Completed in February 2013, this Lynskey Cooper CX was equipped with a SRAM drivetrain comprising a Force chainset, WiFi rear mech and front mech, along with SRAM Apex gear shifters. A Hope stainless steel bearing bottom bracket with GXP conversion was used instead of the stock Truvativ GXP unit. The latest SRAM Wifi rear mech was used to allow the use of an 11-32 cassette and 50-34 chainset.
The new Cooper CX disc brake only frame is bang up to date for cyclo cross and commute use but there is a lack of quality forks to compliment the growing numbers of disc equipped cross frames. We managed to secure a very early pair of the new Lynskey carbon cross disc forks, these look and work fantastic on the bike. They come with an alloy steerer, International Standard disc tabs and a disc side cable tab (RRP £199). Another useful feature on these forks are mudguard eyelets, Lynskey have made these forks with a hole in the crown to allow the use of full mudguards. This works perfectly on the versatile Cooper CX as it has rack and guard eyelets on the frame. A Hope Stainless conventional cup headset was fitted to the bike.
Hydraulic disc brake were discussed for the bike but in the end we elected for Avid’s benchmark BB7 mechanical disc brakes. The wheels were also a talking point, some high quality disc ready wheels suitable for cross and commute use were needed. We looked at the options and decided to go with a set of Moonglu custom wheels using Hope Pro 2 Evo hubs and Stans Iron Cross disc only 700c rims. These can be used with or without inner tubes and are suitable for use with 700 x 35c cross tyres or will also work with narrower road tyres.
The intention is to use this bike for the annual 3 Peaks cycle race and to offer that additional control on the technical descents, Cane Creek Cross Top brake levers were included in the build. The bike was completed with Fizi:k handlebar tape and a Gobi XM saddle, along with Easton EA70 handlebars, stem and seatpost.
I contacted Neil @ Moonglu late 2012 as I was after a titanium framed cross bike with disc brakes and specifically an aheadset rather than an integrated headset. My current off the peg Ridley crossbow was starting to show its age after being used as a winter training bike and being used in the 3 peaks. With the knocks and bangs a cross bike takes I wasn’t keen on going down the all carbon route and choices were limited in the titanium frames. I turned 40 January 2013 an the plan was to treat myself the bike of my dreams , a bike that could get me round the 3 peaks again if I feel brave enough but also a bike that is future proof and multi purpose with the view to maybe even adding panniers and/or mudguards at a later date for light touring, and the Cooper Cx disc seemed to tick all the boxes. I just love the flexibility of a cross bike.
Neil replied promptly with some previous builds quotes using the cooper frame, and in January I went over to talk about the final spec. I found his knowledge and expertise fantastic and just over a month later the bike was built. There was a delay due to the Lynskey forks in arriving as they were a new product, but as soon as they arrived the bike was ready 24 hours later. It was worth the wait. The Hope bottom bracket, headset and hubs I am sure will provide a reliable,serviceable and durable bike.
As you can see the final product looks fantastic and although the disc brakes and bar top levers add to the weight (along with the land cruiser tyres) but the strength that titanium offers I am sure make up for this. With some standard tyres on I could even do the odd sportive on it especially if the weather is bad as I dont like getting my all carbon summer road bike wet.
My Ridley had Shimano groupset with 9 speed sti’s , a compact chainset and a MTB rear mech and changer. I have a 10 speed SRAM set up on my summer bike which offered a similar ratio to this so opted for a SRAM groupset.
I have just had a quick ride up and down the lane where I live and it feels fantastic to ride. The only problem is I dont want to get it dirty!
I would recommend Moonglu for any custom build.