The cyclocross season is in full swing and meanwhile the weather is also showing its discipline-typical side: rain, mud and slippery meadows are now just as much a part of everyday life as temperatures in the single-digit range. As in previous weeks, we would therefore like to use the Fuji cross 1.1 take a closer look at a crosser this week. The fact that the Americans with Japanese roots are not newcomers to the cyclocross market is shown not least by the variety of models they offer. Ambitious racers can choose between three carbon models and beginners three aluminum models. Based on the equipment, we have decided on the golden mean.
//Equipment and practice
The cross 1.1 is with the brand new Sram Force 22 and in-house Oval products. The white-blue frame is made of butted A6-SL aluminum and, in addition to its classic triangular shape, is also characterized by its relatively relaxed geometry. This allows an upright, everyday sitting position. The fork is made of a material mix. The crown and arms are made of carbon, while the dropouts and head tube are made of aluminum.
Even if I referred to the current weather conditions at the beginning, we had Mount Fuji cross 1.1 nevertheless not only one week in action. Rather, the bike experienced the change in weather with us and thus provided a more detailed look at its versatility. And it's versatile, no question. For example, there are eyelets on the dropouts of the fork to attach a mudguard. Although these are missing on the rear triangle, a plug-in mudguard can provide a slight remedy.
The cross 1.1 quickly becomes an everyday commuter, but in no way loses its sporty character. Because although you sit relatively upright on the bike, the fork, in conjunction with a steering angle of 72 degrees, ensures precise and safe steering. The 430 millimeter short struts on the rear triangle also ensure agility. This is worked in such a way that even coarse dirt cannot roll off the oval 527-Wheels not impeded. However, these are relatively heavy, which is due to the hub with brake disc mount on the one hand and the robust rims on the other. Accordingly, the wheels are a bit sluggish when accelerating. On the other hand, you should have few problems with them, even over a longer period of time. Even after several horseback riding in rough terrain, they show neither vertical nor lateral deflection. In the race itself, however, you should still use smooth-running wheels. You don't need to change anything on the tires. The challenge Grifo-32-Clinchers had a similar character as the well-known tubular tire variant. And that on any surface.
The trains at cross 1.1 are all laid outside. Shift cables and the cable for the rear wheel brake run over the top tube. This is pleasant in passages where you have to shoulder the bike. The front brake cable runs along the left fork arm.
In keeping with the current trend, the bike is equipped with disc brakes. Fuji uses the budget version from Avid here. The BB7 enclose a 160 mm disc at the front and a 140 mm disc at the rear. Once these have been braked in, they work reliably and do not cause any brake stuttering, as is usual with cantilever brakes. However, the mechanical variant has one shortcoming compared to a hydraulic disc brake: the brake pads do not adjust themselves automatically. When it comes to setting, you need to have a sure instinct.
The same goes for the Force 22-front derailleur. In training, this did not cause any problems. In the race, however, the chain fell off the chainring several times when shifting gears under pressure. Repeated adjustments and the use of the chain catcher only helped to a limited extent. While the front derailleur didn't really score well, the new 11-speed rear derailleur was convincing. The chain always moved safely over the individual sprockets with a crisp shift feel. In general, the other components of the Force 22 significant. The DoubleTap levers are comfortable to hold; once you get used to them, shifting is relatively easy and requires little effort.
Mount Fuji too cross 1.1 Oval components are installed, which is not surprising given that both companies belong to the Advanced Sports Group. In addition to the wheels, there is also the handlebar-stem combination, consisting of a 42 centimeter wide 310handlebars and a 110 millimeter long 313-Stem, as well as the 905-Seat post from the Swiss. On the carbon post usually perched a Oval R700 saddle. For our test, however, we used this with a fi'zi:k Antares replaced. The handlebar feels comfortable and offers enough grip positions both in the race and in everyday life to be able to relieve your hands from time to time. Due to its small diameter of 27,2 millimeters, the post has a pleasant springing effect and thus ensures a certain level of comfort even off-road. The hollow forged oval 720-Crank, which is set in a modern BB86 press-fit bottom bracket, has a gear ratio of 46/34 teeth, which is typical for cyclocross. In combination with the 11-28 cassette, you can always find the right gear.
//Conclusion
The Fuji cross 1.1 is a genuine all-rounder that lives up to the price of 1999,00 Euro, it is well equipped. However, with a weight of just under 9,5 kilograms, it is anything but lightweight. It nevertheless shows ambition, which is why you can also take it on the cyclocross track. However, to excel here, you should opt for lighter wheels. Force 22 is suitable for racing, although you should pay attention to a correct setting of the front derailleur. The fact that Fuji equips the bike with fender mounts underlines the versatile character of the bike: Beginners, winter cyclists and commuters will all find their way with the cross 1.1 a robust friend for everyday life, who also likes to relax once in a while to hunt leaves.
//Product highlights
- agile frameset
- good all round tires
- robust equipment suitable for everyday use
- allows conversion to everyday bike
//price and web
- EUR 1999,00
- www.fujibikes.com