Cross racing bikes are all the rage - especially since they pioneered disc brakes. However, very few of these bikes actually get a taste of racing. They mainly roam with their owners along the forest
the forest and woodland trails of the German low mountain ranges. That's why Centurion designed the Crossfire frame for many purposes. The moderately sporty riding position combines the requirements of racers with the needs of sporty hobby riders. At the same time, the frame has two bottle cage positions and threads for mudguards on the frame and fork - which is by no means a matter of course for crossers suitable for competition.
Compared to the models in the cross bike test in TOUR 11/2014 the frameset of the Crossfire is quite light; the frame is actually very light at 1,138 grams, while the fork doesn't go to the limit. Unlike the frame, it is not an in-house development, but purchased from Centurion's parent company Merida. The hydraulic line for the front brake runs elegantly through the left fork sheath, while the rear line disappears into the frame. This allows for both mechanical and electric shifting systems. If, as on the test bike, a drivetrain with only one chainring is fitted, the derailleur mount can be unscrewed. The wheels are fixed with thru axles (front 15, rear 12 millimetres).
After the previous model was affected by a recall, the hydraulic SRAM brakes now work very well. In combination with two 160-millimetre brake discs, which apply a powerful grip when required, you can brake with pinpoint accuracy and control on any surface.
The Force CX1 drivetrain from SRAM, which combines a chainring with eleven sprockets, is currently a hot topic of discussion among crossers. This saves 250 to 300 grams compared to double drivetrains; the lower risk of chain dropping and jamming also speaks in favour of this variant. Initially, it is irritating that you can clearly hear the chain of the single sprocket drive running off. The chainring (available with 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46 teeth) binds the link chain to itself with a special profile with one thick and one thin tooth alternating. It is positioned in such a way that the chain runs straight on the centre sprocket, but at an angle towards the large and small sprockets. Experience from mountain biking, where drivetrains with one ring have been in use for two years, suggests that Force CX1 chainrings therefore wear out relatively quickly. The large jumps between the gears can take some getting used to - at least with the standard cassette with 11-32 teeth. If you have been travelling with two chainrings and are used to small gear jumps, you may have to readjust your pedalling for the single chainring gearbox. Nevertheless, the spartan solution undeniably has a certain charm.
Experienced crossers know: No component influences the riding impression more than the tyre. The incredibly supple Limus tubular tyres from the specialist Challenge grip worlds better on soft ground and in mud than the classic Grifo. At the same time, the sharp tread pattern brakes much less than expected on tarmac and hard surfaces. This means that the Limus, although declared as a specialist for mud, can also be recommended as an all-rounder.
The frame of the Crossfire is extremely stiff and stable, it whizzes round all corners with a true sense of direction. The fact that the bike is extremely agile to ride is also due to the comparatively short wheelbase, an unusually short stem and lightweight carbon rims.
The professionally built test bike costs 4,450 euros and offers everything a racer could wish for. There will also be a second, more everyday version with a mechanical Ultegra groupset from Shimano with two chainrings and clincher tyres for just under 3,000 euros. The frame set is already available for a comparatively fair €1,249.
Price complete wheel 4,449 Euro
Price frame set 1,249 Euro
Weight 7.3 kilos
Reference/Info www.centurion.de
Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 59 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/72,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 560/560/154 mm plus 16 mm headset cover
Wheelbase/caster 1,010/62 mm
Stack/Reach*** 575/389 mm/1.48
Equipment
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes (Disc-Ø f./h.) SRAM Force (160/160 mm)
Gearshift/bottom bracket SRAM Force CX1 (40 t. Press-Fit)
Wheels/tyres DT Swiss Disc RC 38 T Spline/Challenge Limus Team Edition (tubular tyre)
Handlebar/stem Procraft/Procraft
Saddle/post Prologo CPC/Procraft (27.2 mm)
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the features for 60 per cent. Individual grades are included in this evaluation, only some of which are printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Manufacturer's specifications; test size bold.
*** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright sitting position.
**** Weighed weights.
***** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
