You may have heard: cross is coming. And not before time. We like a bit of flinging filthily around on drop bars and skinny knobbles. You will too.
Here’s some new arrivals – and some old cx classics – that we now have in stock at Merlin Cycles HQ…
Guerciotti Lembeek Disc
Checkitout (this is an old post and the linked content no longer exists)
A great example of the modern cx bike. Carbon, tapered fork, disc brakes, internal cables, Di2 ready. A great example of a modern bike from a company absolutely steeped in cyclocross heritage and knowhow. A Guerciotti rider has won the cyclocross world championships no less than ten times. If you want to read more about the history of this brand, read our blog – The past, present and future of Guerciotti bikes.
Look at those stays. This is a bike for stomping around the race course.
The muscled nature of the back-end continues at the substantial wishbone at the top of the seat stays.
Look at that head tube decal. Could it be any more Italian?
Laser accurate carbon fork with a powerful hydraulic disc brake at the end. Sorted for performance.
A little bit of comfort tuning can be found on the top tube. The slimmed step-down design is very much an iconic part of the Lembeek.
Tektro CR720 canti
For those who haven’t yet – or won’t – make the move to disc brakes, here’s a classic set of cx cantis from Tektro. Linear spring design. Dual micro tension adjusters for simple set up. Why would you not use disc brakes? Well, a lot of old but still great bikes don’t accept disc brakes. And at only 121 grams per wheel these cantis are hugely lighter than a disc brake and weight saving is still very much prized by some racers.
Felt F3X
There’s that 100% carbon fibre UHC Advanced monocoque fork.
Bolt-thru forks are something of a rarity still on road and cyclocross bikes but this Felt is future-proof.
Tektro RL721 cx brake levers
Chicken sticks. Sometimes some riders like to be able to use their brakes when they’re riding on the tops of the handlebars. This is not usually during races or on proper descents (where they’ll be in the drops) but usually when riding around casually or on the roads. These levers help you do just that.
Merlin X2.0 Ultegra Mix Carbon CX
Last year we brought out our first ever range of cyclocross bikes. They went down so well with you lot that not only are we continuing with the same models for 2016, we’re doing a brand new carbon fibre version. Woo! This is not a fragile feeling carbon bike. It’s stiff and reliable and more than capable for the rigours of racing and UK trail bashing. We’ve used 24-ton carbon as it has greater impact resistance and is less brittle than other slightly lighter carbons such as 60-ton.
The back end matches the feel of the front end perfectly – they’re direct and responsive. There’s loads of tyre clearance in the frame and fork if you want to run fatter tyres for added comfort as and when.
Mmm… swoopy and lush.
Pedal power!
All our cyclocross bikes use disc brakes as standard. Discs are the future.
Zipp Service Course CX bar tape
Thye cross racers secret. This tape is thickly padded for the pounding you’d expect from CX. It also features a cross-hatch patterned grip. Comes with two 1.9 m rolls with slightly ovalised “Z” bar-end plugs. You can get it in red or white if you’re completely delusional. This black version is the sensible choice.
TRP CX9 Linear Pull brakes
AKA mini v-brakes. The CX9’s linear pull design is compatible with most lever types and provides huge amounts of stopping power when the grades get steep or when your bike is loaded with enough gear to get you to the next continent. The super-low profile design also means panniers and racks do not interfere. Rely on CX9`s to stop you when you get there. T6 forged and CNC aluminum arms. Titanium hardware. Arm length: 95mm.
Felt F4X
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With disc brakes and Force CX1 single-ring drivetrain means dropped chains are a thing of the past. The F4X is ready for anything.
Oodles of filth clearance.
Along-the-top cable routing for comfortable shouldering/carrying.
Avid Shorty 6 brakes
More not-disc brakes for the traditonalist or entry level ‘crossers out there. The centre mounted pad reduces fork vibration and is less noisy than other rim brakes. Works with road style levers.
Castelli Meccanico reversible rain jacket
The Meccanio Rain Shell is a durable outer waterproof shell designed for the mechanics in the pits or the ‘cross racer getting ready for the race. The oversized hood keeps you dry, plus its reversible; the black side gives you a clean stealth look or you can turn it inside out for maximum visibility for the pit crew.
Castelli Meccanico sweater
Castelli Cross Sanremo Speedsuit
Checkitout (this is an old post and the linked content no longer exists)
Developed for the rigours of ‘cross this speed suit’s fabrics ensure technically excellent cycling technology and warmth in cooler weather. Thermoflex fleece fabric on upper part. Single-piece construction of shorts with Action 290 fabric for stretch and durability. Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with large pull tab that can be easily grabbed with muddy gloves. ¾ length sleeves to take off the chill. Nervato fabric insert under arms allows for temperature regulation and shoulder room for off the bit flexibility. Higher neck provides extra warmth. GIRO single-layer sublimation printed leg ending. KISS Air seat pad for great protection but minimum bulk. Two rear pockets make this a great piece for ‘cross training or cool weather rides. Weight 350g. Temp 0o – 12o
Muc-Off 8-in-1 bike cleaning kit
Because let’s face it, you and your bike are going to get covered in ****.
Merlin X2.0 105 Commuter CX
We know that a lot of cyclocross bikes never see much cyclocross action. We know that a large amount of cylcocross bikes are used as commuting bikes. There’s a good reason for this: cyclocross bikes make for perfect commuters. Faster than a naff hybrid. Comfier than a road bike. Capable of hacking through shortcuts if the need – or mood – arises. We’ve taken our regular X2.0 cyclocross bike and tweaked the spec a little. Essentially we’ve saved you the task of finding suitable, stylish mudguards and decent road-going tyres. And having to fit them. The Merlin X2.0 Commuter is ready to go to work.