Trek Cronus CX Pro Cyclo cross bike review

As part of Trek's Gary Fisher collection the CX Pro is the ?cheaper build option in the Cronus stable, which is its top cross range. With two bikes in both the entry level and the mid-range, Trek's cyclo-cross family is one of the largest in the market.

With Shimano 105 groupset, Avid Shorty 6 cantilever brakes and Bontrager finishing kit all being reliable but not top of the range, it shows that the majority of the £2,000 price tag has gone into the well-developed carbon frame.

Featuring internal ?cable routing, brake and cable adjusters at the front end, a front brake hanger that prevents brake judder, it's the taking care of these finer details that sets the Cronus apart from its counterparts.

The Cronus has the biggest bottom bracket on the market - Trek's own BB90 standard. Paired with the enormous tubing, this gives a super-stiff ride, allowing a clean transfer of power from the pedals to the ground, even in the toughest of conditions.

However, the downfall of this chunky tubing came when I went to shoulder the bike. Running with a cross bike on your shoulder is never a comfortable experience but the thickness of the down tube gave already fatigued arms something extra to scream about.

That said, the flattened top tube sat perfectly on tired shoulders and made for an easy pick-up as I hurdled ?the barriers.

The geometry of the Cronus allows for an upright ride, giving great control and stability, though it lacks the whippiness some cross riders may like, especially on those twisty courses.

The Trek's ability to take bottle cages and mudguards means it's great to turn into a year-round bike for on or off-road, longer rides, and isn't just for those diehard cross racers.

Altogether, the Cronus CX Pro offers an awesome frame kitted out with functional spec which gives an all-round solid ride for either racing or just bombing round your local trails.