Unexpectedly speedy CX bike

[Helidoc]

My 2014 Focus Mares 4.0 has arrived, and I took it for a 32 mile work and back commute today. My road bike is a Mekk Poggio 2G on 23mm Gatorskins, and the Focus, which I intend to be a winter trainer and occasional tourer, runs knobbly 33mm Schwalbe Racing Ralphs. Now I expected the Focus to be slower due to the tyre and some aerodynamics, but it wasn't. It was as fast as the Mekk going to work, faster coming back with no wind, there was no road noise despite knobblies, and it was more comfortable with the larger tyre. I was going to put on some 28mm Gatorskins, but after today, I might just stick with these.

Surprised and impressed!

Dave

I even found the dreaded Canti brakes fine too.

 

[fossala]

News flash, most bikes go around the same speed. I can get to work on a 30 year old mountain bike around 5 mins slower than a drop bar one (1hr commute).

Edit: Glad you are enjoying your new bike though!

 

[biggs682]

i always blame the wind , for my slower rides .

glad to hear @Helidoc that you are enjoying new bike

 

[Globalti]

Over a year my heavy CX on 32mm tyres has averaged 1mph slower than my light roadie on 23mm tyres.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

I swapped out the 32c tyres on my Tricross for 28c gatorskins and was a bit disappointed to only knock 2 minutes off my 1 hour training loop, which could easily be attributable to other factors.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FWIW I used to have a Focus Mares AX, (think it was a 1.0 IIRC - Ultegra model it was).

Fantastic bike IMO. Rode really well, went anywhere I pointed it and I still rue the day I sold it

 

[Helidoc]

I am pondering getting either some Gatorskins or 4 Seasons in 28mm. The only reason seems to be puncture protection or wear, as I can't see speed being a factor. I know CX tyres aren't a sensible road choice, but these are much much better than expected.

The frame has rack and mudguard mounts, which I am chuffed about, but was unsure about at the time if order, as the 2013 AX 3 was sold out, and this was ordered blind. Crazily the new for 2014 carbon fork doesn't have eyelets, so it's clip on front guards when the weather turns. It's early days, but its a great bike.

David

 

[DaveyM]

I run 28mm Armadillo nimbus and find them great for puncture protection.
Glad you are enjoying the new bike

 

[SpokeyDokey]

My 2014 Focus Mares 4.0 has arrived, and I took it for a 32 mile work and back commute today. My road bike is a Mekk Poggio 2G on 23mm Gatorskins, and the Focus, which I intend to be a winter trainer and occasional tourer, runs knobbly 33mm Schwalbe Racing Ralphs. Now I expected the Focus to be slower due to the tyre and some aerodynamics, but it wasn't. It was as fast as the Mekk going to work, faster coming back with no wind, there was no road noise despite knobblies, and it was more comfortable with the larger tyre. I was going to put on some 28mm Gatorskins, but after today, I might just stick with these.

Surprised and impressed!

Dave

I even found the dreaded Canti brakes fine too.

I do love a good old dose of myth-busting!

I have a CX bike too (on 32mm Marathon Supremes) and whilst I am not a high mileage or high speed rider it feels no slower than the half a dozen pure road bikes I 'tested' before deciding to buy my CX (which is way more comfy).

CX's get minimal love on forums and are often over shadowed by the ultra nimble (or twitchy & nervous depending on viewpoint) head down bum in the air 'race'machines most of which don't get raced at all.

Wouldn't mind betting that a lot of people would be better off with a CX than a road bike if they gave them a chance.

V.nice bike btw!

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

It is a lovely looking bike right enough