Strengths: Light, stiff and the attention to cross specific detail. I got the frame, fork, and headset (and installed) for $850. Not bad!
Weaknesses: I really need two of these bikes, one for the pits.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Mine is the "not a Fred red" 2009 version.
I love this bike. It has been reliable and it is very light - which is ideal for cross racing. My setup is at 16.5 lbs - not sure what others are griping about the weight. I've crashed a few times and the frame/fork has held up. If you're looking to build up a light race bike take a serious look at this frame set.
This is my first cross bike, so I can't compare to lots of other cross bikes. That being said, I really enjoy riding this bike. I raced it last weekend and it performed admirably, the only thing holding it back was me.
This is a 2008 bike, as the 2009 and 2010 CCC have the red paint job.
I weigh about 213#, so I'm not small, but I'm not really rough on bikes either. The CCC has a very nice ride, and is super fast. Stiff in the right places I suppose. Being a bigger rider, and this being a Scandium/Alu frame I don't expect it to last forever. I'd probably go Ti if I wanted a frame that'd last 10 years.
Weaknesses: Salsa and dealers like Cyclocrossworld.com LIE about the weight. Mine is 53 cm (for the 56 cm equivalent) and the bare frame weighs 1436g which is 3.16 pounds. It is NOT the 2.94 pounds listed on their site for the 53cm model. QUIT SAYING THAT!!!!!!! What a crock. It's a great bike but quit lying about the weight. The bike is less stable than the Redline probably bcz it is shorter in wheelbase and a bit harsher. No discernable softness is detected due to the flattened stays.
Bottom Line:
The frame I have is the 2008 model.
Generally excellent bike. Light and fast with great attention to detail. Indexes perfectly.
Weight listed on Salsa site and around internet is false.
Strengths: Light, not too pricey, Team frame looks great.
Weaknesses: Same problem as the 1st review. I got tangled up with a rider in a cross race. Now I have a big dent in the top tube. Not sure what caused it, but it didn't seem like that hard of a crash.
Bottom Line:
Great riding frame. Not too harsh for an aluminum frame. Flat top tube carries great.
Strengths: Weight- 2.8 pounds!! Better than some carbon CX frames out there :D
Handling- Moderate lateral stiffness when really hammering, very vertically compliant over the rough stuff. The high BB and 74 deg. rake lead to very responsive turning(read: almost twitchy).
Looks- The paint job is outstanding in quality and appearance, many compliments recieved. Not too many green frames on the market atm so it really stands out.
Build Quality- I am very impressed with the build quality. The welds are solid and fairly smooth. The "mud shedding" details are functional and very appreciated (no chainstay bridge, extra clearance in the stays, downtube cable routing). The headtube needed no facing and the BB shell was pristinely clean of paint/debris.
Weaknesses: Durability- I have experienced a few minor crashes during commuting and training, (mostly just tires sliding out when cornering too fast in loose soil), and already there is a large dent in the top-tube. Additionally, the fatigue limit of the rear stays give worry after a serious CX beating.
Warranty- Only 5 years, similar frames by fuji and giant are lifetime.
Flattened top tube- designed to be easier on the shoulders during carry-ups while in practice is just the same as any other bike.
Price- At $700-800 retail, this takes a big chunk out of any bike build budget.
Frameset- No longer available with the matching carbon fork, (which looked amazing).
Bottom Line:
By far, this is the best frame I've come across for urban commuting and CX racing. At under 2.8 pounds, the scandium frame is super responsive and amazingly stiff. The flattened rear stays really do smooth out a lot of the bumps and unpleasantness encountered in a daily commute or a weekend race. This frame makes a killer racer as well as an urban crotch rocket.
I just saw this on the Salsa blog, thought you all would enjoy it. I'm actually thinking of getting on of these this year and selling the Major Jake??
Decisions, Decisions
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Is anyone aware of any smoking closeout deals on 09 or 10 Chili Con Crosso frames? (or a used one for if anyone has a line on a 55) I have been scouring craigslist, ebay, etc with Read More »
...Beautiful green Salsa Chilli Con Crosso size 57, scandium with Chris King headset, front cable hanger and matching Alpha Q fork (which alone sells for $200 on eBay).
[URL="ht Read More »
I'm finally breaking down and buying a cross bike. Our club is very involved with cross riding and racing. Our club has a very close relationship with a bike shop who gives us s Read More »
