Graham Weigh Cyclocross Build - approx £600

oms

Hiya,

I thought I'd share my Graham Weigh road/cyclocross/commuter build with you - I found little information on the internet about this frameset. Hopefully this post will be of use to those thinking about buying the Graham Weigh cyclocross frameset.

I am very pleased with the way it rides on the road and off - racy but comfortable. Very versatile.

Off road, I use 700x32c. There's room for wider tyres if required.

On the road, I use 700x23c tyres (for the occasional ride with my local buddies) and the bike remains extremely comfortable (almost as comfy as my steel road bike)... and surprisingly fast.

I have found that national cycle routes are unfortunately not always suitable for a pure road bike... Furthermore, I like riding along canal towpaths for training. I also do a little off-road touring on bridleways.

I have had a 2007 Specialized Tricross Comp in the past. It was extremely versatile - I did my End-to-End trip on it, as well as the South Downs Way (loaded up with my tent etc!). After selling it, I realised that I had made a mistake. I therefore decided to replace it (using the money I had got for it, plus about £100). Having ridden both, I would say that they were comparable, however I prefer the slightly longer top tube of the Graham Weigh frame.

I'm not a weight weenie, however the opportunity to weigh most components was there... so I did!

I've attached a list of components, their approximate weight and how much I paid for them. Components that cost £0 are things that I had in the garage anyway. I went for a MTB drivetrain, in order to have the option of off-road touring.

For the money - I don't believe anything would come close in terms of price, spec and weight.

Regards,

Oms.

trickydisco

Nice build

What size is your frame and how does it ride?

I'm still trying to decide between this and the forme hiver frameset. What's weird is the forme frame seems to be heavier and more expensive than the graham weigh.

Benjamin Hall

Looks great! I am very impressed by mine too!

oms

UPDATE:

Apologies - I'd forgotten about this thread. As it happens, I've done a fair few miles (about 1500) on it. Read on:

As a road bike, with 23c tyres:
I've cycled 140 road miles in one day on it... I've been out with some keen amateurs (local lads on their 2-3k carbon bikes), and smashed them up the hills on it... I've been out on social rides on it. NO WAY is it as fast as a proper road bike (you can feel the difference), however I wouldn't go out and spend 1k on a dedicated road bike for that difference.

As a CX/Tourer, with 32c tyres:
I've done devon C2C (loaded up) with it... loads of local canal rides on it... does what it says on the tin. It goes... and a hell of a lot better than a hybrid.

As a rigid MTB, with 29er tyres:
Not recommended. I put flat bars, and 29er tyres on it in order to complete the Exmoor Explorer (short loop) with it. I came in 3rd place (out of 300 riders), however it was dangerous! Firstly, normal brake levers don't operate cantilever brakes properly, which was a problem. Secondly, the lack of suspension + radial spokes + too much air in the tyres meant that I was bouncing all over the place (and crashed a few times). That said, it was reasonably light. I'm glad that's over. Next year, I WILL be spending 1k on an MTB.

Modifications:
I have changed the bars for On One midge mars. You have to try them to understand their benefit (immense control on the rough stuff).

Regards.

oms

Hiya,

I've recently received a PM about the sizing of the frame. I can't reply for some reason (computer says no), so here's my reply:

I'm riding the 48cm (or small) frame (at 5'4"). It's quite long in the top tube, so make sure you get the right stem depending on how you like to ride.

4000+ miles so far.
2x new chains, 1x new wheel bearings (F&R), 1x new BB cups (but now due again!), 1x new headset (but now due again!), 2x new free hub body (but now due again), LH Shimano M520 pedal bearing went so replaced with standard Egg Beaters due to ease of rebuilding (1x rebuild so far).

Currently at 9.3kg with USC Carbon Seatpost, Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 28c race tyres & Egg beaters.

Last year, we cycled the RAID ALPINE (from Lake Geneva to Nice). 18000m+ of climb over 8 days, laden with camping kit. Perfect little tourer.

Regards.

staffo

Thanks oms, much appreciated.
Cheers
Staff

nigglenoo

Hi re the 48cm frame of which there are a couple left being sold off through eBay and which may my size- do you happen to know the geometry especially seat and head angles and horizontal top tube length? I am interested to know how it steers and what the toe overlap situation is as well as whether it can be made to fit.