Colnago

World Cup 105 Complete Bike-2015

If the aggressive, race-ready feel of the World Cup SL Complete Bike's frameset is any indication, then Colnago definitely wants us to rethink the viability of aluminum in a 'cross bike. "Trust me," says the frame, "I can do everything that you see the pros do on carbon but at a fraction of the cost." We admit to some initial skepticism — not least of all because framesets can't actually talk — but the World Cup's ride quickly dispelled our misgivings. In fact, the frame's power transmission and low weight make us question why we ever got into carbon 'cross bikes to begin with.

Colnago managed to smooth the typically harsh ride of double-butted aluminum. While it's not as plush as some carbon frames, it does manage to dissipate road noise and trail chatter without hammering your arms or body or hampering your feel for the terrain. It still retains all of aluminum's power transmitting stiffness, though, so it doesn't leave a lot of wasted watts on the course when you're hammering out of corners, while the extended reach of the rear stays accommodates bigger tires and allows for clearance of mud and debris.

One of our favorite features of the World Cup SL is the curved bar running from the top tube to the seat tube. This was allegedly added at the behest of one Mr. Albert, the then-world champion, in order to effortlessly and comfortably shoulder the bike for hills and obstacles. The tight, compact geometry and low head tube and rake make for aggressive handling while the bike's underneath you — virtually the same geometry that Albert rode while wearing the rainbow stripes in 2013.

While the bike's kit isn't quite on par with what Albert rode, its durability is more than welcome for our more humble applications. The drivetrain showcases Shimano's new 105 11-speed with FSA's no-nonsense Omega Compact crankset. The World Cup also includes the reliability of SRAM's disc brakes, which many of us feel are the best option for 'cross racing today because they brake consistently — even when covered in muck.