Cielo MTB 2016 MODEL
Cielo factory racer Josh Kelley.
After seeing his MTB posted on the SimWorks blog,
I made up my mind: if I’m buying an MTB, it has to be a Cielo!
Changes from last year's specifications:
・All models available in all color patterns
・Seatpost diameter increased from 27.2mm to 30.9mm
・Cable routing for internal dropper posts added above the BB
・142x12mm thru-axle dropouts now available
・Color-matched rigid ENVE forks available as a set order
The Racer Red frame with gold Chris King components fires me up to race before I even start riding.
I chose the XS size, which uses 27.5-inch wheels, so even a lightweight rider like me can toss it around.
The rims are Velocity BLUNT SS, which are lightweight at 396g for a 27.5-inch size.
The CHRISKING ISO DISC provides that superb "angry bee" sound.
For tires, I chose the WTB NANO with rolling resistance in mind.
I switch to tires with taller knobs and more volume for trail riding, but for hardpack events like Otaki, the characteristics of these tires really paid off.
Currently, I’m running tubes, but I’m considering going tubeless in the future.
By the way, these NANO tires also come in 700x40c, so I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to turn their cyclocross bike into an adventure bike.
I went with the Shimano 8000-series XT as my main groupset because I already use a 1x setup on my cyclocross bike and thought it would be a perfect fit. Recently, the 7000-series SLX also went 11-speed and introduced a 1x option.
Ever since my days as a bike messenger, I’ve held the philosophy that when you’re out in the mountains, you’re bound to run into various troubles, so it’s best to choose a component grade you can rely on completely.
I chose a 30T chainring up front to favor cadence.
Thanks to the 11-42T wide-ratio cassette, I’m able to climb the hills at Otaki.
For those who want to use the bike for a wide range of activities like racing, touring, and trail exploration, I would recommend a 2x setup, though it does add a little bit of weight to the bike.
After I finished riding, I looked at the bike and thought it looked so cool
that I brought it back to the shop exactly as it was after riding Otaki.
I really want Chris King himself to see it in this state, so I plan to leave it unwashed until the PBS on June 1st.
Now then, where shall we ride together next!
| Frame | Cielo By Chris King | MTB(size:XS) |
| Folk | ROCK SHOX | REBA |
| HeadSet | Chris King Inset7 | GOLD |
| BB | Chris King | ThredFit 24 BB |
| Crankset | Shimano | XT 170mm 30T |
| Brake | Shimano | XT F/R 160mm |
| Brake Lever | Shimano | XT |
| RD | Shimano | XT |
| CS | Shimano | XT 11-42T |
| Rims | Velocity | BLUNT SS 32H |
| HUBS | Chris King | ISO DISC |
| Spokes | DT Swiss | Champion Black |
| Tires | WTB | NANO 27.5×2.1 |
| Handle | Simworks | PROTOTYPE |
| Stem | Simworks by Nitto | RHONDA 100mm |
| Seatpost | THOMSON | ELITE 30.9mm |
| Saddle | WTB | High Tail PRO |