I didn’t have the heart to sell the Giant TCX after I bought the Ridley, so after lying in bits for months it’s finally a bike again. What it’s become a flat bar CX pub bike running 1x9.
Since the Omnium’s come with a 1/8" chainring I ordered a 44t 3/32" from Blackspire, they’ve got a good range, I should have got a 48t, I can top out the 44/12 quite easily. The shifter is a SRAM x9 and the rear derailleur is an X0. I ran a flat bar because I didn’t have any road shifters, and I already have three drop bar bikes so this is a nice in between bike. Lastly, it’s stupid fun to ride, wheelies nicely and bounces off curbs with ease.
Yeah, my initial concern was the Omnium oversized spider hitting the chainstay, but it cleared fine. Chainline is good, no concerns there either. I’ve been riding this bike a fair bit, I forgot how fun it is to have a banger to use for trips to the store or running the dog, this bike will be around for a while, it’s such good fun.
I still haven’t figured out why Blackspire uses a Kangaroo on these chainrings… It’s not as if it’s very Canadian.
I just flogged this “hybrid” in the Dandenongs and I have to say it’s an awesome ride! The 44:32 is perfect for climbing and 44:12 gives enough go for 40-45km/h on the flats and descents. I hate to say it, but I enjoy riding this off-road and gravel grinding more than the Ridley by a long shot. CX/MTB hybrid is a winner. I have to organize a gravel grinder through the Dandenongs, there is so much gravely goodness out there. Absolutely NO drivetrain issues, no dropping of the chain even on the rough stuff and rapidly changing gears. I do have a “dog fang” installed to keep the chain from dropping to the BB, but at no time today was there an issue with it skipping or trying to drop off.
