One-Eyed Wonder: CX-V
What I have always loved about Mountain Biking is the immersion into the woods; the sense of solitude that comes in the wilderness that is lost entirely in the convenience and hustle of the cities I’ve always lived in. What I always hated about Mountain Biking is that my mountain bike never feels enough like my road bike.
I was but a budding Velominatus when I discovered Cyclocross, and from the start it seemed like an incredible sport that offered all kinds of opportunity. My dad came home from a trip to Europe with an aluminum ALAN under his arm and from that moment on I was hooked on the idea of a road bike that could go off and have fun in the dirt. At the time, CX bikes were a rarity in the US market; the closest thing I’d seen to a CX bike at that time were John Tomac’s bitchin’ drop bar mountain bikes and the frankenstein Bontrager MTB that a buddy converted into some sort of zombie with a touring bike’s fork and 700c front wheel mounted on the rig and a 26 inch rear wheel with a weird skinny tire.
Nevertheless, my limited budget historically poured into the road bikes where my heart has always been rooted and a CX bike always seemed to fall just into the s-1 range of Rule #12 compliance; whether s in this case happened to be my pursuit of the sensation of rhythm, harmony, and flight to be found only on smooth tarmac or, currently, the chair of the Budget and Planning Committee – on which I hold an influential but non-controlling vote.
But Fate, the Velominati Community, and @Cyclops’ lifelong dream to learn to braze a bike frame changed all that one day last January when a box appeared on my doorstep containing a custom-made steel Cyclocross frame. The dust was blown off the brain cogs which get remarkably little use these days, and Il Progetto for my CX bike started in earnest. Marko took up the role of Graveur Sensei and PNW CX Legend Josh Liberles of Veloforma took up the role of CX Sensei. Parts were shuffled from bike to bike, various components were aggregated from odd corners to fill in the gaps and make substitutions where necessary, and slowly but surely the Nederaap came to life.
My old Dura Ace 7700 nine-speed group-san was immediately selected as the ideal mud-clearing drivetrain; somehow Campagnolo seems much better suited to the civility offered by the road (even in Rule #9 conditions) than the neanderthal environment of Cyclocross. In the Velominatus Budgetatus conditions we find ourselves in, this meant the Record 10 group was moved from the TSX to the rain bike, and the TSX the current target of Progetto Old-School and has donned downtube shifters and lies in wait for some period-appropriate brakes. Old wheels were repurposed from the commuter bike (which now temporarily lies in wait of new bits and pieces) and a secret project for new racing wheels for the CX-V waits to bear fruit. (Some of you who are paying attention may already be onto the source of these wheels.)
All this was done with the knowledge that @Cyclops, however obsessive-compulsive, built this frame in a spare bedroom and my expectations were set accordingly. This would be be a rideable frame that held a huge amount of sentimental value and would be fun to take out to the local races and inelegantly beat people with and say things like, “Yeah, this bike was built by a crazy person. And I beat you with it. And I suck at Cyclocross. Feeling good about that?”
But last week, as the last part for the build arrived (a pair of top-mount brake levers which I understand will cost me massive Look Pro points which I hope to make up for with Not Crashing As Often As I Otherwise Would points) I put the thing together and took it for a spin.
First pedal stroke, hey this feels OK. Next pedal stroke, yeah, this is not bad at all. A few hundred meters later, I realized I felt like I was riding one of my bikes. I half expected the frame to fall apart first with the introduction of my hefty arse and second with the unleashing of my considerable artillery, but this bike doesn’t just ride like a home-made bike, it rides like a real professional, great bike. Emboldened, I collected my kit and headed out to the local park to play around and see how it faired on its native terrain.
Riding it down to the park and the singletrack that is strewn throughout it, I was compelled to determine if it could survive some manner of trauma. Armed with my incompetence as a Cyclocrosser, I had no alternative but to crash-test the frame by bunny-hopping a curb at about 45kph. My plan worked flawlessly; I jumped at an oblique angle, went a little short, landed the back wheel sideways on the curb and became the lead character in my own stop-action animation film as I dumped hip-first into the cement sidewalk like a sack of potatoes. Ancillary observation: I’m amazed at how resilient the V-Kit is, this being my first crash in it.
Test completed and satisfied that the frame was unharmed despite crashing hard enough to require some serious wheel-truing upon my return home, I headed into the singletrack with the confidence that the frame was both smarter and stronger that I am. You can’t put a price on that kind of knowledge.
