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MOOTS CX Update - Long Overdue

Early this spring I was approaching the 2,000 total miles mark on the MOOTS CX bike and mentioned a forthcoming blog update around that mileage.  Well life, riding, events, sort of got in the way so the post is well, postponed.

I am now approaching the 4,000 mile total miles mark and in all honesty, the post for this milestone is not much different than what I would have written then.  The only differences are that I have more data on the Hutchinson Sector 28 Tubeless tires, more time in the saddle and I have worn-out the chain, cassette and brake pads.

There are no issues whatsoever to report with frame, fork, components, ride, wheels or tires.  I have had one flat in 2,400 miles since switching to the Sector 28 tires.  It was neither a problem with the sealant or the tire but the owner.  I was bombing the HD Bluff trails and slammed the rear sidewall into a very sharp piece of basalt.  No big deal but I had not checked the sealant in a while and it had disappeared through either sealing flats or evaporation to the point there was not enough to seal the hole.

Flat averted - never even knew I had a puncture

Front tire on same ride so that would have been 2 flats

I threw a tube in and went my merry way and replaced the tire a few days later other than that - nada.

I have ridden a few club rides and  maintain about the same position in the group as I have always ridden so if there is a compromise, I do not seem to notice on the road.  In fact the bike frame and ride quality are very comfortable, the geometry quick without being twitchy and a joy to ride on or off pavement. I believe the industry has decided that providing more tire clearance on bikes is a good thing and we will continue to see more options for those wanting an all-roads bike.

Improving Property Values in Spangledesh

I did learn that if you show up for a club road ride on a CX bike with unshaven legs you had better be prepared to be tested.

Does anyone know how to work a Garmin?

I love the flexibility of this setup more each day - July 4th was a road ride out to 9 mile and I noted an interesting dirt road (Carlson) and decided to take it to Craig which then intersected with Four Mounds.  On a normal road configuration I would not have even considered exploring like that.

So am I ready to call-it?  Can you set-up a CX bike as an All-Roads bike with few if any compromises?  The answer is YES with the right bike - it needs to have the right geometry and set-up but is very capable both on and off pavement.  Are there some do-overs?  Yes, but very few in this case:

1. Gearing - I have the drive train set-up in slightly modified road configuration with a 50/34 up front and an 11-28 10 speed in the rear.   This set-up is a little wide for my preferences on the road while not quite giving me the low-end I need to spin on really steep unpaved stuff.  I end-up really mashing in these conditions since I cannot stand-up with the Sector 28 tires on slow, steep dirt.

If doing this again, I would have two rear wheels and an XTR rear derailleur so I could run close ratio for the road and wide for the unpaved stuff - I am just not strong enough to spin the steep dirt climbs.

2. Tire clearance - I think to be a true All-Road bike the tire clearance should be available for something up to 38-40c to provide more options for dirt, gravel an snow.  I was able to run 35 studded snow tires this winter but it was a tight fit in the rear.  Also, tires in the upper range give that much more volume and traction making it possible to ride some rougher terrain and single-track if desired.

3. Through Axles - I have not had any issues with the standard quick release system front and rear, but it is clear that through axles are here to stay and offer more strength, stiffness and security so why not?

In the grand scheme of things I think these are pretty trivial sniveling but considerations if you are going to try and just have one bike for everything beyond technical single-track. 

Finally, does it have to be a CX bike to be classified as All-Roads - not necessarily.  I think the number of CX bikes available currently makes it easier to find the setup that works well in multiple configurations at price points to meet almost any budget.

Indications are that the industry has taken note of the interest in this type of riding and will continue to experiment with lighter bikes with ample tire clearance and disc brakes.

Until the next best configuration is developed, I will continue my explorations on the CX bike.

Two Wheel Transit - Cycling for Life