rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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Does anyone have the cross version and, if so can you provide a few comments? I want a combination commuter/go-everywhere bike that will take big tires and, is lightweight. If it wasn't for the super high bottom bracket on Calfee's Cross specific frames, I would order one today. But, I don't want a true cross bike (which usually means a high BB). I want a run-about type bike that I can put 35c tires on for a cushy yet lightweight ride.
I know I could order another Tetra but, I don't wan to spend a fortune again. Although I really like my existing Tetra, it is a race bike and not a commuter.
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 143
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I don't have one,but like you I really wanted one until I looked at the specs.
Its been about 2 years now since it was announced,and I waited with great anticipation as there are almost no carbon crossers out there and none that fit my wants.
It seems that they kept the main triangle the same,and added a cross fork which is ~23mm taller,resulting in the waay slack angles and high bottom bracket.I assume they put longer chainstays on although the picture on the website shows the rear tire perilously close to the seat tube.
I would have to move the saddle forward 2 centimeters on the cross frame,making the effective top tube much shorter and throwing weight distribution way off. I HATE high bottom brackets and I refuse to buy another frame that has one.If anything,I want a lower BB in a cross bike than a road bike because the fat tires bring the bike up higher.
Although I only do a race or 2 per year,the last thing I want is a higher saddle to remount.I mostly use my cross bike for winter ,urban,fireroad type riding and I like them low.
I concluded the answer,for me,if I get a Calfee cross bike is a custom Tetra.Same seat angle as the road,LOW bb,slightly slacker head angle,slightly longer top tube,clearance for waaay fat tires-If possible even 29 mtb tires.
I've had 8 cross frames in the last 6 years-3 ti's,4 steels,1 al.I'm currently on an 06 Lemond Poprad but I'd like to be on a Calfee.I just can't seem to pull the trigger.
dan
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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Thanks for the reply and, I have to say that I am basically in the same boat as you. I did not know if the BB figure on the Cross frame was due to a higher fork or, if the actual cross frame construction established a different BB figure. I know the fork height will have an effect but, if the cross BB figure is only due to the taller fork then I will go looking for a lower profile cross fork. In this case maybe the standard Luna Cross will work for me after all.
I am very impressed and happy with my current Tetra Custom but, I am not going to spend this type money again, especially for the cross/commuter type bike that I am interested in. My bike will never see a cross race.
If things don't work out on the Luna, I will take a look at the Poprad too. I have heard it makes a good all purpose type bike.
Edited by rnhood (01/21/07 02:29 AM)
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 143
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I've thought about the shorter fork option too.The only fork I know that is shorter is a Gunnar at 383mm.This still leaves the angles about 1* too slack,and the BB about 1cm too high for my taste.
It also means you would have a disc brake rear and a canti front,which may bother some.
All in all,I find it too much of a compromise in a 2000 frameset.I want what I want....
dan
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