As for the top-mount levers which I’m sure to be berated for, I’ll make you a deal. As long as I’m too inexperienced to know better and as long as you can’t crush Katie Compton, I’ll happily disregard your advice. As soon as one of those two factors changes, I’m all ears. And for those of you planning the “Cyclocross is about minimalism” argument, I expect you to post photos of your single speed CX rig to support your case; anyone making this claim and riding a rig with gears will be disregarded wholesale as a poseur.
Footnote:
This frame was built as a first attempt at what @Cyclops plans to become his own frame-building company. At the time of building, the company lacked a brand, but he has since settled on Deacon Bikes and he will be opening his doors to business for the 2013 season. Thanks @Cyclops, this thing is amazingly awesome.
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@G’rilla
You mean like this:
@VeloVita
Zank makes superclassy bikes. You posting that inspired me to take a quick look at the galleries on his website.
@G’rilla
or this:
@VeloVita Bingo! That’s the one I was trying to find.
@Nate
Ah, my incredible CX ignorance is showing! Yes, a center hole like used for standard road brakes, not posts. So am I fucked on trying to change brakes? Are there any CX brakes that are placed off a center hole in the rear frame workork?
@Buck Rogers
Maybe you could put some long reach road brakes or audax style centerpulls on or something, but if you are going to race cross I’ve never heard of people using those for racing — reckon they’d load right up with mud. Do you have wheels for the Lemond? What if you rebuilt them with tubular rims?
@Nate
I’m with Nate – any caliper brake is going to be a nightmare for CX. It’s A. Going to fill up with so much mud you’ll be perfect in your bike portaging technique by the end of the race B. severely limit your tire choices which will mean skinny tires at too high a pressure which will leave you bouncing all over the place. . Sadly those are the best case scenarios. If you want to run tubulars, either rebuild your Poprad’s wheels with a new rim, or have new ones built based on the 130mm spacing of the Poprad. Or buy a new frame, some cantis or mini-Vs and port over your drivetrain and run the HEDs
@Cyclops Great job! The bar has been set.
@frank
I missed the detail on the pedals with my preview pic. Nice.
I have to get back to work…
@Buck Rogers
Damn, hit submit before I was finished with my post – if it were me, I’d Velominatus Budgetatus that shit and buy a set of Challenge Grifo open tubulars and run them with latex tubes on the Poprad as is. You can get away with pretty low pressures that way that quasi approximate the ride of a tubular tire. Plus they look PRO as hell. I raced at around 35psi last season and that was even on butyl tubes and I weigh close to 200lbs.
@ Cyclops, @ frank
In the jersey pocket famous for carrying beer?
@Nate
@VeloVita
You guys are awesome, and so is this site! Looks like it will make most sense to run the Bontrager CX disc brake wheels that came with it or switch to VeloVita’s suggestion. Bit bummed as I would really like to run the HED wheels on the poprad but seems like it is not meant to be.
Cannot really justify a new CX frame at this point as I have never raced CX before this season. Guess I will spend my saved bike money on building a new road race set of wheels instead and continue to use the HED tubs for my road training wheels.
Thanks again for all the feedback!
@Buck Rogers
Glad to help — fun stuff.
@VeloVita I run clinchers on my wide Velocity A23 rims. In last Sunday’s race I tried 29psi, lower than I ever had before.
While in the air after launching up a ramp over a curb, I realized that it’s probably not a good idea to get air and land on pavement with such low tire pressure.
I survived! No pinch flats (or any other kind).
I still want to build some tubulars, but I’m pretty impressed that they survived that kind of beating at 29psi.
For reference, I weigh about 74kg. YMMV
@Buck Rogers
Cheers – happy to be of help!
@G’rilla
FWIW, I think that that pressure would be about exactly right fort your weight. I’m 68kg and race at 28psi. Unless you’re hitting curbs or edges really hard, it shouldn’t cause you any grief. Line choice is key. The traction benefits in my mind far outweigh the downside, if you’re careful. I wouldn’t have thought that airing off obstacles would cause you any problems.
@G’rilla
latex tubes for cx pretty solid to pressures equivalent to tubeless. I hit somefn pretty hard to the point of tooth chatter an didnt pinch flat, much to my surprise.
Buckrogers- a lot of people would be stoked to race on the poprad disc first season. Figure out what u like (if you like) about cross and then figure ur dream build. But dont change that frame- its worth more to sell “as is” as a commuter to someone and then create a new bike if ur going to join “fight club.”
