Written by Tom Rampulla
Tom Rampulla has been racing throughout the Mosquito 2010/11 London/South East Cross League aboard one of the nicest bikes in the world of cross.
We talked to Tom at the final round at Herne Hill.
What is your club?
Liphook Racing Team, new sponsor in 201/2012-Powerade Racing Team
Do you ride it when not racing?
Yes, mainly for race training. The many heaths and trails around Cobham, Surrey
What was in your mind when you built up the bike?
I wanted a bike that fit well, was a great performer and of course, looked nice. I had previously had a road bike custom made by Seven Cycles so I knew they could deliver. I had the gang at Beans Bike shop, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) work with Seven to make the bike.
Any reason for choosing Titanium?
Yes, titanium is a great material for a cross bike. It is basically bullet proof and light yet it can be very stiff is and extremely comfortable. Oh yeah, and it looks good too.
It has been great fun riding in the London cross league. Well organised, good vibe, and a great bunch of riders. I moved here three years ago from America and the riders have been very accepting of me even though I have a strange accent.
Bike
The bike centres on a custom made Seven Cycles Mudhoney with an Easton EC90X Carbon fork and is kitted out with a Shimano Di2 group, which Tom tells us has worked perfectly all season.
The Bike features a ‘who’s-who’ of top end equipment making this surely the coolest cross bike in the world?
Spec
| Frame | Seven Cycles Mudhoney SL-custom made |
|---|---|
| Fork | Easton EC90X Carbon |
| Bars | FSA K-Force compact carbon |
| Headset | Chris King |
| Stem | FSA OS 99 carbon |
| Seatpost | Thomson |
| Saddle | Fizik Airione |
| Cranks | Shimano Dura Ace |
| Drivetrain | Di2 electronic groupset 50/34 |
| Gears | Shimano Dura Ace-12-28 |
| Wheels | Zipp 303 Pave Cross carbon with Chris King front hub |
| Tyres | Dugast |
| Brakes | Dura Ace |
| Pedals | Shimano XTR |
| Other | Cycleops Powertap SL rear hub powermeter |
