Cyclocross Magazine

Cyclocross Community, Forums, Classifieds, Photos and Videos

I am looking for a 2nd CX (pit) bike.  I love my Cannondale: CAAD9 CX, but am temped to try the Van Dessel: Gin & Trombones as a frame/fork only build.  The geometry is very similar with a 59.5 vs 60cm top tube and a 200mm head tube on both.  I am tall 6'-4".  Any tall riders with a Gin & Trombones review?

Views: 288

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Get another Cannondale.  If you have 2 different bikes one will always be your favorite and thus less useful as a pit bike.  Pit bikes are only good if you can switch from one to another without any notice.

Thanks Eric

I disagree. Life is too short to ride all the bikes I want to, why make it worse by buying the same bike twice? Try something new!
My first bike was a G&T and now I have a custom frame from a local builder.

My limited experience is that the G&T is a fast dry conditions bike. The steep seat tube angle puts your weight over the front wheel and is hard to handle in the deep mud found in most Seattle-area courses. The shift cable routing under the downtube is awkward (and unnecessary if you use a top pull Shimano derailleur).

Positives: the Van Dessel owner is a great guy and very responsive. A year after purchase I needed some canti studs and he shippped them out right away (I think at no charge). It's nice to support a US-based company.

Thanks Geoffrey!

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the G&T as a frame/ fork only (canti brake option for the fork). I will work on building it up for next season.  Maybe the C'dale will go to pit duty.

RSS

Sold something in our classifieds? Find this site valuable?

Consider a donation to the cause. We're cheaper than eBay fees, and it helps us here at CXM keep the lights on!

Enter any amount below, and click on the cow for some good karma. Thanks!

Amount:



Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by Cyclocross Magazine.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service