Frank – very cool bike. CX racing here in the Seattle area almost every weekend until December or so. MFG and Seattle series both well run and a great vibe. MFG requires no racing license, indie series. Seattle series requires USA Cycling license – though a one day version can be purchased.
Go for a MFG race, cool folks running the show. Get the new bike officially dirty. Various self seeding classes, pick what fits you best and give it a go. All types of folks race ‘cross – slow, fast, recreational, roadie and mountain bike types – a melting pot with a cowbell soundtrack. No judging of skills and everyone supportive – from super slow to insanely fast.
I’ve been to many events from both series, since my racer boy son Ian does ‘cross. I’ve entered my old ass in a few as well, got completed pummeled and still had a fantastic time.
A Google search on both series will get you all the info needed. Experience would also make a cool post, no?…
@frank
Ok, if this is the aesthetic you’re going for, I can understand it;
I completely missed the bit about Katie Compton. You sure you didn’t add that in as a bit of post rationalisation? And single speed CX? More hipsterdom. Does Stybar run SS? Does Katie C? Nope.
As to hearing about hipsterisms well before I was born, you must have one of the special space time continuum inverters (otherwise known as a microwave).
Que?
And lastly
that picture above; Wasn’t that based on this movie?
Try again:
Darn link not working:
<a href="”>Star Wars thingy
Great post, giving me so much inspiration for the next build. Nice one
For the past few weeks I’ve finally been prioritizing doing work & finishing my long-running project over cycling. Part of me feels guilty for not riding that much, for letting my form slip, for not exercising enough. But, I’ve probably gotten more done in the past six weeks than in the previous thirty-six. And I can see the end getting closer. And at the heart of it I still ride my bikes for fun, not to prove anything.
I am able to fit in some hour long rides though. That’s too short for me to bother with the road – getting out of town, getting back consumes too much of the hour. So, been doing cross riding. Being in the woods is awesome, plus not dealing with autos. Last evening got out for an hour at 18:00. Was probably 24*C and perfect humidity. Rode a bit of gravel, some bike path, some cross trails in the park. I was smiling the entire time, enjoying the weather, feeling good to have had a productive day, and damn, enjoying riding a bike, not worrying about speed, distance, form.
You can always be two months from peaking. Sometimes work & life call, which I’m sure is only going to happen more and more. But, it’s amazing how quickly a short spin can remind you of how incredibly fun and soothing riding a bicycle is for the body & spirit. Vive la Vie Velominatus.
Brings to mind this awesome one from The Big Fellow! That came at a perfect time for me, set me straight, got me motivated to finally get my arse out of grad school.
http://www.velominati.com/nostalgia/la-vie-velominatus-optimism/
@Ron
Ron, I figured since I had retired from the army in May that tiem would magicly open up for those daily epic V fests. Not to be. This summer, I have spent with my daughters (one in grade 1, and the other in pre-school). I do not regret the poor form I have this year, in fact in a warped sense of V, it just makes climbing more “fun.” I climb well for my wieght. My stroke is smooth. And the 4 year old gets dropped like a sprinter every time we hit the climbs. HTFU kid!
And the start-up of the business has been kept to about 40% of my free time. So busy, busy. (The doorbell just dinged and it was Canada Post delivering some Major Toms and XR300 rims. Nice.)
*time…*
Last night I stole The Princess and spent some intimate time with her and a few lenses.
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@Dan O I’m out there every week in a V-Kit. I race Cat 4 35+. Hope to see you at MFG, SCX, or Cascade Cross!
@VeloVita That’s a gorgeous bike. I love Indy’s machines and have been contemplating either one of their road frames or one made by Rock Lobster… If I should ever obtain a spare $3k in cash for one, I’ll probably do it, too. =)
@G’rilla Great studio shots!
@G’rilla
Nice dude! I didn’t know you were into photography. What a sexy bike, indeed.
@G’rilla
Nice work on the bike photography! That photo really does the CX-V justice. I wish I had space for a white seamless that large.
@G’rilla
@frank
Fixed that for ya.
Once again @Frank and @Cyclops, Beautiful Bike!
@G’rilla
Oh no. You’ve got me started. 60s & 70s racing cars excite me more than cycling. The colours come from Gulf Oil, whose car mad vice president convinced to start sponsoring sports racing cars in around 1968. They were mainly associated with a team manager called John Wyer, who ran the GT40s in 68 and 69 (won Le Mans both years), then the “Steve McQueen” Porsche 917s in 70 and 71. Then I think they took a few years out, but came back to win Le Mans again in 75 with the car below. Gulf still sponsors racing cars around the world.
