The Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships are serious business—or not-so-serious business, depending on which racer you ask. The tradition of the yearly unofficial one-geared championship has become a core part of cyclocross culture, especially in North America.
Along with the crazy race that happens each year, complete with things like hot dog or tequila handups, Raleigh has also started the custom of creating a limited-release frame and fork set to correspond with each event. In this case, the race will be held in Victoria, British Columbia in November, and the theme of Raleigh’s latest creation (available in the next few weeks) is a combination of Canadian pride and metal music.
Related: Ask Bicycling: What's the Difference Between Fixies and Singlespeed Bikes?
When compared with last year’s model, the frame has a few updates. The aluminum singlespeed frame with a carbon fork will have thru-axles on both front and rear. It can handle a Gates belt drive or a standard chain setup. The frame will come with a fork, as well as a headset and eccentric bottom bracket. There won’t be bottle bosses on the frame, and Raleigh’s Brian Fornes says that the updates only enhance the well-loved features of their already-popular singlespeed model. Sizes will run from 52 to 62 centimeters.
If you’re hoping to score a Raleigh singlespeed, Fornes says, this is your only chance to get one this year—Raleigh has already sold out of the singlespeed RXS’s that it had in stock. You can find out more on the 50-frame run of SSCXWC commemorative bikes at the event's site (sscxwc.com). Pricing is still TBD, but will likely be around $700, according to Fornes, and all proceeds will go towards the event.
Related: The Best Singlespeed Mountain Bikes for Getting Even Farther from the Road
If you’re still on the fence about going to Singlespeed Worlds, consider this: Fornes promises a large contingent of Raleighs and the presence of the well-known heckling and partying Hodala team. “Some people might not make it back into the US,” he cautions. “Our passports are ready."
