Javelin Garda carbon cyclocross bike, unveiled at Dealer Camp. © Cyclocross Magazine
It’s been a handful of years since Javelin burst onto the cyclocross scene, with its 7005 aluminum Primitivo cyclocross bike carrying ClifBar racers to USGP podiums. The Primitivo is still available, but is largely unchanged from its ClifBar days. For 2013, Javelin is expanding its cyclocross line with a new high-end carbon model: the Garda.
The Javelin Garda’s carbon frame is built by hand in Italy using tube-to-tube construction from high modulus carbon fiber, and can be fully customized with different geometry, disc brakes, mounts, or integrated seat masts. Turnaround time for a custom option is just 60 days.
The frame has a clean look, with internal cable routing and a highly-sculpted bottom bracket/chainstay junction that looks like it will clear mud well. It’s a more classic style, with smaller diameter tubes and a Ritchey WCS carbon cyclocross fork with a straight 1 1/8″ steerer.
Internal cable routing on the 2013 Javelin Garda carbon cyclocross bike. © Cyclocross Magazine
Built with new 2013 SRAM Red components, a Ritchey WCS cockpit and 38mm Zero carbon tubular wheels, the complete bike weighs in at just a hair over 16 pounds. Matthew Fox of Javelin says a 55cm frame weighs 1280 grams — not breathtakingly light, but competitive with many other carbon options.
At $4500 for just the frame, the Javelin Garda carbon cyclocross frame won’t win any affordability contests, but the option to customize its geometry and features in time to receive your frame for this season certainly softens the sticker shock and puts it within the normal range of custom carbon frames.
We’re excited to test a Garda cyclocross bike. Stay tuned.
2013 Javelin Garda Carbon Cyclocross Bike Photo Gallery:
