![]() The 11–42 cassette is also a little broad for 'cross duties, an 11–36 will provide a few more single tooth jumps, which helps smooth the cadence changes on the flat and in sprints.ĭeveloped in conjunction with 'cross legends Sven Nys and Katie Compton, the Boone is Trek's flagship CX platform. However, the bike is a little heavy – even for aluminium – and that does put a bit of a damper on the acceleration and for steep banks and steps that require you to carry the bike. 1x gearing also simplifies the shifting and reduces the chance of mud clumps around the chainring. The powerful hydraulic brakes offer a good level of control going into hairpin corners and twisty descents. This is great news for those just wanting to test the waters in CX racing, but it does level a reciprocal impact on the performance. That said, with cheaper bikes tending to sell in higher volumes, Boardman has opted to keep their single model as a more affordable option. That probably reflects the popularity of gravel bikes, which have taken over off-road drop bar duties for all but the dedicated racer. There's now just one version of the Boardman CXR, the entry level CXR 8.9, which comes with an alloy frame and carbon forks and a SRAM Apex. Want something flashier? Vitus also sells the Energie Evo with a carbon frame and higher spec components.Įxternal cables can get contaminated easily Should you desire to take the Energie VR on some more adventurous terrain, there's clearance for up to 45mm in 700c or 50mm in 650b, so plenty of cushion for rockier and more comfort-oriented rides. There is masses of clearance, so you'd be hard pressed to clog it up with 33mm tyres. We found the gearing fine for the higher speeds and intensity that you get in a CX race, but for general riding and exploring outside the markings of a muddy course, the gearing was much steeper than you typically get on a gravel bike. Depending on the course and your own fitness level, you may want to swap out the chainring for a size better suited. With an impressively low weight, for an aluminium frame, the Energie VR was easy to swing up onto a shoulder when scaling steep, grassy banks. ![]() The alloy frame and full carbon fork of the Vitus Energie VR have been constructed predominantly with cyclocross racing in mind, but with a nod to customers wanting to also turn the bike in to more of a gravel/adventure ready machine too. Might need to change chainring size for better range for racing Read more: Specialized S-Works Crux full review And that's just the consumables – vulnerable components such as the rear derailleur and shifters are even more pricey.įor most people, the cheaper models in the range would provide the best balance between performance and price. SRAM Red cassette, chains, chainrings, brake pads and rotors don't come cheap. Although just so fun to ride with its ridiculously low weight, the rough and tumble of a CX season mean that you'd have to be confident that your pockets aren't just deep enough for the initial purchase, but can also handle the upkeep. Weighing in at under 6.9kg, it takes little effort to manhandle the bike around and on the steeper climbs that lack of heft really makes itself known.īeing quite so expensive, the question of value raises its head. ![]() On the other, it opens the Crux for the UCI's new gravel racing format, extending its remit from beyond just muddy fields to the whole world of gravel.Īs a race bike, it very much still has that killer instinct. ![]() On the one hand, this means that even in the filthiest course, you'd be hard pressed to clog up the chainstays or fork legs. ![]()
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