Cyclocross - First time crosser equipment questions

I'm putting together a cross bike, and have a few questions:

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8 or 9 spd? Any preferences?
Sti or barcons?
drops - same width as road bike, or wider. Deeper, shallower or the same
brakes. Canti's or V's
stem length/ height. Same as road?
ratios. I was thinking 39/48 12-26. Sensible or silly. I already have the 39 so it will save a bit of money.
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Thanks for any help - I appreciate any advice I can get


Cheers,

Leon

Originally posted by fortunemunkey
[list=1]
8 or 9 spd? Any preferences?
Sti or barcons?
drops - same width as road bike, or wider. Deeper, shallower or the same
brakes. Canti's or V's
stem length/ height. Same as road?
ratios. I was thinking 39/48 12-26. Sensible or silly. I already have the 39 so it will save a bit of money.
[/list=1]
1. 9-speed
2. Ergopower
3. Drops, slightly wider than road bike [42 c-c, rather than 42 o-o]
4. Cantis
5. Same length but slightly higher.
6. 39/48 13-26 . If I need a lower gear than 39x26, then I'm probably better off running.

At least that's how I have it set up. YMMV.

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking of getting 38/48 and 12/25 cassette, as that is what I can get hold of fairly easily.

I'll go 9spd if you have no problems with it, then at least all my bikes are compatible with each other.

9-speed (so all your stuff is compatible)
wider bars, shallow drop
sti or barends are personal preference
the frame tt should be shorter than your road bike. I have the same length stem and works fine.
I run 38/46x12-27. I honestly can't see an application for a 48 in any cross race I've been in but maybe for mulit-purpose (like road and commuting).

39/48x12-26 sounds like work... I would at least consider a 12-27 cluster.

I agree with RacerX, the 38/46x12/27 is the way to go...though if you find yourself in the 38x27 you're going backwards, but it is nice to have. Good luck.

go with what you have and upgrade as necessary. I run a 42 single and 27 rear. This past weekend in the snow and deep sticky mud was the first time i wanted my 39 back. As for brakes, get cantis because of mud clearance. With v's you have to run cable adapters for pull length. Use a wider handlebar. Top tube length should match your road bike. Seat tube lenghts to top tube ratios vary between manufacturers.

I've gone with 38/48 with 12-25, mainly because I got a 12-25 cassette 1/2 price!

I'll report on how I get on in a couple of weeks when I get the bike together. Should have a blitz of weekly CX races in Jan and Feb. Looking forward o it even though I haven't been race fit for about 3 years.

Should be ok though - surely nobody is fit in january ;-)

Besides, its only around 45 minutes. So the pain will stop eventually.

Originally posted by velocipedio

1. 9-speed
2. Ergopower
3. Drops, slightly wider than road bike [42 c-c, rather than 42 o-o]
4. Cantis
5. Same length but slightly higher.
6. 39/48 13-26 . If I need a lower gear than 39x26, then I'm probably better off running.

At least that's how I have it set up. YMMV.

Totally agree with Velo. I'm running 8 speed since I did a hand me down from another bike, but 9 will work just fine too. Use what you have, first before you spend the coin to upgrade.

Rear cassette for me is a 12-27, with 38-48 in front.