We spent a few months with the first iteration of the Sage Skyline road bike last season. As teased in that review, the production has officially moved back to the states. In fact, the PDXCX is rolling out to dealers now. Sage Cycles are still designed and QC’d in Portland, and are now handmade by the fine craftsman at Lynskey.
Both the Skyline road bike, and Sage’s PDXCX frames have undergone some changes for the 2015 model. Having just had a hands on with both, we can say they are for the better. Pedal through for the updates.
The move to US production has been a good one for Sage. In talking with them, we were told that the rejection rate after QC is non-existent now. The same could not be said about the Chinese made frames from last year. The new frames are made from a better quality seamless, 3/2.5 aerospace grade titanium. The rear stays on both bikes are a bit chunkier too, for more stiffness and better durability. Sure, it adds a few grams, but the ride quality and longevity are worth every single gram. Both bikes still use beautifull, USA made, head tube badges. The graphics package gets an update with better design. And to keep up with ‘Merica trend, the new stickers are printed stateside.
The Skyline roadie is planned for a January 2015 delivery to dealers. The new bike still comes in different builds depending on your wants and budget. However those builds have been tweaked a bit. Costs start at $4600 for a sensible Shimano 105 build, and rockets up to $11,000 for the tricked out Dura-Ace Di2 / Enve build. Check the site for exact build specs.
The new frame upgrades include a more aggressive geometry that improves turn in and acceleration. Acceleration is improved a bit more by a wider BB platform and beefier, shorter chain stays. The front end gets a full 44mm head tube now too, replacing last years tapered affair.
The 2015 Skyline frames are better equipped to cleanly deal with both mechanical cables and Di2 wiring. Di2 wiring runs neatly inside the frame and pops out the rear drive side chain stay through a port. For those running a mechanical drive train, the cables are routed externally. Traditional cable stops are not present, however. Sage has teamed up with the carbon fiber cowboys at Ruckus Composites to design and manufacture a carbon clip system that bolts to the frame. It’s an elegant and simple concept that allows the customer to run any drivetrain they choose.
The bike pictured here is a prototype, built up as the Skyline M1 (mostly). The saddle, bar tape, and Stages Power meter are not stock options. Frame sizing runs in 2cm increments from 50cm to 62cm.
Sage’s cross rig, the PDXCX, has undergone some changes too. Minor geometry changes were made for better race day performance. The bike should handle better in technical terrain now. Cable routing has gone to using cable stops on the top tube which has improved shifting performance over the previous model. However, full cable housing is run down the seat stays to keep out debris and water. The frame is hydraulic ready. Brake mounts have been changed to IS from post mount to allow for a 140mm rotor. Frame sizing has moved to 2cm increments. They start at 50cm and go up to 62cm . The 50cm frames are being ordered in the next production batch however, so a 52cm is the smallest available currently.
The new PDXCX gets subtle rear fender mounts, and most builds are specced with a Whiskey NO. 7 fork that has fender mounts too. Hallelujah!
For the wheels on the new PDXCX builds, Sage has teamed up with TFK wheels in Portland. They have worked out a hand built wheel that is made up of a Velocity Aileron rim laced to a Shimano a CX75 hub using DT Comp spoke and DT brass nipples. They should prove durable and rebuildable, if not a bit on the heavy side.
Pricing for the 105 PDXCX build starts off at $4350, and heads north to $7100 for the top tier Ultegra Di2 build. Full build specs are listed on the Sage website.
All in all, the changes to the 2015 Sage lineup are for the better. The move to US based production is one we wholeheartedly support. The new graphics package looks the business. And the tweaks should make the bikes ride even better. Hit up the dealer link or email Sage directly if interested.