Apologies for the rambling. Please, everyone, return to 2 wheels.
Porsche 917 = Baddest car EVAR!!!
@Cyclops
I give you the 959, Porsche: rally style (the motorsport equivalent of CX?)
@Cyclops
Oh my word, you’ve got that right. It had such a bad reputation when it was first being developed, that the smart drivers on the team were always “busy” on test drive days. It ended with 1500+ BHP in it’s 917/30 Can Am form, which must have been exciting on 1970 tyre technology.
For anyone interested in cars wanting a diversion from cycling, watch Steve McQueen’s movie “Le Mans”. Just the sound of the engines may be enough to tip you over the edge…
@Bianchi Denti
I guess you’d be a fan of Kiwi drivers Chris Amon and Graeme Lawrence? My dad knew/raced with Chris Amon from memory, I’ll have to confirm that, but I know for fact that Lawrence taught my mum to drive!
@Bianchi Denti
I’ve sat through the Mcqueen movie ‘Bullet’ more times than I should have just for the car chase round SF. Can’t tell you for the life of me what happens at the end…
@minion
The butler did it…
@minion Ahem, “Bullitt”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullitt
What’s the general consensus around pedals on a CX machine? Just picked up my Kona CX bike and while it’s running a set of SPD-SL at the moment I’m pretty sure they’re not going to cut the mu(d)stard once I take it off road properly.
From what I’ve read online Time ATRAC seem to be the way a lot of folks are going, what’s are The Keeper’s views?
@Benj I am using shimano spd mtn bike pedals. Only because I had an extra set sitting around and did not want to spring for a new cleat/pedal set up. So far I have not had any issues, but I have not done any full run ups in a mud wrestling pit either.
@Gotta Ride Today Exactly the same reason I’m using SPD SLs. I don’t think there’s much likelihood of me running into mud wrestling pits riding in the Australian summer but I think they’ll definitely be on the cards once winter rolls around again.
Cannot wait for more photos! Posting this link from velosnooze as cyclingnews’ link did not have any photos.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/11/news/sven-nys-launches-late-attack-to-crush-niels-albert-in-the-koppenbergcross_263188
Question though on CX races: Why were Nys and Albert pitting so much? Are they changing bikes and someone cleans them between laps or something?
@Buck Rogers
It is an amazing sight to see video of these guys swapping bikes in the pit at 20ish kph. And the pros (and well loved/connected amateurs) have a “pit crew” with pressure washer, additional bike(s), and wrenching capability. The rule of the pit is usually have to keep going course direction. This (pit team) is the reason why some of what cx pros use doesn’t always have the same applicability to ur average weekend warrior cx racer.
@gaswepass Ahh, trakcing now.
I need to watch some youtube vids of the pros. I wondered if they did not switch out for a clean bike to have it run smoother. Super cool sport! I really need to find a race near here soon.
@Benj
The Times will work nicely. I have had success with the Candy pedals. Enough to keep clipped in while pedalling and enough to let loose while crashing. Dismounts and remounts are about as smooth as this CX cowboy can do them – which ain’t saying much.
@Buck Rogers You can see a bunch of current full-length CX races here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/cyclocrossable?feature=results_main
Bike swaps are sometimes strategic. If they expect a sprint at the end, they’ll swap to a bike with a bigger chainring for the last lap.
@Buck Rogers
bike swaps depend on the type of track; today’s koppenberg was ‘sticky mud’, next sunday’s Zonhoven is a sandy track, so probably less swaps or even none. most pro s have 4-5 bikes in the pit and 4 mechanics (actually, volunteers – father, uncle, father-in-law, friends…)
(Flemish) news flash Koppenbergcross: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/videozone/MG_sportnieuws/MG_wielrennen/1.1471655
last lap: http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/videozone/MG_sportnieuws/MG_wielrennen/1.1471547 (3.55 impressive!)
@Dan_R
Mmmm it seems the way I’m going to have to go, looks like ill be investing in a new set of shoes and pedals before Cross seasons starts Down Under.
What sort of chain life are ya getting out of your cx chains?
I know this completely depends on riding conditions, how often you clean it, etc. But, I’ve only swapped out my chain once on my cross bike & that was mainly for a chain upgrade. Had the current one on for nearly a year but I don’t ride cx year-round and I clean it quite frequently.
Just curious. And, do you measure it or what? I’ve seen a nifty little technique where you pull the chain at the front of the rings and see how much it moves up off the ring. Not sure if this is a bad idea, an indicator, or actually useful.