressures though, or might with tubes but what's the point of running tubes these days ???
Thanks Turnerguy, this is what's confusing me at the moment.
I'm not really fussed either way about tubeless* Are the Stans recommended pressures for tubeless only? Am I OK to get the Iron Cross rim and run 28c at 90ish as long as I use tubes?
*I don't puncture much where I ride, and I use lightweight tubes, so I'm left with the unknown-to-me rolling resitance and lower pressure advantages to weigh up against all the faff** of tubeless - I'll be swapping tyres from road/cx types quite regularly.
**I know, it doesn't need to be, but maybe I'll be one of [i]those[/i] people!
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Don't think running 90 psi with stans is sensible, or maybe even advisable even with the tubes.
Why do you want to run 90 psi - you can run lower pressures with tubeless and there is no more rolling resistence as you don't have the rolling resistence of the tube getting in the way
28c Road tyres? 90psi isn't unusual, is it? On the low side if anything? How much less pressure would you stick in a tubeless road tyre?
90psi is normal to high-ish for a 28C, especially on a wider CX rim. I'm 165-170lbs and would use about 75-80. Got 85-90 in 25s at the moment. Lower pressures roll faster on anything but perfect tarmac or a track.
ime Stans can be a pita for non-tubeless tyres, but there's not many good TLR rims in that 18-20C range yet. I have some XT 29er wheels for disc/CX etc but they're heavier than some would like. I think the rim+tyre dims, pressures etc makes most difference to how well they roll so the weight is acceptable, no issue really.
more than iron crosses might handle probably - I would look at Alpha 400s I think - give that ebay bloke a mail from his web site - as he is cheaper that way. He uses Novatech hubs which some of the other good web based builders also use.
Cheers both, that guy's alpha sets are a good bit pricier than I'm looking a for bits and the "fun" of building myself.
Bit clueless about Road tyre pressures, to be honest. For some reason, I put 80 in my 35c slicks at the moment, but they're a lot nicer with about 65ish.
Jameso, any thoughts about rims for my particular compromises? 🙂 I'm thinking Alpha 400s at the mo, like TG says.
Peregrine - small sized Wildcat Tiger bag, filled with a 5ltr Alpkit drybag (containing tools, spare tube, something to eat, loose change, windproof top).
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No good tips sorry Ned, I've got some wide/light Alex rims for my next build-up but I had to order them from the factory. 719s with thin tubes and good flat-resist tyres would be my other choice. I've not used Stans CX rims but was always put off by how difficult Flows etc are to seat many tyres that rely on tubes, but could be wrong on the higher-pressure rim/tyres.
My Major Jake:
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/82598458@N05/11154947383/ ]December 012[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/82598458@N05/ ]jamesanderson2010[/url], on Flickr
My Gryphon:
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/82598458@N05/7567842568/ ]phone 035[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/82598458@N05/ ]jamesanderson2010[/url], on Flickr
OCB, silver rims look good!
Funny, jameso, never had an issue with Kendas or Contis on 355s, Crests or Arch EX. Always with tubes. Pump to 40,45 "pop" wait... "pop", let out to 25-30.
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Cross check 54cm I think - 105 groupset, Fulcrum cx5 wheels and cheap Tektro mini-vs - lovely but I'm thinking of upgrading to a lighter frameset to replace this as it's my most-used bike and if it was a bit lighter I'd get rid of my carbon road bike for good.
What size frame is that CdF. Just wondering if I might run out of room with one of those Jandd bags on a 52cm Croix De Fer.
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/31347922@N03/11514982004/ ]P1010123[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/31347922@N03/ ]iain.clow[/url], on Flickr[/img]
I dont have a pension, or medical insurance, or even enough money for a tank of petrol this weekend. But there are some places where I really dont want to cut corners...
salsa Ti warbird, stans tubeless, cowbell bars, ti post, vegetable pasty, coffee and iced tea.
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oh... and its getting these wheels for road use. The stans crest only go to 45 psi which is plenty on a 35-40 tyre... but i like bike so much, it will become my long distance road bike.
[url= http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/stans-notubes-ztr-alpha-340-disc-wheelset-4755-p.asp ]stans 340 disc wheels.[/url]
Urban mode
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Stealth cross mode
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Tourer mode
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Pose mode
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Love my Genesis. Ace bike.
Vegetable pasty? Times must be hard.
Enjoying this thread! 🙂
I'm intending to use mine on the currently pot-holed gravelly country roads. Prefer tubes so I can change tyres as and when required.
What's so good about cowbell bars?
While you're all here: I've worn the tyres that came on my X flat. They're 35c Conti Cyclocross (wire bead). Suggestions for (cheap: ~£15) similar replacements?
Oh, some photos of my X on my latest [url= http://mikeactually.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/route-recce-darlington-to-thorpe-thewles.html ]ride/blog post[/url].
Mike - I have a new pair of exactly what you have worn out if you want to buy them? (email in profile)
@CoastkidWhat size frame is that CdF. Just wondering if I might run out of room with one of those Jandd bags on a 52cm Croix De Fer.
