SILEX vs MISSION CX - a comparison

Our current range holds two bikes, which to the untrained eye can look very similar – the SILEX and the all-new MISSION CX. Ultimately they are both ‘dropped handlebar’ off-road bikes, which run on 700c wheels, have disc brakes and come either with a full carbon frameset or an aluminium frame paired with a full carbon fork. But when we look a little deeper, these two bikes are fundamentally different and have their purpose and their strength in very different areas, granted, they do overlap in certain areas, but let's look at the differences first.

The SILEX is our take on the all-road bike. What we had in mind when we created the SILEX is to offer the rider a bike, which can tackle pretty much any surface: road, forest tracks, gravel…and maybe even flowy trail if you want. Comfort, stability, and versatility were a huge factor when we looked at the geometry of the bike as well as the sheer endless amount of attachment points. And last but not least, the bike should be able to offer ample space for tyres so that the rider can choose the right rubber for whatever surface they most likely going to ride on. The SILEX is available in 3 carbon (9000, 7000 and 6000) and in 5 aluminium (700, 600, 400, 300, 200) models.

GEO: 
The geometry of the SILEX is very MTB inspired, featuring a long top and head tube that gets paired with a short stem, resulting in confidence-inspiring handling and a relaxed, more upright, riding position. Perfect for situations when you don’t want the feeling of going over the handlebars and enjoyable cruising along the lanes.

ATTACHMENTS POINTS AND VERSATILITY:  
The SILEX has an impressive amount of attachment points, allowing the rider to add bags, bottles, mudguards, and carriers to the SILEX, turning it all the way from a comfort orientated road bike to the perfect bike packing companion. Even the wheels can be either 700c or 650B, allowing even more terrain and purpose focused tuning. 

On the other hand – we have the new MISSION CX – a thoroughbred cyclocross bike with the clear orientation towards the competitive side of the cyclocross world. In comparison to its predecessor, the CYCLO CROSS, the new MISSION CX features a more sportive geometry. This geometry, while not overly stretched, puts the rider in a more ‘aggressive’ position, which is ideal if you are looking to partake in some cyclocross race action. It also offers plenty of tyre clearance so that even in the muddiest of conditions the wheels keep on turning, and features improved toe clearance, which is hugely helpful in tight turns and on twisty tracks. The MISSION CX is available in 4 carbon (8000-E, 8000, 7000 and 5000) and in 2 aluminium (600 and 400) models.

GEO:
The MISSION CX has a sportive geometry, with a short head tube and a long top tube for a more stretched out and lower (aggressive) riding position. While comfort was not the main objective when creating the MISSION CX, the bike is still impressively compliant while super responsive when the rider turns on the power.

INCORPORATING THE LATEST STANDARDS:
Our new crosser incorporates all the latest standards like flat mount brake disc brake mounts and 12mm through axles (front and back). While being a more sport/race orientated bike, the MISSION CX still offers fixing points for mudguards, including a removable seat stay bridge on the carbon models. The bridge can be removed if no mudguard is fitted, improving the mud clearance even further.

But as we said at the beginning, as much as both bikes are different, they both offer something similar. Both bikes are fast and efficient when it comes to covering ground, in particular, if the ground can vary. That makes both bikes fantastic commuters and training bikes. The SILEX might be more on the relaxed side, while the MISSION CX puts the rider in a more low down and stretched position, but they both a hugely capable in that field.

So now it is up to you to decide which of these two ‘dropper handlebar’ off-roaders might be the right for you. Rest assured you will have a great ride on both of them.

For all the details on the various SILEX models, including spec, geometry, and features please click here.

For all the details on the various MISSION CX models, including spec, geometry, and features please click here.