MCD frame in Classic Blue

MCD frame in Classic Blue

MCD frame in California Gold

MCD frame in California Gold

The MCD is a discontinued frame. This page sits as a reference for folks who may have one and need info on it. The Mod Zero is the replacement for the MCD.

Finally, the disc brake version of the Monster Cross frame that I feel good about.  For years, yes years, I’ve told folks that I was working on a disc brake frame.  “Working on” might be a little generous.  I knew I wanted to add a disc brake version.  However, I didn’t want to simply add disc mounts to the current rim brake frame.  I’m sure it would have been fine.  But I didn’t want it to be fine.  I wanted it to be great.  Something that I would like and ride.  Since, I’m a fan of rim brakes for my riding style and where/how I ride, I wanted to make the MCD frame something that I would buy too.

The MCD frame incorporates the same geometry foundation as its rim brake brother – bb drop, head/seat angles, fork offset…  Where the geometry and shape of the MCD differs is in the shape of the frame.  We’re talking a frame with more slope to the top tube by virtue of taller head tubes and shorter seat tubes.  After fitting hundreds of riders to the Monster Cross frames, I came to the conclusion that riders like their bars higher than what might be available off-the-shelf.  Instead of fitting a rider to a frame and running a couple inches of headset spacers under the stem, the MCD sports taller head tubes so that bars can easily be run with minimal spacers.

Riders fit to the MCD frames will fit on them with more seat post exposure which means with more exposed seat post, there is a greater chance of seat post flex and that, theoretically, provides a bit of relief to small bump/road vibration.  The jury may be out on that.

The tubing of the MCD is the same as its rim brake brother, so ride quality should be the same, supple, smooth, yet precise, ride.  Since there are no brakes on the seat stay, the seat stays are now the same as found on the Road frame and the new Road + frame.  The fork on the disc brake frames is a segmented style.  Because of the load on the left fork leg from disc brakes, the left fork leg wall thickness is bumped up a notch to add some stiffness and strength – much the same that is done by increasing diameter of seat stays when attaching brake pivots.

One of the features I knew I wanted on the new disc frames was thru-axles.  Front is 12mm x 100mm and the rear is 142mm x 12mm.  Thru-axles on disc brake frames just make sense.  The wheel is keyed into the same exact position every time.  The wheel is completely captured.  The chance of the wheel shifting in the dropout, and the subsequent rotor rub, is eliminated.  This was a no-brainer for me.  One of the reasons why these frames took a bit longer time to get to market is that I wasn’t keen on existing, open mold, rear thru-axle dropouts.  So, Sean Walling of Soulcraft Cycles and I came up with a design that we both liked.  Well, mostly Sean.

I’m really happy how these frames came out and I’m sure you will be too.  

Classic Blue

California Gold

With the multitude of standards on bikes these days, the “need to know” info on any Black Mountain Cycles frame is simple, proven, and reliable.

* Suggested thru axles that are compatible
Front – all versions
DT Swiss RWS #HWQASM00S2023S or #HWQASM00S1460S
Paul Components – unfortunately, there is not a front Paul skewer that is compatible.  The 127mm model is too long and the 119mm is too short (Paul – make a 123mm axle!)
Robert Axle Project #LIG505

Rear
MCD V1 frames – 12mm x 168mm x 1.0tpi
DT Swiss RWS #HWQASM00S2961S or #HWQASM00S9909S
Paul Components 12mm x 166mm x Fine 1.0
Robert Axle Project #LIG603

MCD V1.2, V1.3 frames – 12mm x 168mm x 1.5tpi
There is not a DT Swiss axle that is ideal for the V1.2 or V1.3 frames.  Overall length needs to be between 163mm and 169mm and the DT models are either 163mm or 171mm – little bit too short or a little bit too long.  
Paul Components 12mm x 166mm Coarse 1.5 
Robert Axle Project #LIG612 165mm x 12mm x 1.5t (to be superseded by #LIG629 12mm x 168mm x 1.5t)