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From a distance the Masi CXRC looks gray, black and red, but a closer inspection reveals more awesomeness(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Of the current crop of 'cross bikes we are testing, Masi is the only one with a bridged seatstay(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Surely Masi's art department struggled to find the final name for the screaming paint scheme(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Masi's cable management system allows for cable or Di2 and has space for up to three cables to the rear of the bike(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Kenda Kommando tires are a fast-rolling, 33mm diamond-tred tire (Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Just ahead of the tire is a fender mount and a front derailleur cable port(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
The rear is a bit tighter than the front, especially behind the bottom bracket(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
The CXRC should have no problems managing muddy 33mm tires(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Prologo saddles are often times very curved, leading to a limited seating area, but we'll give it a go(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
3T cockpits aren't exactly cost-savers, but they sure do ride nice (Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
1x or 2x is your option with a removable front derailleur braze-on(Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
142x12mm rear axle spacing, nice cable routing and a fender mount occupy the rear end of the CXRC (Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
Getting this bike dirty is almost a shame, but it's got to be done (Image credit: Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media)
California-based Masi Bicycles has been around the block, in terms of the ebb and flow of the cycling industry. Its 90-year path started with racing bikes, and the trajectory of the past few years brings it back to its roots.
The Masi CXRC carbon 'cross is in the running for our best cyclocross bikes feature and, if the "unicorn's blood" paint scheme is any indicator, it should be a wild ride.
2018 Masi CXRC highlights
Frame: Dirt Tuned MC9 Carbon (flatmount, 12x142)
Fork: Dirt Tuned MC9 Full Carbon (flatmount, 12x100)
Drivetrain: SRAM Force 1
Bottom bracket: BB30
Wheels: Stan’s GRAIL
Tires: Kenda Kommando XPro 33mm
Saddle: Prologo Nago EVO
Size options: 49, 52, 55, 57, 60
Weight(size 55): 8.67kg / 19.11lbs
Price: $3,639 / £TBD
Dirt-tuned and bold looking
Masi claims its CXRC is dirt-tuned, but because it looks so good it's hard to imagine getting this bike dirty. This bike was first spotted at Sea Otter, where the product manager referred to the paint scheme as "unicorn's blood."
Call it what you will, when the sun hits the paint, this bike is a looker.
142x12mm rear axle spacing, nice cable routing and a fender mount occupy the rear end of the CXRC
The flatmount disc-equipped frame has a couple of tricks up its sleeve, including fender mounts and a removable front derailleur braze-on mount. While those aren't exclusive features, the execution is clean.
The CXRC Expert model cockpit comes with a 3T Ergoterra carbon bar and alloy stem with a Prologo saddle atop a two-bolt carbon post in back.
1x or 2x is your option with a removable front derailleur braze-on
Surely Masi's art department struggled to find the final name for the screaming paint scheme
Did I mention the paint scheme?
Since 40mm tires fit front and back, 33mm tires with mud won't be a problem. After all, it is a 'cross racing bike and 33mm is the UCI limit.
Masi worked some nice internal cable management in to the frame. The fork brake housing routing is laterally placed, but it doesn't hit the down tube or prevent the bar from turning.
3T cockpits aren't exactly cost-savers, but they sure do ride nice
Of all the bikes we are testing for our best cyclocross list, the Masi CXRC is the only one with a rear seatstay bridge, with a massive junction of the seat tube, top tube and seatstays.
Like many other models on test, the Masi CXRC is flatmount caliper with 100/142mm thru-axle spacing with a press-fit 30mm bottom bracket. In short, it checks all the boxes for a CX bike's must-haves.
The CXRC should have no problems managing muddy 33mm tires
Stay tuned for a complete review.
Pricing and availability
Of the current crop of 'cross bikes we are testing, Masi is the only one with a bridged seatstay
The 2018 Masi CXRC Expert, and other CX models, are currently available from Masi retailers worldwide.
The US price is $3,639 and the UK price is not yet specified.
