The carbon On One Dirty Disco with disc brakes. © Cyclocross Magazine
Our latest issue of Cyclocross Magazine, Issue 19, boasted more bike reviews than we’ve ever had before. Among these was the On One Dirty Disco. Check out its vital stats here, and make sure you pick up a copy of Issue 19 to see what we had to say about it! Issue 20, out soon, is also jam-packed with reviews of off-the-shelf and custom rigs, so don’t miss it!
by Andrew Yee
It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a cyclocross rig from the UK company On-One, founded in 1999 by the eccentric mountain bike designer Brant Richards and his business partner, Planet-X’s Dave Loughran to sell the steel single-speed mountain bike, the Inbred. For nine years the two worked together to build their brands, with On-One working primarily in the mountain bike world, but offering a svelte titanium ’cross rig in the line-up, as well. As the popularity of Planet-X’s direct-sell model—retail bikes at wholesale prices—grew, however, the demands of the partnership became too much for the duo, and the pair split ways, with Loughran keeping the On-One brand under Planet-X’s umbrella while Richards began Shedfire consultancy, which helped develop brands such as Ragley, Nukeproof and Vitus.
When Planet-X bought Titus in 2010, however, Loughran needed a designer at the helm, and Richards agreed to be the man for the job, overseeing Titus and returning to the helm of On-One. It was a chance, Richards said, “to finish what they started ten years ago.” Now, a few short years later, On-One is back in the cyclocross world with their new carbon disc race rig, the Dirty Disco.
On-One continues in the tradition in which it began—selling directly to the consumer to keep costs down. Their hope is that the Dirty Disco will get those racers eager to try a carbon/disc pairing without completely breaking the bank. At just over two grand for a Rival build, they may just succeed. It’s a solid model if you can forgo the test ride—frames and builds can only be ordered online through On-One’s UK website. As of printing, only frame and fork are available through Planet X’s stateside site, shipped out of Titus’ operation in Portland, Oregon, though Planet X USA general manager Michael Golinski told us they will have a complete Force build with On-One carbon tubulars by the time you are reading this. “The Force group is the current stock build kit,” said Golinski, “but we will work with individual consumers to build exactly what they want. If someone wants a Rival build, no problem. Our goal is for every rider to be completely happy with what they order.”
The geometry of the frame is standard for a reason—racing the Dirty Disco felt spot on, sturdy yet agile, without being so aggressive that you wouldn’t want to use the bike as a commuter or for long adventures in the back woods. Indeed, with slightly larger tires, the combination of a supple frame and disc brakes make this a perfect choice for gravel centuries that are becoming increasingly popular.
As mentioned earlier, Planet X USA will offer only a stock Force build ($2799), but the UK branch offers a stock Rival build with a clincher wheelset, as well, which more closely represents the custom build we received at headquarters. If you want the Force build, you can opt for the clinchers over the tubulars, which will shed $250 dollars, bringing the cost down to $2550. As you would expect from a budget-oriented bike, the build is no-nonsense and no frills, with Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes, On-One’s XC QR MTB wheelset and a serviceable in-house On-One cockpit. An FSA Gossamer Cross crankset completes the setup. If you’re looking to piece together a similar set through Titus USA before a stock build comes available, rest assured that On-One has done their homework and offers a well-rounded, competent package.
The On-One clincher wheelset is sturdy and well-built, with a freehub that sports a high-pitched purr. The hubs use a three-pawl design with 120T engagement. Though not the lightest stock we’ve tested (On-One claims 825/1000 for front/rear without skewers, tires or tape), they certainly aren’t the heaviest, and their durability will surely be a plus for riders looking to do more than just race. An added plus: the extra width of the MTB rims give your tires a little more width as well. 160mm front and rear rotors stop the bike, and 32c Vittoria XG clinchers keep you rolling forward
Be forewarned, however: the front end is incredibly stiff. But how does the rest of the ride compare? Check out a digital copy of Issue 19 for the full review, with instant delivery.
Frame: Monocoque Carbon w/ 3k weave finish
MSRP: $799.99 (Frame/Fork), $2799 (Force Build)
Fork: On-One Carbon Fork w/ Planet X Carbon Steerer Fork Bung MK 2
Components: Force (stock), Rival upon request
Brakes: Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc Brake Road
Weight: 18.81 lbs w/o pedals, 10.92 w/o wheels
Country of Origin: China
More Info: USA: shop.titusti.com; UK: www.on-one.co.uk
Want to read the full review? To see what our testers thought about after putting it through some muddy races, check out Issue 19 of our print mag. Make sure you’re subscribed to Cyclocross Magazine (subscribe digitally to receive Issue 19, or order it in the archive section of our subscription page).
Check our Issue 19 page for the full Table of Contents to see what else is in the issue, and stay tuned for more sneak peeks of Issues 19 and 20!
