This is part three of an ongoing series of 2015 National Championship-winning cyclocross bike profiles, fresh of title-winning rides and Zilker mud. (See Mo Bruno Roy's Mudhoney Pro singlespeed here and Phil Bannister's Parlee here.)
Think you need a $6000, top-of-the-line machine to win a National Championship? Think again. For some racers, especially Masters racers, the need to be comfortable, have the right fit, and have appropriate gearing and componentry is more important than having the lightest bike or matching Jeremy Powers' bikes. Masters 70-74 winner Dean Ferrandini might have taken the most unique approach in building up his title-winning cyclocross bike. The former Hollywood stuntman and downhill racer is used to doing things a little differently than normal, and his bike is consistent with that approach.
Ferrandini's ride based around an aluminum Cannondale Flash mountain bike built for 26" wheels, but Ferrandini swapped in NoTubes Crest 29er wheels with cyclocross tires and still had enough clearance to roll around in the mud. Have a look at his unique winning bike through the slideshow below. Use the arrow buttons to navigate.
Incorporating SRAM XO components and utilizing a range of gears more associated with mountain bikes, Dean is able to stay on his bike longer when the course gets steep. Although he sacrifices fine gear selection, Dean’s bike is also more versatile for training.
SRAM S-700 hydraulic shift levers are paired with a Sram XO 10-speed drivetrain. The wide cassette allows for more comfortable long distance riding on steep off-road terrain when compared to more typical cyclocross gearing.
Incorporating Sram x0 components and utilizing a range of gears more associated with mountain bikes, Ferrandini is able to stay on his bike longer when the course gets steep. Although he sacrifices fine gear selection, Ferrandini bike is also more versatile for training. © Cyclocross Magazine
