[Tom boyd]

I just purchased a Gunnar Crosshairs for the base of my cross build up. I am looking for suggestions on the best components for the build. I am planning on moderate use and participating in a local series in the fall. I have not previous race experience, just recreational road rides.

By best, I mean bang for the buck. For example, I know Dura Ace is better than 105. But considering my experience am I going to even notice the difference?

Just looking to, and not afraid to, put the money where it needs to be and not where it does not really matter.

Thanks.

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[oldskoolboarder]

Get Ultegra if you can get a good price, 105's are fine. Don't go Dura Ace, they'll just get beat up and Ultegra is probably slightly more durable. On my drive train for my Indy Fab, I actually have a Tiagra FD, Ultegra RD, and 105 cranks. Works great.

Spend the money on a good wheelset/tires. OP's w/ Ultegras or similar are fine. I also started racing (lowly C's) w/ Tufo clinchers. I love 'em.

[cs1]

I've always like Campy parts. The only real problem is the lack of chainrings for the 135mm BCD cranks. Try Veloce der's with a FSA crank and some Campy barcons with Avid Shorty canti's.


Tim

[ZenNMotion]

I've never built up a cross bike with new parts, all (3? yikes, how'd that happen??) of my cross bikes are a mix of whatever I had in my basement, or upgraded off a roadbike, or found in some bin or some weird online discounter. But that take patience, time, and some knowledge of what works and fits together. Anyway, I'd go cheaper than Ultegra if you're thinking Shimano- 105 is a better deal and you know what? On a cross course you won't know the difference. Really. Stuff tends to break rather than wear out on cross bikes anyway. Keep the wheels light and basic. 105 hubs and reasonably light rims, built cross 3, 32 spokes are the way to go for local (ie non-elite UCI) races. Tubulars are way cool, but probably not worth it your first couple of years unless you really get the bug and decide you're going to go gung-ho. Your average line-up at a local cross race is a real motley assortment of gear from $2,000 Dura ace or campy euro-trash, to 30 pound MTBs, to single-speeds, hybrids and 80's frankenbikes. It's about the engine and all that...