A look at Predator’s Gates carbon belt drive, disc brake-equipped cyclocross bike. © Jesse Pisel
Predator Cycling has been building custom carbon fiber cyclocross bikes and components for over 10 years in Southern California, an ever-growing hotbed for US cyclocross. Their show bike at NAHBS this year? A disc brake-equipped singlespeed carbon frame with integrated seat mast, stem and handlebar combo and with FSA SL-K carbon wheels, weighing in at exactly 15 lbs.
The carbon belt drive allows for smooth pedaling without the worry of breaking a chain. © Jesse Pisel
This particular singlespeed belt drive ’cross bike was built for the SSCXWC two years ago. Currently, it’s set up with disc brakes, and as the builder explains, they were able to take away the brake bridge at the top to make for better mud clearance. To reinforce the triangle, Predator used Kevlar.
Additionally, the rear dropouts are reinforced with Kevlar to take impact better.
FSA SL-K carbon wheels keep the bike a lean 15 lbs. © Jesse Pisel
The bike has cable routing on top to avoid mud issues, and they elected to use the ENVE Disc brake fork in front, and paired it with FSA SL-K carbon wheels with DT Swiss 240s hubs to keep it as light as possible. However, the most interesting feature of the bike is the almost full integration: the ISP seat mast and the company’s “The Major” handlebar/stem combo. This $600 one piece bar/stem system keeps the weight down.
Handbuilt carbon fiber cyclocross build from Predator Cycling captured some attention. © Jesse Pisel
A Predator custom frame will start at $3995, with additional costs for add-ons like the seat mast ($150), belt drive compatibility and disc mounts ($200). As built, the frame, seat mast and bar/stem combo ($600) will set you back $4945. That puts this carbon singlespeed into the dream bike price range, but dreams can come true relatively quickly, as wait times are just 6-8 weeks.
Keep up with our continuous stream of all the custom cyclocross bikes by connecting with our NAHBS 2013 page as we bring you reports, photos and videos from the Denver show.
