I am in desperate need of a new cyclocross frame. I am currently riding a Redline Conquest and the bike does not fit me. I have a long torso and the short top tube is not helping and causing me extreme lower back pain. Anyway, I am trying to find a frame with similar geometry to a 2003 Fuji Cross which I rode for 1 season and loved it. I rode a 56cm which has a 56cm top and seattube. Here is the full geometry specs: http://www.fujibikes.com/geometry.asp?bike_id=18
If anyone can recommend a similar geometry frame that is not going to cost a small fortune, please let me know. I am considering a Kona Jake the Snake and if anyone has any feedback on that frame it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
jollydriver
09-30-2007, 09:24 AM
Hi CXe
Here are some frames with longer top tubes:
Jake the Snake: 56.3cm top tube on their size 56.
Lemond Poprad: 56.2cm effective top tube on their size 55.
Gunnar CrossHairs: 56cm top tube on their size 54.
Cannodale CX Frames: 57cm top tube on their size 56.
If you really liked the Fuji, is that still an option for you? If not, I would ride as many frames as available in your local area before laying down cash. Depending on the location, I understand you LBS(s) may not have a wide variety of CX bikes to test ride.
Lemonds are famous for being sized long on their top-tube. They also have more bottom bracket drop than traditional CX bikes, which IMO made it handle really well. The lower drop is not an issue with clipless pedals. I had one of those which now is my nephew's bike.
Finally, as to the Jake the Snake, it is a good all-around frame which is raced at the highest levels. I used one mostly as a commuter for 3+ years with a handful of local races a year. Bikeman has Jake frames for sale at $400, and you could swap all of your parts over, which might be your best bet on a new frame.
Good luck, and hopefully this helps.
Jollydriver
turbomatic73
10-02-2007, 05:32 AM
If you have one of the older redlines (2005 & earlier) you may want to try one of the new ones. The sizing is different on the newer ones, measured from bb center to the top of the seat tube collar instead of center to center. So a 56 has a 56.5 top tube...slightly longer than the Fuji. The top tube slopes a bit too.
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/2008_RL_SPEC.pdf