Croix De Fer

[vickster]

It's the lovely neat slim tubes that you I my get with steel

(Cue gratuitous shot of my equilibrium, really must get a better picture)

 

[Garethgas]

It's the lovely neat slim tubes that you I my get with steel

(Cue gratuitous shot of my equilibrium, really must get a better picture)

I think you're probably right there.
I'm not a huge fan of the oversized tubing used these days plus there might be a bit of nostalgia of days gone by perhaps?
The funny thing is, that some of my friends with high end carbon bikes have also taken a bit of a shine to it and all have commented on its
ride quality, despite it being only a 54 frame.
Ooooh and nice pic btw .
Now, where's my camera

 

[Paulq]

That's what I loved about it when I first saw it - the retro styling and understated looks. I am actually getting it before next weekend now so will be out on it within the next 48 hrs I hope

 

[Cycleops]

i fancy a gran fondo myself but

..will just have to make do with a fondue for the time being.

 

[creashor]

I went out on mine for the first time today. I've migrated from a 2009 Boardman Pro Hybrid. I upgraded the pedals to a set of Shimano SPDs, changed the saddle to accommodate my backside and put some gator skins road tyres on it.

All I can say is WOW! It absolutely flies and felt very strong (I'm back in the saddle to
lose weight) and I can't wait to get back on it.

I had a couple of gear/chain slips in the mid range but I'll let it bed down and then make the adjustments.

It was a joy to ride, and while I like the Boardman, it is nowhere near as good as the Croix, at least to me.

Cheers

 

[Paulq]

Ah that's good to know. I have had the devil's own job trying to get a well known hight street cycle store to sort mine out this week and am still waiting for a call to tell me that it's ready. What's the stock saddle like? I must admit I have only tended to get along ok with the Specialized BG saddles so I may throw a Riva Road on it as they fit me ok. I have actually left the stock tyres on at 700x35 for now and will see how I go with them. I usually run Marathon+ but don't trust them so much grip wise .

 

[creashor]

The stock saddle is fine (and certainly looks great with the matching coloured handlebar tape), but I need the equivalent of a small padded park-bench to feel comfortable so it was a non-starter for me.

 

[Paulq]

Well, I got it but I tell you it was one hell of a saga with the place I bought it from (it rhymes with 'sevens'). I am not gonna mention the specific store as that would be crossing the line but the staff are a complete and utter farce. They did not have a clue what they were doing, what I had ordered and their responses to my questions were akin to thin imitations of our primate ancestors. It took me 5 x 30 mile round trips to actually get it into the car!

I got the bike and got it discounted but, boy, I will never set foot in there again.

Anyway, on to the bike. For reasons stated above they were not able to fit guards due to insufficient clearance, so they will have to wait for another day. Otherwise it's great - quick spin round the block has confirmed that it's everything I hoped it would be. I'll have to wait til tomorrow to get a decent session on it though....no sleep for me tonight

 

[BSRU]

I have a Croix de Fer, with full lengths Bluemels, fitted by the LBS no problems and a rear rack.
I converted it to a triple, that's just a personal preference.
Had it a year now and almost 6000km of enjoyable riding.

 

[Paulq]

What size tyres do you have on it?

 

[benb]

I've got one, and really like it.
It's a bit heavy, being steel, but a joy to ride.

Personally I prefer the "old" white paint job that mine is in. They should offer it as an option in either black or white IMO.

 

[Paulq]

White hmmm....any chance of a pic?

 

[BSRU]

What size tyres do you have on it?

I used the tyres it came with, 35c, for about 500km but now I use 28c GP 4 Seasons but in the winter I use Marathon Winters which are 35c with studs.

 

[benb]

White hmmm....any chance of a pic?

I haven't got a pic of mine, but here it is in the white.

 

[Paulq]

That's nice, very nice.