Friday, March 18, 2011

Origin-8 CX700 Frameset

Source: http://www.cxmagazine.com/interbike-2009-revisited-monster-cross-alive

Source: http://www.cxmagazine.com/interbike-2009-revisited-monster-cross-alive


The CX700 was one of the frames I considered getting but ended up with a SOMA Juice mainly because of the company's reputation and good things I heard from various bike forums.  However, every time I see a picture of this frame, I always asked myself, "Did I make a mistake?"  To make matter worse, I came across this:

Source: http://team-bicycle.webstorepowered.com
$159.99 $164.99 $179.99 (last update: 5/17/2011) for a steel 29er/Cross frameset!  I recalled shipping is around $20, which brings the total to about $180 $185 $200 (last update: 5/17/2011).  Still a decent deal consider you are getting a brand new frameset.  So, I did some more research and went to Origin-8's official website:


I don't understand the benefits of a machined head tube, but the lighter weight (200g heh...) and black frame do sound like something I want to get.  Maybe it's time to turn my SOMA into something else, and swap all the component to this frame.  Excuse to spend more money?  Not at all...
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18 comments:

  1. Urban_ExplorerMarch 22, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Awesome! I was loooking for an outlet for this bike that ships to Canada... and, I think I finally found the store. Thanks.

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  2. knight9413March 23, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Glad to help!

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  3. UnknownMarch 31, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    I too was wanting this bike but all the people that had it said it was a tank, not sure how much of a difference 200 grams makes when you are talking 7 to 8 pounds with the fork. But still tempting. When does 2011 come out?

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  4. knight9413April 1, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    I wish I can answer that question. Today's April 1st already.

    And yep, 200 grams... that's even lighter than an average road saddle or an aluminum mtb handlebar, which makes the newer version more of the same thing with the exception of the color. There's always Nashbar's aluminum cross frame for a little less (both price and weight). You also get to choose if you want to buy a steel fork or carbon fork.

    1) Nashbar X Aluminum Cyclocross Frame: http://buildingbikingcommuting.blogspot.com/2011/03/origin-8-cx700-frameset.html

    2) Nashbar Carbon Cyclocross Fork: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175019_-1_201511_10000_202347

    3) Nashbar Disc/V-Brake Compatible Road Bike Fork: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175017_-1_201511_10000_202347

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  5. UnknownApril 9, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I'm looking forward to seeing some of the 2011 frames become available. Yes, it is a heavy frame, even with a 200 grams weight reduction. However, I feel 200g is a significant (almost 1/2lb) reduction that brings the weight closer to a reasonable weight considering the frame's capability, material, and cost.

    Oddly enough, the origin8 website lists the bottom bracket drop as "47 cm". That's obviously not correct in terms of cm vs mm, but I hope the the 47 is a type as well. I've never heard of any frame having that little drop.
    http://www.jbimporters.com/web/links/CX700%20GEOMETRY.jpg

    If J&B can address the rumored quality control problems, I'll likely pick one of these frames up.

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  6. Urban_ExplorerApril 17, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Urban_ExplorerApril 17, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Error in my last comment, which was regarding frame weight.

    Ok - 5.6 lbs for a size small (50cm) is pretty high. Especially since they are supposed to be triple-butted(but who knows?). I'm not sure how well this compares, but for the equivalent large size (59cm) of the Origin 8 Scout frame, it weighs under 5.4 lbs from what I've heard.

    Also, compared to surly's CrossCheck 56cm frame, weighing 4.88 lbs, I don't think a 50cm cx700 frame alone should weigh 1.12 lbs more.

    But, even if it does, it'll have better tyre clearance and still be a *bit* lighter than my current plain-gauge cro-mo framed steed. Sigh.

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  8. UnknownApril 18, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    I can't believe a BB drop of 47mm. That's not drivable.. Surly's Cross Check comes with 66mm. Surly's MTBs have 40mm...

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  9. UnknownApril 18, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Per email communication from J&B importers the BB drop is 65mm which is "civilized"..

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  10. Urban_ExplorerApril 19, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Any info for the frame weight in that email? ;)

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  11. UnknownApril 20, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    No, sorry. I did not ask as the weight is not so important to me..

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  12. Urban_ExplorerMay 14, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    After a mix up (was mailed the 50 cm vs 56cm frame), I finally got this frameset! Would reccommend, with some caveats; 2 screws were missing (everything else there & fine), and the fork welds are quite splotchy (on the inside of steerer). Frame welds, OTOH, are damn sexy.

    Paint + finish is car quality; sprayed n' clear-coated.

    And as for that nagging possibility of a having a heavyweight; the 56cm frame and fork together only weight 6.83lbs (by my measuring). That's ~.42 lbs lighter than the LHT, and .21 lbs lighter than the Cross Check....

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  13. knight9413May 17, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Thanks Urban_Explorer for the information. Very helpful stuff!

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  14. caesaradamoMay 25, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    It says its "Designed for 38T x 48T or less rings (MTN crank)" does that mean it wont fit a 52 or 53T road crank?

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  15. iceveloOctober 3, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    The frame won't fit a road crank unless you can space the BB spindle out, which pretty much eliminates external bearing road cranks. Its really made for MTB cranks. The max big ring size is also 48T.

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  16. TroyDecember 23, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Its a deal killer that I can't use road cranks with a 52 without screwing with the chain line. Whats up with the largest size being 59cm? Love to find a cross frame that will take 2.1 tires for certain.

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  17. Urban_ExplorerJanuary 25, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    For me, the road crank thing is a null point, since I use a 42t crank :P But yeah, what I've seen is that most monstercrossers can't use large chain rings because of how bowed out the chainstays must be to fit the large tires. Surly's Karate Monkey and Ogre frames have the same problem, for example.

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    Replies
    1. marcoMay 27, 2013 at 6:03 AM

      @Urban Explorer:
      Do you have some pics of your build?
      How much for the frameset?

      Delete

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