Nashbar Steel Cyclocross Bike Bikes & Frames Gravel Grinders

Nashbar Steel Cyclocross Bike. There's just something about chromoly 'cross bikes that get the heart pumping and ratchet the fun level up to 11. And when you combine the superb ruggedness and ride quality of steel with the latest and greatest Shimano 105 11 speed componentry the result is our gift to lovers of all things ferrous: the Nashbar Steel Cyclocross Bike. A chromoly frame and fork setup is about as strong as it gets, plus it's still rather light and provides just the right amount of flex when you're pounding the trail. And while this steel beauty may pack more grams than its more svelte aluminum and carbon fiber brethren, what it truly inspires is confidence confidence in the handling, confidence in ride quality, and the confidence that when you hit the deck and if you're doing 'cross right that fact is inevitable your steel rig will still be in one piece and ready to rumble when you pick yourself up. The amount of abuse this frameset can withstand is astounding. You'll thank your lucky stars that all the cables are run along the top tube as they're far as possible from the slime and grime kicked up onto the bike in muddy terrain and they're all externally routed for the ultimate ease of maintenance. While some 'cross bikes take the super purist route and provide no water bottle cage braze ons, we, on the other hand, believe differently. 'Cross bikes are the true all arounders of the cycling world and we highly recommend adding a couple of cages and heading out for lengthy adventures in the woods. Come race day, just take those cages off and you're good to go. Component wise, feast your eyes on the slew of lightweight aluminum goodies that make this rig such an extraordinary value. Shimano 105 5800 11 speed components are the ultimate workhorse replete with trickle down technology from its esteemed brethren Dura Ace and Ultegra all the while performing worry free year in and year out and they're spec'd where they count the most as the shifterbrake levers, front and rear derailleurs, plus the 11 28 cassette. An FSA Gossamer crankset is truly built to last and with its 4636T chainrings you've got the gear ratios to handle any and all scenarios be it 'cross racing, hitting the trails, dirtfiregravel road exploration, or even rolling along on asphalt. Brake wise we kept things simple and traditional with a set of Tektro Oryx cantilevers front and rear. Rounding out this wondrous build is a set of durable aluminum Alex wheels shod with Kenda Kwick 'cross tires that are just itching to head off road.