Sometime last winter, Joe and I started talking about a project to build up the ultimate Trek-based Crusher bike. That was before Trek released its Checkpoint gravel series and we did not feel like any bike in the Trek catalog was a good match for the Crusher. The Boone lacked a range of gearing. The Domane Gravel lacked tire clearance. None of the available models had the wheels that we wanted The best option seemed to be a semi-custom build starting with a Boone frame. We were fortunate to find a factory Boone frame from the previous model year and doubly fortunate to find it in a bright orange color. Joe started calling the bike the Super Boone.
It has taken us a while to round up the parts, due largely to a delay in availability of the wheelsets. This is the build: SRAM Force mechanical 46-36 T chainring with 11-36 cassette and hydraulic disc brakes, Bontrager wheels, Zipp carbon stem and ergo handlebar. We did not really try to build a road bike, but in its current set up with road tubeless tires, this is a great road bike—light, comfortable geometry, forgiving ride, and outstanding stability on descents. For the Crusher I am planning to run Donnelly MSO 40 mm tubeless gravel tires.
I jumped on the bike for the Tuesday Night Ride before we really had a chance to get it dialed in. After a couple of days of working on the details, I went on a longer ride to the Windmills this morning. Based on that ride, it seems like we got it mostly right. The best bike is only as good as its motor and sadly, I am not getting younger or faster. But in the right hands I think this has the potential to be a very fast bike.
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