Meredith Miller’s Focus Mares CX

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=692%2C900 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=693%2C900 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-271212 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Few paint jobs are as recognizable as the one found on the Focus Mares CX rigs of the Noosa Professional cyclocross team" title="1448903296946-1ey7rkobre1z5-1844fc4" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Few paint jobs are as recognizable as the one found on the Focus Mares CX rigs of the Noosa Professional cyclocross team James Huang / Immediate Media

Cycling team sponsors come from all walks of life, and often from outside the industry. But a yoghurt company? And in particular, one that’s so decadent that many would hardly consider it for anything other than a post-ride treat.

Nevertheless, Colorado company Noosa tossed its hat into the cyclocross scene last year and looks to be having a heck of time in the process. Meet here the equally decadent Focus Mares CX of team rider Meredith Miller.

The Noosa team comprises just two racers: Miller and fellow Coloradoan Allen Krughoff. Yet despite the very short roster, the pair is exceptionally well outfitted with bikes that even top-shelf teams would find droolworthy.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296950-ow3taxemmc7t-1000-90-e93df0a.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Noosa’s team-issued focus mares cx isn’t just a pretty face, however; it’s one of the best all-around õcross racing platforms currently on the market: noosa’s team-issued focus mares cx isn’t just a pretty face, however; it’s one of the best all-around õcross racing platforms currently on the market There may just be two riders on Noosa’s cyclocross team but they sure aren’t hurting for equipment

Forming the backbone of the team’s bike is the latest Focus Mares CX, a carbon frameset that’s both exceptionally lightweight and remarkably comfortable and efficient. In addition, it’s also one of more progressive designs available with its disc-specific layout and quick-to-operate RAT thru-axles. Focus has even provided the team with full custom paint, featuring a striking red, black, and yellow scheme with custom artwork by local outfitter Victory Circle Graphix.

Wheels are custom built using Enve 29XC carbon tubular rims and DT Swiss hubs, all wrapped with Clement tubular rubber. Enve also provides the full-carbon cockpit and seatpost, as well as carbon clinchers for training duty.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296961-1uvbtz5y83vpu-1000-90-6da6b94.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Team riders meredith miller and allen krughoff certainly aren’t lacking in quality gear. rolling stock consists of clement tubular tires and custom built carbon wheels using enve rims and dt swiss hubs: team riders meredith miller and allen krughoff certainly aren’t lacking in quality gear. rolling stock consists of clement tubular tires and custom built carbon wheels using enve rims and dt swiss hubs Wheels are handbuilt using Enve carbon tubular rims and DT Swiss hubs and spokes, all wrapped with Clement tires

Meanwhile, SRAM fills out the bulk of the componentry list with Force 1 groups for racing and two-chainring groupsets for training.

“I use a double chainring on my training bike,” says Miller. “For much of the year I use it as my road, gravel and ‘cross bike, so I need those two chainrings (46/36t) to get over all the rolling terrain in Colorado. I also use the Clement Strada LGG 32 for most of riding because I can use it on just about any ride – pavement or dirt. The versatility of this bike is one of my favorite features!”

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296966-i7bd3jrz1k4w-1000-90-407a46a.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Meredith miller races on a new sram force 1 group but trains on a 2x setup for its wider total range: meredith miller races on a new sram force 1 group but trains on a 2x setup for its wider total range Miller and Krughoff both race exclusively on SRAM Force 1 single-ring drivetrains

Filling out the rest of the spec sheet is a Fizik Kurve Chameleon saddle, Shimano XTR Race pedals, a suite of low-friction bearings from CeramicSpeed, and SRAM handlebar tape – which Miller insists on wrapping herself despite full mechanical support from The Service Course, a local service-only boutique shop manned by two former pro team mechanics, Daimeon Shanks and Eric Greene.

“All I ask of Daimo is that I wrap my bar tape myself,” says Miller, “which he doesn’t like since he considers himself the best ‘wrapper’ alive.”

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903297009-9szg9q4x1cow-1000-90-b21e324.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> SRAM’s bulky hydraulic road levers once seemed very unsual in appearance but they’re certainly more commonplace these days: sram’s bulky hydraulic road levers once seemed very unsual in appearance but they’re certainly more commonplace these days It’s not often that a racer insists on wrapping the bars themselves, particularly when there’s a pro mechanic at their disposal

Total weight is a scant 7.46kg (16.45lb) – especially impressive when you consider that SRAM’s Force 1 group isn’t the lightest around.

One can’t help but wonder, however, how this team even came to be. After all, yoghurt and cycling doesn’t necessarily seem like a natural combination.

“In late May of 2014 Allen and I had a chance meeting on the way up to Ned[erland – a small mountain town in Colorado] to ride mountain bikes,” Miller explained. “At the time we were both looking to make some changes for the upcoming ‘cross season but didn’t have any answers yet. At that moment the idea was conceived to start our own team. It really couldn’t be that hard, right?! Of course, we needed a cash and product sponsor to make it all happen, so the search began.

“In no time, Noosa Yoghurt had signed on to be our title sponsor. Noosa was already a sponsor of the 1st City Cycling Team and various cycling events in Fort Collins so cycling was not new to them. I suppose they already knew just how insane-in-the-membrane cyclists are for Noosa and, hey, it may be just me and Allen but we know how to put the ‘H’ in yogHURT.”

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C337 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1448903296958-1g0b1x0uvc7uv-1000-90-384ed12.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Title sponsor noosa is a colorado-based company known for its tasty australian-style yoghurt (spelled with an ‘h’!): title sponsor noosa is a colorado-based company known for its tasty australian-style yoghurt (spelled with an ‘h’!) For more information, visit www.focus-bikes.com .

Complete bike specifications: Frame: Focus Mares CX P2T 10 Carbon Disc, size S/54cm Fork: Focus Mares CX P2T 10 Carbon T4 Disc Headset: CeramicSpeed 1 1/8-to-1 1/4in tapered Stem: Enve Composites, 90mm x -6° Handlebar: Enve Composites Compact Road, 44cm (c-c) Tape: SRAM Front brake: SRAM Force 1 hydraulic disc w/ 160mm Centerline rotor Rear brake: SRAM Force 1 hydraulic disc w/ 160mm Centerline rotor Brake levers: SRAM Force 1 DoubleTap Front derailleur: n/a Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 1 Shift levers: SRAM Force 1 DoubleTap Cassette: SRAM PG-1170, 11-32T Chain: SRAM Red 22 Crankset: SRAM Force 1, 172.5mm, w/ 38T SRAM X-Sync chainring Bottom bracket: CeramicSpeed PF30 Pedals: Shimano XTR PD-M9000 Rims: Enve Composites 29XC tubular, 28h Hubs: DT Swiss 240s Centerlock Spokes: DT Swiss Aerolite Front tire: Clement PDX tubular, 33mm Rear tire: Clement MXP tubular, 33mm Saddle: Fizik Kurve Chameleon Seatpost: Enve Composites Bottle cages: n/a Other accessories: Enve Composites Garmin computer mount Critical measurements: Rider’s height: 1.73m (5ft 8in) Rider’s weight: 68kg (150lb) Saddle height from BB, c-t: 742mm Saddle setback: 79mm Seat tube length (c-t): 540mm Seat tube length (c-c): 490mm Tip of saddle nose to midpoint of bars (next to stem): 534mm Saddle-to-bar drop: 84mm Head tube length: 130mm Top tube length (effective ): 544mm Weight: 7.46kg (16.45lb)