We're closing in on the final bike profiles in our 2016 Cyclocross National Championships archives. Today we're showcasing Ben Gomez Villafañe's Specialized Crux Pro CX1.
Gomez Villafañe comes from a racing family. His sister Sofia, whose bike we profiled just a couple of days ago, won the Women's Collegiate D1 race and took second in the Women's U23 race. And his other sister Caro raced the 2016 World Championships along with Sofia.
For his part, Ben, with a reputation as a strong racer in his Bay Area scene, was a favorite of at least his local fans for the Junior Men's 15-16 championship race, which he won despite some falls as a result of racing aggressively on the front. This was despite a call-up position that had him near the back of the field from the gun.
Here's a look at the young champ's bike build.
Ben Gomez Villafañe's Specialized Crux Pro CX1. 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine
The Specialized Crux, which we've featured in other bike profiles from the 2016 National Championships is a staple on the American cross scene. The 2016 models feature the company's proprietary SCS (Short Chain Stay) wheel axle system.
The purported benefit of the system are stiffness gains resulting in added control and eliminating chainline issues that can result from running thru axle systems on disc brake bikes. It does mean, for now at least, a limitation in wheel options, short of a conversion kit from Next Wheels. Gomez Villafañe doesn't yet have that worry as his frameset is a 2015 model with quick release dropouts, an option we saw many racers go with in Asheville.
Gomez Villafañe runs the SRAM Force crankset. 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine
Like many other SRAM riders, Gomez Villafañe races aboard a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain. While some riders choose slight variations to their drivetrains, Gomez Villafañe has the complete Force 1 kit, shifters, derailleurs, hydraulic brake calipers, and crankset mated to SRAM's x-sync 38 tooth ring.
Personalized for Ben Gomez Villafañe. 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine
Gomez Villafañe's cockpit comes from Specialized as well. The seatpost, stem and bar are all alloy models from the bike and component maker, as is the saddle in the form of their Body Geometry Power model. Gomez Villafañe's other contact point is a pair of Shimano XTR pedals. His bike also featured some personal touches including "Bennyhops" decals, which were fitting as he was the only racer we saw hopping the barriers in the Junior Men's 15-16 race.
Gomez Villafañe races on Specialized's Roval Rapide CL 40 tubulars wrapped in Specialized Terra tubular tires.
Ben Gomez Villafañe leading Gaelen Kilburn with one to go. Junior Men 15-16, 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. © Cyclocross Magazine
Gomez Villafañe had a great ride to take the Stars and Stripes jersey. And his bike was up for the paces Gomez Villafañe put it through.
Ben Gomez Villafañe's National Championship Winning Specialized Crux Pro CX1 Highlights:
Frame: Specialized Crux Pro
Fork: Specialized Crux carbon
Shift/Brake Levers: SRAM Force 1
Brake Calipers: SRAM Force hydraulic
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force 1
Front Derailleur: N/A
Crankset: Sram Force, SRAM X-sync ring, 38 teeth
Saddle: Specialized Power
Seatpost: Specialized alloy
Stem: Specialized alloy
Handlebars: Specialized alloy
Pedals: Shimano XTR M9000
Wheels: Specialized Roval Rapide CL 40 tubular
Tires: Specialized Terra tubulars
More info: www.specialized.com
Ben Gomez Villafañe's National Championship Winning Specialized Crux Pro CX1 Photo Gallery:
Gomez Villafañe kept track of his race with his Garmin 510. © R. Riott / Cyclocross Magazine
