Cyclocross - Good frame for adding S&S couplings?

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jackcoke
11-13-07, 04:30 AM
I want to build a cross bike for travelling. I was thinking of just buying the Ritchey Breakaway but would prefer using S&S couplings, mainly so I can have a quick release seatpost. I won't be racing, just riding. I'm looking for a good frame. Any suggestions? Links to where I can purchase?

Houston
11-13-07, 05:17 AM
S and S Machine has a complete list (http://www.sandsmachine.com/fbplist.htm) of framebuilders that are willing to install the S and S coupling system into their new bikes with Bilenky seeming to put them in aftermarket.
nowheels
11-13-07, 06:02 AM
Heck I was just at Bilenky's the other day (Live about 4 miles away)......... In any eveny it seems like all the bikes they do have the SS couplers. They are very good at it. There were a lot of vintage bikes getting the treatment also. I was thinking of getting it done to my DeRosa when I get it painted.

dobber
11-13-07, 06:33 PM
The Surly CrossCheck will be available with couplings

http://gallery.mtbr.com/showphoto.php/photo/128084/cat/1183
doraemonkey
11-15-07, 02:08 PM
The Surly CrossCheck will be available with couplings

http://gallery.mtbr.com/showphoto.php/photo/128084/cat/1183

Ohhh, drool! And heh "Travelers Check" that's pretty cheeky. Do you have anymore information on that? What will be the price of those things. That is so cool. I am so looking into getting a transportable commuter/cross/touring bike...

To ask more questions relative to this thread. What are the advantages or disadvantages to S&S couplers compared to the Ritchey Break Away and Dahon Tournado?

Has anyone put S&S couplers on the Lemond Poprad? Ugh... too many options... I must do my research!
bonechilling
11-15-07, 04:33 PM
Ohhh, drool! And heh "Travelers Check" that's pretty cheeky. Do you have anymore information on that? What will be the price of those things. That is so cool. I am so looking into getting a transportable commuter/cross/touring bike...

I copied this from the Surly blog:

- Travelers-Check
This a Cross-Check frameset with S & S machined couplers installed so you can disassemble the bike in half and carry it in a luggage case. The couplers are beautifully machined stainless steel and they've been on the market for years with an excellent track record. The Travelers-Check will be available as a frameset only in Deep Water Blue color, similar to the original Cross-Check if anybody recalls that far back. MSRP for the frameset is $1075 and they should be available around January/Febraury 2008. The cost does not include the luggage case, but there are a couple options available directly through S & S and also through our distributor. I spent $160 roundtrip getting my standard Karate Monkey on the plane to/from Vegas, so we estimate the upcharge of the coupled frame and cost of a case will pay itself off in 4-5 trips.

In addition to cost, if you took a stock Cross-Check and sent it to a framebuilder to have couplers installed, it would cost you more money than a standard Travelers-Check. Not to mention, we've made sure the thicker part of the top tube and down tubes extend beyond the couplers, so it would be stronger than a retrofit Cross-Check. Did I mention warranty? If you modified your Cross-Check with couplers or paint, it would void the warranty.