American titanium frame makers Lynskey have introduced the 2010 ProCross titanium cyclo-cross frame, mating its Helix twisted tube technology with race-tuned 3AL/2.5V titanium tubing.
The top tube on the US$2,295 frame is oversized, ovalised and flattened for easier shouldering. Top tube cable routing keeps mud out of the drivetrain, while modified S-bend seat and chainstays provide clearance for 700x35 tyres. Rear spacing is available in 135 or 130mm. Weight for a Medium frame is approximately three pounds.
"We’ve had the ProCross now for two seasons, with a design parameter that has always been racing specific," said Mark Lynskey. "We’ve had such success with our Helix tubeshaping technology we felt it would only enhance the ProCross design.
"What the Helix downtube does specifically is further stiffen the bottom bracket area making the frame more efficient in energy transfer. It also firms up the front end as well allowing for a bit lighter choice of front fork or wheelset (you don’t have to rely so much on fork and wheel for a solid front end). The Helix shaping allows this increase in performance without any increase in weight or harshness of ride, perfect for cyclo-cross."
Lynskey ProCross frame features include:
- Competition-tuned 3AL/2.5V titanium
- Oversized Helix downtube to stiffen up the bottom bracket
- Ovalised and flattened top tube for easier shouldering
- Top of toptube cable routing to keep mud out of cables
- Enhanced bottom bracket height for additional clearance
- S-bend chainstays and seatstays allow ample tyre, chainring, crankarm and heel clearance
- New plate-style chainstay on drive side provides maximum chainring clearance
- 130mm or 135mm rear spacing allows a broad selection of rear hub and gearing options
- Optional Alpha Q CX-20 cyclocross race fork
- 34.9mm clamp-on front dérailleur
- 31.6mm seatpost
- 68mm BSA (English thread) bottom bracket
- 1-1/8-inch headtube
- Standard finish: industrial mill with choice of Lynskey decals.
Sizes include (center-to-center): XS (47.5cm), S (50.5cm), M (52.6cm), ML (54.1cm), L (55.1cm) and XL (57.1cm).
"Given our increasing popularity in Europe, we wanted to increase the mud clearance in the chainstay/tyre/chainring area," Lynskey added. "By using the plate on the driveside chainstay we significantly increase all these clearances. Not that anyone would want to, but you could easily run a 38mm tire and still have very nice clearance. It also virtually eliminates any chainsuck possibility."
Frame pricing for the standard industrial mill finish is US$2,295. Natural brushed is US$2,595. An Alpha Q CX-20 carbon fork adds another US$450, and a Lynskey Houseblend custom geometry is US$3,695.
According to Lynskey, orders placed now will be ready for 'cross season in early September.
For more information, visit www.lynskeyperformance.com.