Independent Fabrication Crown Jewel Planet X Cross Bike Frame / Fork – 56cm Medium, Apple Green

Description

Independent Fabrication Crown Jewel Planet Cross – Serial #402X356 – A Friend in Candy Apple Green

Soul of Steel Born in Somerville’s hallowed workshops (Serial #402X356), this Crown Jewel Cross represents everything that made Independent Fabrication legendary. The 402nd frame of its year, marked with the ‘X’ that designates IF’s dedicated cyclocross craftsmanship, this isn’t just another bike frame – it’s a piece of American cycling heritage waiting for its next adventure. That stunning candy apple green finish isn’t just paint; it’s the outward expression of the frame’s personality, as bold and distinctive as the riders who choose IF.

The Ride If you’ve never experienced a proper IF steel frame, you’re in for a revelation. The Crown Jewel Cross delivers that mythical “buttery smooth” steel ride while maintaining the precise handling, high ground clearance, and a beast of a ride demanded by cyclocross racing. The True Temper steel tubing, hand-selected and masterfully brazed, creates a frame that feels alive beneath you. It smooths the chatter of gravel, floats through grass, and still responds with authority when you need to power through a muddy uphill or sprint for the tape. This is the kind of frame that makes you smile every time you throw a leg over it – not just a bike, but a faithful friend for whatever course lies ahead.

Condition Frame presents beautifully in its original Candy Apple Green finish. Shows some chain wear on chainstay as expected from cyclocross use. Minor cosmetic marks consistent with age can be found under close inspection. All threads, dropouts, and braze-ons are clean and true.

Before You Buy – A Note from Paul Every frame I sell has been personally inspected and honestly described, but I want you to be 100% confident in your decision. Please take a moment to watch the detailed video included with this listing. Due to the personal nature of frame fit and the cost of shipping, I cannot accept returns. That’s why I encourage you to reach out to me directly with any questions, whether they’re about dimensions, condition, or build suggestions. I’m Paul – not a chatbot, not a sales team, just a fellow cyclist who wants to make sure this IF finds the right home. Let’s talk about this frame and make sure it’s perfect for you before you buy.

Sizing & Fit Built for riders approximately 5’9″ to 5’11”, this 56cm frame features classic cyclocross geometry:

• Top Tube: 56cm (center-to-center)
• Seat Tube: 60cm (top-to-center)
• Down Tube: 64cm (center-to-center)
• Chainstays: 43cm (center-to-center)
• 700c wheels with generous tire clearance for proper cyclocross rubber

Workshop Wisdom The front derailleur cable routing is particularly clever – it runs along the top tube before dropping to a pulley wheel, allowing use of a traditional bottom-pull derailleur while maintaining optimal cyclocross performance in muddy conditions.

Frame Details

• Material: Premium True Temper steel tubing
• Rear Spacing: 130mm
• Classic cyclocross-specific cable routing including pulley system for front derailleur
• Cantilever brake mounts
• Original Candy Apple Green finish with silver IF block lettering

Building Requirements

• Headset: External cup 34mm 1-1/8″ (29mm crown)
• Bottom Bracket: English threading
• Seatpost: 27.2mm
• Front Derailleur: 32mm bottom pull
• Brakes: Cantilever
• Stem: 1-1/8″

What’s Included

• Original matching fork
• Front brake cable hanger
• King Cage Stainless Water bottle cages and  mounts
• Front derailleur cable guides with pulley and barrel adjuster
• Seatpost clamp
• All original cable routing hardware

Is This Your Bike Thing?

Whether you’re dreaming of autumn mud, gravel adventures, or adding a significant piece to your collection, this frame won’t wait long. This is a chance to own a piece of cycling heritage that’s ready to build and call your own.