Getting the Q45 closer to trail-ready

[rfneep]

After assembling my new Q45 to the standard design and specs (1st photo), I've pursued several changes to make it closer to where I'd like to be when Spring blooms (we expect more snow tomorrow...). Here is the original in-workshop evolution with a list of specific changes I've made, mainly using parts I've had on hand.

The photos show: 1) the original bike with factory parts as sent by CB; 2) the overall view of the bike with the mods listed below; 3) drivetrain closeup; 4) front lower seat attachment; and 5) rear upper seat back attachment.

Specific modifications made:

1 - replaced stock wheels and tires with SRAM ROAM 50 650b wheel set and Rene Herse tires (48 x 584 front; 42 x 584 rear). The drive wheel has an XD freewheel.

2 - replaced OEM crankset with a FSA Vero crankset shortened to 152 mm by Mark Stonich at BikeSmithDesign.com. With Rotor QX2 38t chainring

3 - replaced bottom bracket with Omni Racer square taper BB at 107 mm

4 - replaced OEM 11-42t cassette with SRAM XG-1180 10-42t cassette (XD)

5 - replaced OEM spring shock with KindShock A5-RR1 air shock

6 - replaced the standard CB metal seat with a Volae Carbon Comfort seat. Initial setup shown uses a CB seat bracket on the bottom, and ICE Trikes carbon seat rear mount brackets.

7 - cut 1-1/2 in length off the handlebars

8 - installed Speedplay Frog pedals

While it was not my primary intention, these changes have put the bike on a modest diet. The original version of the bike from Cruzbike weighed in at 34.1 lb, pretty much on their spec. The version shown (with the Frog pedals) weighed in at 29.7 lbs, or a touch below 30 lbs. The change in weight is especially noticeable in the front end.

This is still a work in progress and I'll report on more changes I've been making as I get some miles on it and start tuning it to my preferences in the real world. These original mods have made a good base for tuning on the road.

So far, so good...

Ray

 

[Robert Holler]

Wow this looks fantastic. As for the seat mod that might be the cleanest I have seen and it looks plush!

 

[3bs]

great stuff ray.

 

[cpml123]

After assembling my new Q45 to the standard design and specs (1st photo), I've pursued several changes to make it closer to where I'd like to be when Spring blooms (we expect more snow tomorrow...). Here is the original in-workshop evolution with a list of specific changes I've made, mainly using parts I've had on hand.

The photos show: 1) the original bike with factory parts as sent by CB; 2) the overall view of the bike with the mods listed below; 3) drivetrain closeup; 4) front lower seat attachment; and 5) rear upper seat back attachment.

Specific modifications made:

1 - replaced stock wheels and tires with SRAM ROAM 50 650b wheel set and Rene Herse tires (48 x 584 front; 42 x 584 rear). The drive wheel has an XD freewheel.

2 - replaced OEM crankset with a FSA Vero crankset shortened to 152 mm by Mark Stonich at BikeSmithDesign.com. With Rotor QX2 38t chainring

3 - replaced bottom bracket with Omni Racer square taper BB at 107 mm

4 - replaced OEM 11-42t cassette with SRAM XG-1180 10-42t cassette (XD)

5 - replaced OEM spring shock with KindShock A5-RR1 air shock

6 - replaced the standard CB metal seat with a Volae Carbon Comfort seat. Initial setup shown uses a CB seat bracket on the bottom, and ICE Trikes carbon seat rear mount brackets.

7 - cut 1-1/2 in length off the handlebars

8 - installed Speedplay Frog pedals

While it was not my primary intention, these changes have put the bike on a modest diet. The original version of the bike from Cruzbike weighed in at 34.1 lb, pretty much on their spec. The version shown (with the Frog pedals) weighed in at 29.7 lbs, or a touch below 30 lbs. The change in weight is especially noticeable in the front end.

This is still a work in progress and I'll report on more changes I've been making as I get some miles on it and start tuning it to my preferences in the real world. These original mods have made a good base for tuning on the road.

So far, so good...

Ray

View attachment 11048 View attachment 11049 View attachment 11050 View attachment 11051 View attachment 11052

I am jealous!

 

[rfneep]

I got s little time to test the bike outside, and made a few changes:

- Cleaned up the cabling to open up the cockpit view. The front brake cable can use some shortening but that'll wait 'til later.
- Added some usual accessories for some limestone trail riding: lights, computer, clip-on fender, seat bag.
- Replaced the earlier Volae carbon seat with a Thorseat Easy seat. This seat works a little better at seat angles in the 40 degree range. However, its support ridges are much closer than those of the Volae. As such, it is a bit messy to fit to the new Q45 seat post assembly. So I pulled out an old Q559 seat post and rear attachment assembly. These are narrower and accommodate the narrower Thorseat. Some details are shown in the photos.
- Replaced the large-size lower seat clamp with a small-size one. This lowers the seat by about 1/2 inch.
- Installed a 1/4 inch standoff under the bottle cage mount to reduce interference between the seat quick-release and a water bottle. There is still some interference there.

I think it's ready to go!

Ray

 

[cranky cyclist]

Nicely done Ray! I hope it is comfy for you and none of the S40 problems.

 

[ChaleJake]

Very nice looking bike. Have fun!

 

[Robert Holler]

This looks really EPIC!

Awesome.

 

[1%Grade]

@rfneep your bike looks beautiful. Can you tell me about your experience with the Rene Herse tires? I want my new Q45 to be rail trail ready and this tire change looks like the first upgrade. I was thinking of going to the 2” tires if they will fit.

