My Trek Boone Gravel/CX Build

I rode a Raleigh Willard for a couple of seasons. The bike served me well, but I started to get into CX, and wanted a bike that was a little more “racy”. I found a “new” 2015 Trek Boone frame on Pinkbike. Yes, I would have like thru-axles, but the price was too good to pass up—right around the time I found some RS685 Di2 shifters and disc brakes at Universal Cycle that were heavily discounted—still are, I believe. I found new Ultegra 8000 crankarms on Pinkbike, and had them shipped from Newfoundland. I sprung for some new Easton AC70 bars and stem. I started piecing together the rest of what is needed for Di2–which can add up fast. Although the Easton bars are drilled for Di2, I opted not to go for the bar-end junction box and the separate wireless unit. It was much more budget-friendly to go with the XT mountain bike display—it works as a junction box AND wireless unit. And they’re cheap. I sourced Di2 wires from a few places, as we’d started to enter some Covid shortages. XT rear derailleur. Wolftooth front ring. XT pedals.

The mtb parts bin provided a SRAM Roam carbon rear wheel, and a front wheel with a Novatec hub, KOM i23 rim, Sapim race spokes, and alloy nipples. There’s good clearance up front for the Resolute 42 tire. The rear is currently an MSO 36–although I think I could fit a 38 in there, and eventually will. I got the MSOs from a buddy’s Norco Search in tubeless guise. Rear will have a Cushcore insert as I already cracked the rim once in a CX race. Saddle is a WTB volt titanium. 

It was more work than I’d imagined getting the Di2 wires neatly stowed, and I shrink-wrapped the rear hydraulic line and Di2 wire together. I bought a bearing press and was surprised at how easily a pf bottom bracket is to do. The disc brakes filled and bled nicely—can’t imagine the price to have gone GRX would have been worth it to me. My handlebar taping job sucked. I’ll re-do it at some point. 

I’m loving this bike. Isospeed actually works really well. This thing is quick and snappy. I only wish I could do some CX this year! I watched the budget really closely on this, and managed to get a really nice ride.   

That is sweet.  I love it!  Its great to see CX bikes get compliant like gravel.  I got a CX bike for gravel because I wanted the agility (and I race CX a couple times a year anyway - nothing like a new whip to motivate me!).   

CX bikes from 5+ years ago were crazy stiff and had little clearance.  Now, even though they are more "focused" they are more fun to ride.