Garneau has updated its carbon Steeple XC cyclocross bike for 2017, and we've had a close-up look at the updated frame, on display in the Canadian Louis Garneau Easton cyclocross team colors. In fact, the company will soon be offering custom paint options for its frames and helmets to give its riders more options.
The previous iteration of the Louis Garneau Steeple XC, reviewed in Issue 29, was a CXM favorite partly due to its rear tire clearance, and the frame proved to be a winner at the World Cup level. Much to our surprise, it appeared to also be the same frame as seen on Sophie de Boer's World Cup mystery CrossVegas-winning cyclocross bike.
The 2017 Louis Garneau Steeple-XC cyclocross bike on the showroom floor at Interbike 2016. This colorway is exclusive to the Canadian Garneau Easton team. © Cyclocross Magazine
As you would expect, the bike updated display bike is adorned with many of sponsor Easton's components like the E100 carbon handlebar, EA90 aluminum stem, EC90 SL carbon crank and a 44t Easton direct mount ring.
The other end of the drivetrain is all Easton with an EC90 SL carbon crank and a 44t Easton direct mount ring. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Garneau carbon fork has internal cable routing, a 12mm thru axle and plenty of fender and mud clearance. The seatstay bridge also features an integrated fender eyelet. The Steeple XC has Easton EC90 SL wheels wrapped with 700x33c Vittoria Cross Evo XG tires.
The internally-routed carbon Garneau fork has ample fender and mud clearance around 33c tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
Surprisingly, Louis Garneau went a bit backwards in terms of rear mud clearance. The 2016 frame (same as the Bailey Cyclocross) featured world-class tire/mud clearance out back, and the newer frame has a bit of a shelf that might collect mud on sloppy days.
Louis Garneau's 2017 Steeple XC carbon cyclocross bike adds thru axles, but also unfortunately adds a mud shelf behind the bottom bracket. © Cyclocross Magazine
Garneau was also displaying its newest off-road shoe, the Copper T-Flex which will be available in November with a retail price of $325 USD.
Garneau was showing off its latest off-road shoe offering, the Copper T-Flex, which will be available in November with a retail price of $325 USD. © Cyclocross Magazine
The T-Flex refers to the flex in the toe box which makes walking and running in the shoes feel more natural when compared to a shoe with a full carbon sole.
The company also showed off a road bike set up for bike packing, and we also caught photos of Michael van den Ham and Craig Richey's bikes from CrossVegas.
More info: garneau.com
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While this team bike adorns many Easton components, the rear derailleur remains a SRAM Force 1 affair, but the bike receives the 142/12mm thru axle treatment. © Cyclocross Magazine