 

[Mathew Fy]

I've had good experience with Rene Herse (formerly Compass) 650b tires. Only once had a pinch flat from hitting a stone on the road. This was before they were tubeless compatible. I would definitely use them again, but for this summer I'll be trying out GravelKing slicks on my S40.
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/panaracer-gravel-king

 

[1%Grade]

Mathew thank you for the info. The Panaracer looks like another good alternative. My trikes were so slow that I bought tires for flat resistance, but the Q45 is responsive enough that it wants fast tires. That plus I need to get all the good of the little horsepower I make.

 

[rfneep]

@rfneep your bike looks beautiful. Can you tell me about your experience with the Rene Herse tires? I want my new Q45 to be rail trail ready and this tire change looks like the first upgrade. I was thinking of going to the 2” tires if they will fit.

I used GravelKings some time ago, but moved to the Compass/Rene Herse tires and never looked back. I've used the Compass tires on a CB Quest Q559, a Lightning P-38, and a CB S40. They are smooth and fast, as advertised. I see little difference in performance on my P-38 between a wheelset with a Rene Herse 650b 48x584 in rear and a Schwalbe Shredda 20 in 50x406 in front versus a wheelset with 28 mm Schwalbe Pro Ones on front and rear.

The smoothest and fastest bikes I've had to travel somewhat mediocre limestone/dirt/gravel trails have used these tires. The nicest I had to date was a Cruzbike Quest Q559 with 26 in wheels shod with 53 x 559 Compass tires. It felt like the bike was almost gliding over the trail. I am hoping to recapture that feel with the Q45. I figure I'll start with what I have here, but will likely change the rear tire to also be 48 mm wide if things look good. If I want wider, I guess Id' have to convert to 26 in wheels.

I believe the widest Rene Herse tires you can get in 650b are the 650b x 48 Switchback Hill tires. Just barely below 50 mm.

Ray

 

[paco1961]

Panracer Gravel Grinder is a great tire I run 35s on my S40 gravel rig. Mine are pre-tubeless but I’m fairly sure the are available tubeless now. Run them about 50 lbs f&r with no problems on gravel roads

 

[benphyr]

I wish I could ️ this thread for next time I am purchasing tires. Is there a way?

 

[super slim]

I wish I could ️ this thread for next time I am purchasing tires. Is there a way?

I just save the forum link to my Chrome bookmarks with subdirectories, as I have had the same problem!

 

[1%Grade]

Ray thank you for the info. I believe I’ll spend some of my COVID stimulus money on the 650B x 48 Switchback Hill tires. Seems like they are all around better than the Maxxis I have now.

This is an example of the value of this forum. I’d never in my life heard of Rene Herse before I read about them here.

 

[Mathew Fy]

Rene Herse tires?

Rene Herse Cycles's latest Journal entry: How We Test Tires by Jan Heine

Good reading, but I think there's a typo: "riding on a rough surface required 490 Watt more than riding on a smooth road"

They tested at 17.1 mph. At higher speeds you'll have the wider tires suffering from worse aerodynamics. After week 3 of last year's Cruzbike Time Trial I received my new rear wheel and changed it from 650b x 42mm (Rene Herse) to 700 x 30mm (Schwalbe Pro One) and clearly went faster.

 

[3bs]

Ones, pro ones, and g one speeds are just fast. Period.

 

[Kre8ing]

I got s little time to test the bike outside, and made a few changes:

- Cleaned up the cabling to open up the cockpit view. The front brake cable can use some shortening but that'll wait 'til later.
- Added some usual accessories for some limestone trail riding: lights, computer, clip-on fender, seat bag.
- Replaced the earlier Volae carbon seat with a Thorseat Easy seat. This seat works a little better at seat angles in the 40 degree range. However, its support ridges are much closer than those of the Volae. As such, it is a bit messy to fit to the new Q45 seat post assembly. So I pulled out an old Q559 seat post and rear attachment assembly. These are narrower and accommodate the narrower Thorseat. Some details are shown in the photos.
- Replaced the large-size lower seat clamp with a small-size one. This lowers the seat by about 1/2 inch.
- Installed a 1/4 inch standoff under the bottle cage mount to reduce interference between the seat quick-release and a water bottle. There is still some interference there.

I think it's ready to go!

Ray

View attachment 11069 View attachment 11070 View attachment 11071 View attachment 11072

Hi Ray, I've been exploring alternate seat options for my '21 Q45 both for comfort (would like a little more angle to hold me on the seat base) and because I'd really like to sort out a headrest for the bike, but the standard CB seat doesn't have much option with those. Can you share some more input about the seat you ultimately chose and the headrest that I see in the pictures? I don't have any special hardware (and it sounds like you may have had some old components) so I could use some insight (a/k/a tips and tricks) that would help me if I decide to duplicate what you have done with your bike. By the way, love the way your bike looks...would be delighted to get even close to that with mine. Thanks for your help. Keith

 

[Mathew Fy]

Can you share some more input about the seat

While you're waiting for Ray's response, look here:
https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/thor-seat-mounting-bracket-for-q45.13010/
I can attest to the ThorSeat @woodguy has as being comfortable. He's ridden his A LOT.

As to the headrest, the Thor Neck Rest Comfort seems to be excellent. I have an Adem II on my V20 that I love, but they're out of business. The Cruzbike Suspension Adjustable Headrest works well with the Thor Seat Easy I have on my S40.