If you are friends with me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, you might just know that I have fallen in love with this:
Sexy Beast of a Trek Bicycle – the Cronus CX Ultimate
Two nights ago, Genesis Bicycles had an open rep night – think of it as a small vendor show. Cannondale was there. Sram, Shimano, Continental, and Guru were there, among others. And Trek was there.
Now, I test rode the Trek 520 two weeks ago and she’s a beauty of a touring bike. First of all, my Cannondale CAD 1 is too big so to get into a bike that fits is sorta dreamy. Second, the 520 is built for speed + comfort, unlike my CAD, which is a mountain bike-leaning hybrid. I was shocked by the ease with which I cranked up to 20 mph on that thing.
I was sharing all of this with the Trek rep when he suggested I take the Cronus home for a week or so. It’s a cyclocross bike, built to be a fast mountain bike. I rode it home that night and noted that it, like my CAD, is a little big. But when I hit 30+ mph on a descent and still felt in complete control of the machine, I fell in love.
Josh did too and he took her out on a trail ride this morning.
The minute he got home I grabbed his allen wrenches so I could get my seat post back on it and get out for a ride. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, or for how long. Josh suggested that I hit the trail, too. After all, it’s what this bike is built to traverse.
I rode off on my own into some unknown territory. Previously, I’ve headed out with some nervousness, hoping I could find my way and not get lost. Today, I trusted my bicycle, and I trusted myself. I couldn’t wait.
I sometimes listen to music while I ride (I keep my left ear open so I can hear traffic). Today I was listening to Vivaldi concertos. They were an excellent background for being on the river.
I even came upon this unusual site for a trail ride:
There were some muddy patches, and each one spoke of those who had gone before me so far this season…
Seriously, this bike is an absolute dream on the trails. I get all googly-eyed thinking about it. I am deeply in smit with this bicycle. If anyone has a spare $8K, Josh and I celebrate our anniversary in April, and nothing says “I love you” better than a badass bi-wheel machine between your legs, well, pair of machines. 
I wrapped up my ride trekking the roads of downtown Bethlehem, riding home in a headwind. 13.6 miles on my clock today leaves me just under 2 miles shy of breaking 50 for the week. Too bad.. But there’s always next week!
If you want to know more about the D&L trail I rode today, go back and read this post I wrote in September, chronicling an entire day around the trail.
…As a side note, Mike from Sram showed me their latest drive train. The XX1 system has NO front derailleur, none!, plus the chain DOES NOT come off the rings. It actually locks onto the teeth. So, if you’re into technical features of bicycles, DEFINITELY go check it out.
Laura said:
I cannot like this enough. I love demo’ing bikes – I’ve only done it a few times and never for more than an afternoon (unless you count renting a bike for a week last summer) but it’s a great way to get a feel for the bike without dropping serious cash.
I totally agree on getting a Bike That Fits. Found out Lady Rainicorn is slightly too big for me and I felt my heart sink a little. Fortunately we were able to drop the seat as low as possible and she works very well. Although the shop told me I can put fenders but not a rack on her. Time to invest in an awesome commuting backpack.
Proactively taking decongestants tonight and heading out tomorrow morning, headcold be damned!
Meg said:
Man, that is sad news about your Lady friend. I have tweaked my CAD to make it comfortable. I was surprised how much more comfortable on the trail I am on this Trek than on the road. Fact of the matter is, I’m probably going to bring it back sooner than later to give my wrists a rest. So sad. She’s really lovely.
My husband and I both carry LLBean backpacks with reflective piping. Nothing fancy, does the job completely.
It’s healing already! Hydrate! Maybe the fresh air will help.
Laura said:
The fresh air did help tremendously! The monster hills? Not so much. 2900+’ gain in 34 miles. My ride partners commented a few times about how they can hear me breath from WAY behind up the hills. LOL
Meg said:
Oh yeah – I breathe loudly on purpose when I’m climbing hard – it helps me keep moving and push harder. My oldest son does the same thing! Sometimes my husband asks if I’m okay and I have to assure him I’m only making noise
Laura said:
Haha … me too!
Meg said:
Yes!
Douglas Hoffman said:
My tastes and yours in bicycles differ, but I will say this, find something good that fits; fits really well. And then ride it. Money spent on component groups and racing geometry wont serve you as well as a perfect fit. And frankly, for 4k, you could get a Serotta these days. A Trek? Not what I would choose. I want a bike for a lifetime.
Meg said:
Thanks for your comment, Doug. We use our bicycles very differently, and have different goals for our cycling.
I’m a total novice when it comes to technicalities; I was telling reps to talk to me like I’m dumb. And for the record, I would not buy THIS bicycle, I would get it down one size and spend a great amount of time on Genesis’ GURU fitting machine to make sure all was square. My CAD is a hand-me-down. My next bike will fit like a glove.
Curiously, why do you think a Trek is not a bike for a lifetime? I’m of the opinion that any quality bicycle will be a bike for a lifetime if properly maintained.
It’s great to hear from you!