Fast becoming a fave of the cross crowd - and just plain fast - the Gin & Trombones has its roots in the hardcore cross scene in Belgium. But it's also earned its place on race podiums here in the U.S. of A. For those of you who think racing really starts in September, this has all the mud clearance you need, even for the sloppy axle-deep New England courses, plus a lower center of gravity for better stability. And thanks to the carbon seat stays and oversized chainstays, you get a smooth ride with the snappy acceleration you would expect to find only in a road bike.