Cyclocross season is still 1-2 months away, but that only means it’s time for bike upgrades! I’ve been riding the Blue CXC for 2 years now and have gradually upgraded parts. My biggest overhaul this season was moving from Shimano to SRAM. I also decided to go with a 1X10 setup. I’m curious to see how it will work out. Thus far, I have enjoyed the simplicity of one shifter. I also love the feel of the SRAM Force vs Shimano Ultegra. I bought some older Force shifters on closeout, and I’m sure the 2010 SRAM Force are even better. I’ve been using SRAM Red on my road bike and have gotten addicted to the DoubleTap mechanism. It will be interesting to see how it performs during CX race.
I’ve posted pictures and specs for both my training setup and racing setup. My training wheels are new this year, but I built up my race wheels last year after buying a used pair of Zipps from a local racer. Overall, I’ve been really happy with the Blue CXC, and would love to try their new Norcross if I had the money. I’m sure I’ll find something else to tweak during the season, but until then, this is what I’m riding.
So, how many weeks until CX?
Frame = Blue CXC (M), carbon with aluminum logs
Fork = Aerus carbon
Headset = Cane Creek 110
Handlebars = Ritchey WCS “Wet Black” (40 cm, OS)
Stem = Ritchey WCS “Wet Black” (90 mm)
Crank = SRAM Red (170 mm, 38 single w/BBG guard)
Cassette = Shimano Dura Ace CS-7800 (12-25)
Chain = Connex Wipperman 10-speed
Front Derailleur = SRAM Force
Rear Derailleur = SRAM Force
Shifters = SRAM Force
Brakes = TRP EuroX cantilever
Seat = Selle San Marco Aspide Arrowhead
Seatpost = Ritchey WCS “Wet Black” (27.2 mm)
Pedals = Crankbrother Eggbeater SL
Handlebar Tape = Deda
Training Wheels = Kinlin XR270 rims, DT Swiss 240s hubs, Sapim Laser spokes (2x, 28 front and rear)
Racing Wheels = Zipp 404 rims, DT Swiss 240s hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes (2x, 28 front and rear)
Training Tires = Maxxis Raze (700×34)
Racing Tires = Challenge Grifo tubulars (700×34)
Training Weight = 17.3 lbs
Racing Weight = 16.6 lbs
Permalink
How do you like your Blue CXC? I’ve been looking around for one and was wondering what the pluses and minuses are of the bike? Also how is the fit compared to a road bike of the same size?
Permalink
I really like it. The best thing is that it’s a nice cross (pun intended) between a CX racer and trail mobile. I’ve used it more for riding general offroad (non-singletrack) in the past year. My only complaint is that the chainstays make it hard to run some chainrings when using a single up front. You might need to use some spacers depending on the type of crank you use. If I could justify it, I’d go for a Blue Norcross, but I’d highly recommend the CXC especially for the price you can find these used now.