Badger Custom CX
While I was visiting Badger Custom Bicycles the other day, they had this laying around. Rob and Josh had just finished building this wonder bike. I think Josh started on this project with plans for races like the Trans-Iowa, but I am sure he will do some commuting and typical CX racing as well.
I am going to stick to the basics here and let the photos do most of the talking. That said, the photos do not even come close to doing this bike justice. The frame is left raw for now (I assume it will be stripped after a few test rides and sent for paint which will cause it to gain weight). Rob told me that Badgers gain a half pound when painted, but this bike has so much carbon that I am guessing it will gain less (if the carbon is left unpainted).
This bike is awesome even without paint. The tubes flow out of one another like quicksilver. There is a smoothness to these joints that a person can not resist touching (I think your brain just wants proof that what you are seeing is real...and out your hand goes to cop a feel). The paint may enhance the looks, but I think I would clear coat this thing and enjoy the industrial beauty (why hide it?)
The tubes are all premium and custom butted to compliment Josh's riding style, but this frame goes further. As a compliment to the carbon bars and fork, Badger CX bikes are available with carbon seat stays. I don't know of many bikes available in tuned steel with carbon stays. This seems to be a hot combination for ride comfort and speed, while keeping the weight crazy-low. Did you know that a lot of Badgers weigh less than most Ti frames before they are painted?...that surprised me a little.
Several times while I was visiting Rob or Josh would walk past this bike and touch it or pick it up or ride it. I knew it was special, but their reactions showed me that they were pretty proud of this creation. Rob grabbed it a couple times as he walked past it and hoisted it on his shoulder as if to do a CX portage...he seemed pleased with every aspect of this bike.
There are so many little touches on this bike. The location of every single cable guide were selected based on the way Josh is going to race. Every time I looked at it I noticed something new (like the 3rd jewel-like bottle mount under the down tube). The parts spec is quite awesome too...the polished hubs were amazing...I don't think the photos do them justice. Josh is a self proclaimed wheel nut (he loves building wheels).
I never really wanted a CX bike before. After fondling this ride, I have a new respect for Cross bikes. Done right, they are truly beautiful bikes. Bobber, I am interrested in your take on this one.
flag pole
It's hard to tell from that last photo but it looks like that bike should be flying a flag from that pole sticking out of the stem. The outdoor photo shows the steerer has been cut though.
Was the steerer tube cut while you were there or is that just something on the cabinet that makes it look like the steerer hasn't been cut yet?
After I left
While I was there they were still tinkering around with fork options (Reynolds vs. Easton). The bike was HOT off the build stand when I got there.....so sweet.
Nice
It looks very nice and unique. The cable routing eylets are very interesting. I also am intrigued by the carbon rear end. It appears to have a slight bow in it. Would this affect the ride quality? Perhaps it would be easier on the back in a cross race. It's that last quarter of a race where most every cross racer complains about their back hurting. It's all that pounding that begins to take it's tole, depending on how bumpy the course is too.
The filet brazing also looks most excellent, just like you described earlier.
My carbon fork has some chatter when I ride it on the road. It shows up when I break at slow speed. This is not noticable at all in a race where most of the terrain is off road. Never the less, I have wondered if the newer carbon forks deal with this better. The Easton is a very nice looking fork too. I would definitly put it on my list of possible choices if I were to go for a custom frame.
My C'dale CX bike has a very solid feel. It's rugged and can take lots of punishment. What I would look for in another frame is that same durablility with an improved ride and reduced weight. I'm sure Badger could do it for me if (and when) I would start looking. I would also love to try some tubular tires. Looks like they could build me up a pair of those too!
yes, but...
They would give you a STRONG talking too regarding tubeless (as this bike is). They have discovered that using Stan's NoTube ZTR 355 rims with conventional clincher tires works far better than tubulars. The advantages are greater flat resistance (nearly impossible to flat with the Stan's solution installed), lighter than tubulars, less expensive tires (than tubulars), and greater ease in swapping tires.
These guys have made me think long and hard about going back to tubeless....I have run a tubeless conversion for about a year, but they say the notubes rims are FAR better!
The use of the carbon in the stays is all about fatigue reduction, and compliance.
I thought you would be interested in seeing that bike...
Tubeless Sounds Good
Very cool on the tubeless. It appears that these guys are quite the CX jockeys. That's very encouraging and I must admit to feeling quite a bit of temptation.
Starting to sound good to me again too...
I am contemplating going back to NoTubes again. I hate getting flats in the mud!