Cyclocross - Low end gearing?

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Patriot
06-02-07, 10:34 AM
Let's say, for argument sake, I wanted to build a lightweight CX machine for riding more technical trails, like that seen for more XC type riding with hardtail MTB's, yet prefer the weight and feel of a road bike. As a result, I have contemplated building a CX bike with flat bars.

This is all just an idea, as I've heard of it being done, though not very common. It would be a fun project though.

What I am wondering, is if I can build up a higher end CX ride, like a Salsa La Cruce frame, with disc wheels, and a Flat Bar setup.

Now, with a Flat bar, I would also want to go with a double CT road crank, not a triple MTB crank. I would also want some promising lower end gearing similar to an MTB. ie, approaching the granny gear level for climbing steeper inclines.

So I have a few questions.

1. What gearing on the crank would be good, and how low can I go with a double 110BCD CT crank?

2. With a double CT crank, which FB shifters should one use? Can the regular Shimano Triple dual control shifters work on a Double CT?

3. Would I thus need a road or MTB front der?

4. Same with the rear. Can the regular 9s or 10s MTB FB Dual control shifters work with a rear road der? Or, do I need a mountain der?

I'm just wondering how well the Shimano components work while crossing over the differant Road/MTB groups.

damocles1
06-02-07, 12:28 PM
Let's say, for argument sake, I wanted to build a lightweight CX machine for riding more technical trails, like that seen for more XC type riding with hardtail MTB's, yet prefer the weight and feel of a road bike. As a result, I have contemplated building a CX bike with flat bars.

This is all just an idea, as I've heard of it being done, though not very common. It would be a fun project though.

What I am wondering, is if I can build up a higher end CX ride, like a Salsa La Cruce frame, with disc wheels, and a Flat Bar setup.

Now, with a Flat bar, I would also want to go with a double CT road crank, not a triple MTB crank. I would also want some promising lower end gearing similar to an MTB. ie, approaching the granny gear level for climbing steeper inclines.

So I have a few questions.

1. What gearing on the crank would be good, and how low can I go with a double 110BCD CT crank?
You can go as low as 34 with a 110

2. With a double CT crank, which FB shifters should one use? Can the regular Shimano Triple dual control shifters work on a Double CT? Best bet would be to run Paul Thumbies with bar end shifters

3. Would I thus need a road or MTB front der?
Road will work.

4. Same with the rear. Can the regular 9s or 10s MTB FB Dual control shifters work with a rear road der? Or, do I need a mountain der?Shimano is Shimano, 9 or 10 speed. I'm running 10 speed Ultegra STI with a 9 speed XT midcage. It shifts just as good as my full 10 speed Ultegra setup on my crit bike

I'm just wondering how well the Shimano components work while crossing over the differant Road/MTB groups.

I'm running a 38/27 for riding in the woods and it's fine for everything but really technical stuff. I'm thinking a getting a compact crankset so I can run a 34 or 36 in the woods.

If you choose to run 9 speed, you can run a MTB cassette instead of being limited to a 27 with Shimano 10 speed. My brother is running 9 speed Ultegra shifters, a XT r/d and a 12/32 on his cross bike...