Cyclocross bike - 3k?

[BigJonMcQuimm]

Hi

Was looking for opinions on this bike := Genesis Croix de Fer Titanium Small Titanium 2016 - http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Genesis-Croix-de-Fer-Ti-20...

I know nothing about Genesis and wondered whether I should be looking elsewhere.

I fancied Di2 but not a deal breaker.

Moving on from a Cannondale 29er XT - will be used daily for 30mile round trip commute and for weekend cycles in South Wales and along the Thames!

thanks

[BigJonMcQuimm]

Hi

Sorry for the delay in posting.

My wife has the Cannondale CAADX 105 - and I love the way it handles and its general geometry.

I really fancied Di2, no reason beyond I like the idea and reviews seem sound - so that was the basis of my search.

Previously I had a titanium framed DH bike and loved it. I also ran a Dura Ace Cannondale road bike - 15 years back. Quite possibly a case of all the gear no idea ;-)

I am a gym nut, so the idea of getting something racy and reliable was so that I could drop some evening gym and hit the road.

I am fed up of pushing the 29er - I simple do not enjoy the position or geometry on the road / path. I did consider a wheel swap - but I do not think that will change my enjoyment. Wrong bike for West London.

Perhaps the above will help suggestions :-) Is going road bike with new wheels an idea - due to my lack of knowledge as to where I will end up ... TT perhaps??!!! *arggg* Hard decisions to be made!!!

[BigJonMcQuimm]

Hi

No requirement to spend 3k - just that is my budget.

It seems Di2 was around that price mark for a complete bike build.

[BigJonMcQuimm]

After much deliberation I have heeded advise, reigned in the budget and gone for the Ktm Canic CXC



A snip over £1800.

Di2 compatible. I am sure I will fall back in love with cycling on this machine.

Roll on Wednesday !

[BigJonMcQuimm]

jamiebae said:

What chainset is that? Looks like a 46/36 cross one?

I am not sure - it is not on the bike details!

Guess I will find out.

Out of interest - is that unusual?

Bah... still not Wednesday ;-)

[BigJonMcQuimm]

Finally it is here and built (took way longer than planned as I could not find a piece for the seat post lock) :-







I have a pair of ultegra 6800 pedals coming. Any recommendation on shoes?

For now I have put a spare pair of spds on.

thanks

Edit : Fitting the straight thru wheels. Do I need to grease anything? I have not seen such a setup before!

Edited by BigJonMcQuimm on Wednesday 1st June 20:07

[BigJonMcQuimm]

bakerstreet said:

If you are commuting, I personally would keep the MTB spds. If you want flash ones, you can get Shimano XTs, which are about £45 new.

Shoes. Go to a bike shop and buy what ever is comfortable. For commuting, I would buy MTB shoes to go with SPD pedals. Means you can walk and they will keep you a bit warmer compared to standard road shoes. I have Shimano MO88s (MTB) and RO77s (Road). Both fit my feet fine, but may not be comfortable for you. I tried buyinng shoes online and it was a bit of a pain and sent no less than three pairs back. Ended up paying more and buying from Evans.

Have you commuted by bike before? You don't necessarily buy things for speed. More for convenience.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

The only reason I was considering swapping the pedal and shoe combination is due to my dodgy knees. (Bad tracking :-( )

I have just come in from a hack around Richmond Park and back (15 miles) - and sure enough, like the 29er, my knees are sore.

I was, mostly likely, wrongly under the impression that it was float that I needed to resolve this. As such I was looking at the yellow 9 degree cleats.

I am doing a test ride to work on Saturday, and again Sunday to see how I fare on consecutive days. Round trip is only 25 miles.

I work from home one/two days a week, so most likely will only commute 3-4 times a week.

I have not commuted since my late teens and early 20's...... some 20 years ago :-( .

Equipment wise I know I am light. Currently I only have cycling shorts :-)

Is there a must-have list of stuff to take on a daily commute?

I really need to learn the new bike - I have never seen a tubular - so better get up to speed pronto - punctures always plague me!

Fitness wise, I am very fit, twice a day gym loon, so I hope that will count for something!

Still trying to determine if the bolt thru spindle needs greasing or not - any ideas anyone?

The bike shop advised to wax the frame before use - is this necessary and what would you use? I see Evans has a bottle of bike wax for ± £15.

thanks

BJM