Cyclocross has always been a discipline that requires, and inspires, passion. It takes more than commitment to excel at and enjoy the dust and heat of early September, the rain, mud, snow and ice of the later season, as well as the desire to prep and maintain your bikes throughout. Donn Kellogg has demonstrated his deep support for cyclocross, in developing some of the best tires for the discipline, by supporting racing in person and by sponsoring teams and athletes. Given Kellogg's background in the cycling industry and his personal involvement in cross, perhaps the decision to develop and manufacture a race-level carbon cyclocross frameset was a natural direction, but even when partnered with it's gravel sibling, the requirements and practical act of building the Donnelly C//C Cyclocross Frameset, it required more than a choice, but real nerve, passion and inspiration.

The full carbon, lightweight C//C Cyclocross Frameset features a classic cross race geometry, but in part due to design and part due to disc brakes and thru-axles, it is capable of accepting a 700c wheel with a 40mm tire, meaning it offers a little more versatility than most race framesets. Donnelly has chosen to employ lightweight hi-modulus carbon fiber to maximal effect, delivering excellent lateral stiffness, defeating torsion and driving power back through the rear triangle to the hub. The concurrent strength and stability of the front end via the headtube junction and tapered steerer of the carbon fork ensures control, even over the choppiest off-camber terrain. Of course the stout fork blades and thru-axle contribute as well, for a consistent, reliable feel that breeds confidence in the worst conditions.

The base details of the C//C frameset include a sleek, easily used cable and hosuing guide system for internal routing. The C//C accepts both mechanical and electronic shifting systems. It can be set-up for 1x or 2x drivetrains and features a removable braze-on derailleur mount. The disc brake caliper mounts are the Flat Mount standard, while the fork carries a 12/100mm bolt-on thru-axle, with the rear a 12/142mm version. An FSA Orbit headset is provided for the 1½" to 1⅛" tapered steerer and headtube. The Shimano-type PressFit 86 bottom bracket shell has a 41mm ID and a precise 86.5mm width. Shimano and SRAM make composite press-in options for their cranksets, but we recommend the machined aluminum Wheels Manufacturing ThreadFit 86 models. Finally, to aid in overall vertical compliance, a 27.2mm diameter seatpost is required.

One can feel the influence of Donnelly's close collaboration with professional cross racers, and the experience of years developing tires in this frameset. While conditions inform the obvious tire choices, and type and stiffness of a wheelset determine how the tires perform, the cyclist is connected to the bike, and the tires connect the bike to the terrain. The best cross frames and forks have just the right amount of forgiveness to match their efficiency. The best framesets are durable, consistent, reliable and predictable. And just as a trail runner must choose the best shoe design, tread and rubber for the running style and conditions, the cyclocross must choose the tires that create the best combination of traction, speed, and control across a myriad of variables.

You come to take the frameset for granted when it is great, while you never take tires or air pressure for granted. It is that understanding that makes the Donnelly C//C the race machine it is, and why Donn Kellogg was compelled to get his team together to design and produce it.