My CDF is a 56cm, did some bag mwasurements for you;
Lenght along top of bag top under the TT is 38cm.
Gap from rear of bag to seatpost under TT is 13cm.
we need a UK JanDD dealer!, they make some cool stuff, check out the dogs saddlebags 
Miketually;
Give me a buzz if you want when your passing through East Lothian on the North Sea Cycle route, happy to show you some of the John Muir Trail and hidden Gems like Seacliff beach and mini harbour under Tantallon Castle on your journey through our wee county 🙂
(email in profile)
Sweet, YGM.
While you're all here: I've worn the tyres that came on my X flat. They're 35c Conti Cyclocross (wire bead). Suggestions for (cheap: ~£15) similar replacements?
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-smart-sam-sport-cross-bike-tyre-wire/rp-prod106775 ]Smart Sams?[/url]
Just bought some second hand Conti Cyclocross 🙂
My CDF is a 56cm, did some bag mwasurements for you;
Lenght along top of bag top under the TT is 38cm.
Gap from rear of bag to seatpost under TT is 13cm.
Cheers, CK.
Will get my tape measure out and see how I am fixed for room. Might need to invest in some side entry bottles cages, as I think it's going to be tight.
...also, is that a custom bracket your rear, Lunar?, is on?
Is wearing a hydration pack deemed to be a massive faux pas?
Might need to invest in some side entry bottles cages
I run side entry Elite cages on my X, as it lets me get two 750ml bottles onto the downtube mounts. Coupled with the Elite bottles, I've not lost a bottle yet. They're also loads easier to get bottles in and out than normal cages.
Is wearing a hydration pack deemed to be a massive faux pas?
I have flat pedals on mine, and wear baggy shorts over my hairy legs 🙂
I run side entry Elite cages on my X, as it lets me get two 750ml bottles onto the downtube mounts. Coupled with the Elite bottles, I've not lost a bottle yet. They're also loads easier to get bottles in and out than normal cages.
Ordered a Lezyne side entry one, making sure to get a right handed model, to see how I get on with it. Which Elite cages you go with, as seem to be several different models.
Is wearing a hydration pack deemed to be a massive faux pas?
Who cares? Go with what you want. After going from MTB > Road for a few years, I prefer not having nowt on my back, but don't see no reason why one couldn't.
I have flat pedals on mine, and wear baggy shorts over my hairy legs
I have made the switch from flats to spd, just to see how I get on. Currently, despite using SPD-SL for several years, I am falling sideways quite regularly 😀
....I still wear shorts, though 8)
Which Elite cages you go with, as seem to be several different models.
Elite Nane. Halfords have them for about £8.
Jamie
..also, is that a custom bracket your rear, Lunar?, is on?
Its just a bracket from an old rear reflector. Used to squeeze the light in between the tool bag and mudguard. The Light is a Raleigh-prob made in same factory! 🙂
Nice bikes on this thread. currantly monstercrossing my Karate Monkey now too as enjoy the drop bar thing on easy green lanes and fire roads along with the commutte into the wind and the odd hill around here!
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My 2013 CdF. Sporting 28mm Panaracer TourGuard Plus.
Unfortunately I only managed about 4 miles on it today as my right knee is playing up. I might end up ditching the spd's and going to flats.
I dont have a pension, or medical insurance, or even enough money for a tank of petrol this weekend. But there are some places where I really dont want to cut corners...salsa Ti warbird, stans tubeless, cowbell bars, ti post, vegetable pasty, coffee and iced tea.
I like that attitude. Whether or not it is a Salsa Ti or vegetable pasta, it's just that there are things, that make you happy [u]now[/u] ...
First ride today on the Croix de Fer so feeling happy. Strange using spd's again although I may swap with flats to see how that feels. Used 32c Gatorskins but will try with the cx tyres.
@ Jamie - have you found any small frame bags that would fit?
Just ordered a [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deuter-front-triangle-bag/ ]Deuter Front Triangle Bag[/url] from Wiggle. If it doesn't fit, then it won't cost me anything to send back. Will try and remember to post pics when it gets here.
Thanks for replying Jamie. There seems to be some discrepancy on Wiggle's q & a regarding the size! Pics would be good though. 🙂
In the meantime, here is a pic of MikeT's 56cm Cotic-X:
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[url= http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/1682719/products/pro-front-triangle-bag.aspx ]SKS also make one[/url], but I was put off by the reflective trim, and the plastic adjustment buckle thingies, which, while making it easier to cinch the straps down....might knacker paint over time.
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Mike's is a Deuter one? Agree with you re adjustment thingies although you could replace them with velcro if you know how to use a sewing machine.
Yonks ago I did e-mail Wildcat but the triangle of my hardtail was too small.
In case any readers are interested, I am selling a 54cm Croix de Fer frame with Genesis carbon forks, seatpost, stem and bars. It is in a 'well used' condition.
Drop me a mail on andrew . c . pettifer at gmail if interested. I will take sensible offers.