Not only was Fuji showing off thier first-ever gravel bike in the form of the Jari at this year's Sea Otter Classic, they also have updated the venerable Fuji Cross 1.1 alloy cyclocross bike. The alloy Cross 1.1 model has been around for a while, but frame is updated for 2017 and was just released at Sea Otter.
The redesigned for 2017 Fuji Cross 1.1 shaves nearly a quarter pound in frame weight. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
The new changes to the Cross 1.1 include the move to flat mount caliper mounts, a switch from a BB86 bottom bracket to a PF30 setup and the use of thru axles front and rear with a 12mm front and a 142/12mm rear. Like the Jari, the alloy Cross 1.1's rear axle can be converted to 135mm quick release from 142/12mm thru axle, both similar to Redline's old Conquest Pro and the BH/Pivot Carbon RX Team offerings where riders could switch from 130mm to 135mm. The Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie does the same swap that the Fuji Cross does.
The Cross 1.1 rear dropout can switch between 142/12mm thru axle and 135mm quick release. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
The bike's redesigned frame saves nearly a quarter pound compared to previous iterations. The A6-SL aluminum frame comes in at a claimed 1,370 grams and the fork is a tapered, full carbon model like that seen on the Jari. The fork's use of 12mm thru axle was based in part on the company's opinion that 15mm thru axles are too stiff for cyclocross and road use. The frame does sport features that make it more versitile than just a 'cross racer, like fender mounts front and rear.
Of course the company still has the Altamira CX carbon cyclocross bike, but the Cross 1.1 is a good option for riders looking to keep costs down.
The Cross 1.1 with a SRAM Force 1 build will retail for $2399 USD. There's also a 1.3 model with SRAM Rival 1 and a Cross 1.5 with a more budget friendly Shimano 2x drivetrain.
The new alloy Cross 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5 should be available before cyclocross season.
More info: fujibikes.com
2017 Fuji Cross 1.1 cyclocross bike. Sea Otter Classic 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
