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Pro bikes, November 21, 2008
Todd Wells' GT GTR Type CX
Sticking with the tried-and-true for the current USGP leaderBy James Huang
Two-time national cyclo-cross champion Todd Wells (GT) is adopting a familiar formula for the 2008 season with his GT GTR Type CX 'cross machine. In the past, Wells had used a custom frame built by GT just for him but the company incorporated the model into its lineup last year - apparently the XL-sized production model is exactly the same as what the two-time Olympian competes on each weekend. Not much has changed frame-wise for the 2009 model year as the Type CX carries on with the same TIG-welded butted Kinesis Kinesium fully aluminum alloy construction and proven geometry that has worked so well in the past. Even so, a few subtle details improve things even further: a welded-on rear brake housing stop is now integrated into the top of the seat stays to replace the bolt-on hanger that once dangled from the seat collar; and clearance has improved between the rear stays. According to Wells, "It's much better for muddy conditions this year." Most of Wells' componentry choices have also carried over from last year including the SRAM Red group, Easton wheels and fork, KORE cockpit and brake bits, ubiquitous Crankbrothers Eggbeater 4Ti pedals and unique SDG I-Beam saddle and seatpost. Even so, 2008 has brought with it a few key equipment changes. Wells ran a single chainring on his SRAM Red crank last year in hopes of shedding some weight and gaining some reliability, especially on muddier courses. However, even with two chainguards he still dropped his chain on a few occasions. This year he has reverted back to a more conventional two-ring setup, albeit with new prototype SRAM 39/46T 'cross-specific chainrings. According to Wells, the two-ring configuration has turned out to be more reliable and "is also nice when there are some really steep climbs where I would be cross chained with a 42 but can have a better chain line with the small ring." Like many SRAM-sponsored 'crossers we've seen lately, the Durango, Colorado resident has also switched to an OG-1070 cassette instead of the top-end OG-1090. "I use the 1070 cassette because it shifts better in muddy and dirty conditions then the 1090," said Wells. "The 1090 doesn't have deep spacing between the cogs so it doesn't clear as well. In Boulder it would have been fine to run the 1090 but it's easier to stick with the 1070 in case conditions were to change." Wells was in the minority last season with his choice of a carbon fiber handlebar but jumped on the bandwagon for '08 with a more conventional KORE Road Elite model made of 7075 aluminum. Though he likely misses the carbon bar's 50g weight savings, the aluminum bar's durability advantage and grippier surface was apparently enough to justify the switch. "The aluminum bar is new for a few reasons," Wells said. "I had problems with my levers slipping down on the carbon bars on really rough courses. No matter how much I clamped the levers down they would slip sometimes when sprinting on the hoods in bumpy grass. Also, in cross it's easy to crash and with carbon bars they are more likely to break than with aluminum bars. In addition to all that, with all the travel the aluminum bars seem to hold up better then the carbon." Cyclo-cross racing is renowned for its traditionally awful conditions but the recent Boulder Cup in Boulder, Colorado provided a distinct break from the norm with spring-like temperatures, bone-dry air, and dusty course conditions. As such, Wells' Easton carbon wheels were shod with a fat 34mm-wide Challenge Grifo XS semi-slick tubular out back for a faster roll and increased cushion and an aggressive Dugast Rhino 32mm-wide tubular for better cornering grip. Both were treated with Aquaseal on the sidewalls which Wells says "adds a bit more protection to the sidewalls for the rocks" and also helps prevent dry rot. For Sunday's race, Wells' bike was also fitted with something that would normally be considered unthinkable for European 'cross events: a water bottle cage. "In 'cross you are not allowed to [accept a] feed unless the official makes a special exception," said Wells. "They didn't allow it in Boulder or Las Vegas so they pretty much never do. If it's over sixty degrees I usually run a bottle cage. "We don't have to run much in the US usually and the weight isn't an issue. I think it's more a style thing in the US. Everyone here thinks they are racing in Europe where it's fifty degrees and raining all the time so they don't need to drink. Here we're racing in the high desert where the air is thin and dry so I would rather carry a bottle then ride around with a dry mouth." With just one weekend of racing remaining in the USGP series, Wells' consistent performances find him atop the standings for the first time in his career as the series heads to Portland, Oregon. If last year's conditions (and the Pacific Northwest's reputation for rain) are any indication, we're guessing Wells won't be needing that bottle cage the next time around. PhotographyFor a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
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Full specificationFrame: GT GTR Type CX Critical measurements Front brake: KORE Race+ w/ Avid Rim Wrangler 2 pad holders and
SwissStop Yellow King pads |
Front wheel: Easton EC90 Aero Bars: KORE Elite, 44cm (c-c) Pedals: Crankbrothers Eggbeater 4Ti Total bicycle weight: 8.17kg (18.0lb) | ||||||||||||||||
