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Jack of all trades, master of none. Like all things Vassago, (except maybe our beer glasses) the Fisticuff is not for everybody.
Think of it as a ‘cross bike with a bit of a ‘roid problem. In this case, that's a very good thing. We beefed up the frame and fork in all the same places where a 29er trail bike experiences torsional forces. The result is a 'cross style bike that responds like a mountain bike in the rough stuff.
More than simply adding tire clearance to a 'cross frame, the Fisticuff fits the monstercross nomenclature by way of it's trail-bike tubeset, drop bar geometry, straight blade fork and all around badassness. Yes, it is a word.
So build it up to fit your needs. 650b or 700c wheels. singlespeed, fixed, geared, skinny tires, fat tires, disc, V-brakes, cantis, drop bars, flat bars... Whatever toots your whistle.
Whether you're looking for a drop-bar trail bike, a burly commuter, or a touring rig, the Fisticuff is your huckleberry.
Available as a frameset in Snickers Brown.
- Reynolds 520 Chromoly 29er tubeset
- Laser cut horizontal dropouts with derailleur hanger
- ISO disc mounts
- Removable V-brake posts
- Hydro-style cable guides
- 45c / 2.0x650b tire clearance
- Bolt-on rack mounts (FistyRack available late 2009)
- Portion of proceeds donated to IMBA to fight trail closures
- When you buy a Fisticuff frameset, we'll plant another tree More>>
| Geometry | |||||
| Size | Seat tube | HeadTube Height |
TopTube | H/T Angle | S/T Angle |
| 50 | 50cm | 85mm | 519mm | 72° | 74.0° |
| 54 | 54cm | 85mm | 546.2mm | 72° | 73.5° |
| 57 | 57cm | 92mm | 566.2mm | 72.5° | 73.3° |
| 60 | 60cm | 119mm | 581.4mm | 72.5° | 72.5° |
| Fisticuff Technobabble | |
| Frame Material | Reynolds 520 Chromoly |
| Headset | Standard 1 1/8" |
| Bottom Bracket | 68mm shell |
| Disc Brakes | Standard ISO brake tab and removable posts. |
| Seatpost Diameter | 27.2mm |
| Seatpost Clamp | 30mm |
| Dropouts | Horizontal with integrated hanger |
| Rear Spacing | 132.5 mm (road and mountain hub compatable) |
| Front Derailleur | 28.6mm clamp. Low Mount/Top Swing |
| Rigid Fork | Vassago FistyFork (included) |
| Squishy Fork | Uhh, no |
| Tire Clearance | 650bx2.0 / 700x45c both with fenders and mud |
| Frame Weight: | 50cm - 4.3 lbs |
Fisty FAQ'S
Does the Fisticuff feature WetCat geometry ?
No, it is a different kind of bike and our dedicated 29er race/trail bike formula does not apply. However, the geometry is influenced by our other steel 29ers. Comfort, stability and climbing are all there for you, just like our other frames.
Can I remove the rear wheel without loosening the rear brake caliper?
Yes you can. The spacers included with your calipers offer enough adjustment for all wheel positions to ensure proper brake pad adjustment and rotor clearance. Once the caliper is set up properly, you won't have to fiddle with it.
Is it a 700c or a 650b bike?
Just like the rear spacing intended to work with road or mountain hubs, the frame is designed to work with 700c and 650b wheels. The frame and fork provide height clearance for the largest cross tires on a 29er wheelset and the width to accommodate 2.0 tires on 650b wheels.
How do 650b wheels change the Fisticuff?
2.0 NeoMoto 650b tires have approximately the same overall diameter as 45c cross tires on 700c wheels, but with much more volume. This provides more traction, and tire pressure options for more technical/aggressive riding style. NeoMotos on 650b wheels are the perfect complement to the beefer tube set and intended use of the Fisticuff, while maintaining the 11" BB height and familiar geometry for either wheel choice.
Can I use 29er tires on my Fisticuff?
If you must, you can stuff 1.9 29er tires but mud clearance will suffer. If you are looking for the wider traction patch or more cushion, we recommend the 650b setup to maintain the intended ride height and mud clearance.
What size tires can I run with fenders ?
Both 700x45c and 650bx2.0 tires have tons of mud clearance with fenders.
Can I build my Fisticuff up using standard mountain bike components?
Yes sir. Any standard 29er build kit will bolt right up. BB is the same 68mm as the Jabberwocky, headtube is standard 1 1/8. Derailleur is the same bottom pull. Although the tires would have to be replaced.
Why doesn't the Fisticuff have seat stay rack braze-ons?
Since we already applied the torch to the stays for the V-brake mounts, which are designed to handle extremely heavy loads, we chose to mount our rack there too and avoid additional drilling/welding on the tubing. The Fisticuff's rack (called the FistyRack -available later this year) bolts to the brake bosses and can carry a 60lb load over aggressive singletrack, and yes, you can still use your V-brakes.
What's with the thick, straight blade fork?
Actual 'cross bikes look cool with classic curved forks and they work great for that purpose. The Fisticuff is not that bike. The heart of it's aggressive, off road handling and stability at speed is the long-butting in the down tube and mountain-style fork. Additionally, a strait blade is required for proper braking feedback under the loads of a 160mm disc brake rotor.
Is the Fisticuff good for touring ?
Between the strong frame, classic 'cross position, clearance for any 700c tire made, and a 60lb rack capability, it's perfect for your next 3rd world cycle expedition.
I am a hard-core cyclocross elitist type. Is the Fisticuff for me?
No.
I am a homeless guy with pigeons in my beard and crazy eyes, is the Fisticuff for me?
Yes.
| '09 Fisticuff Frame and Fork | $579.00 |
| In stock now | |
To order a Fisticuff frame set or complete bike, please contact any Authorized Vassago Dealer.
Get the Fisticuff complete, and ready to go with the BikeCX buildkit at Bikecx.com