Cyclocross - Bianchi Axis - Build or Sell?

Hi, all -

I've been a road rider my whole life, but last year picked up an '02 Bianchi Axis frameset for a couple hundred dollars. Money's tight now, and I'm trying to decide if I can affordably build this bike, or if I should just sell the frame and recoup my investment (hopefully).

Main problem is that I have no idea what options are for cross components. Anyone want to help me out with identifying good value components for this thing? Bargains good, used fine. I just don't know what to look fer.

Thanks for any help.
Scott

Basically you use road components. with different tires and brakes.

Fortunately for the racer/rider on the budget, the cross scene is very tolerant of frankenbuilds.

Some cost-saving options:

-Singlespeed. You can ad gears later, but this is a cheap way to get into it. You can get a normal entry-level road wheelset from Nashbar/Performance/etcetera and then a nashbar singlespeed kit for about 20 bucks. This would be my route of choice.
-Bar-end shifters.
-1 x 9 build, possible with a single barcon to shift the rear cluster. There are lots of fancy chain guard options, but an old front derailleur will work.
-Old cantilver brakes that were high quality in their day (XT/XTR) go for a song on ebay a lot fo the time.

If it is a 55cm I would buy it.

PM me.

Tim Beghtol

Thanks for the input, M_S. After a bunch of waqffling, I'm finding I really want to build this thing. Think I'll be selling off one of my cameras (anyone want a 5x12 view camera?!) and start trolling eBay looking for deals...

Thanks for the input, M_S. After a bunch of waqffling, I'm finding I really want to build this thing. Think I'll be selling off one of my cameras (anyone want a 5x12 view camera?!) and start trolling eBay looking for deals...

Maybe, what is the model? I have a 4x5 Gundlach Korona and a 8x10 Agfa.

It's a project cam - an old VCW plate camera, with a retrofit 5x12 back of quartersawn sycamore. Not the most name kiche to it, but it works.

Pics of it here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/sets/72157601607692323/).

I have an old Seneca Competitor 5x7 I'm using almost exclusively now. The jump to 8x10 is going to have to wait (basically a choice between CX components and the 8X10... ;) )

Any idea how you'll build it up?

For what it's worth I'm thinking my next bike, a mountain bike, will be the geared frame and wheels with singlespeed kit route, possible upgraded to gears later when funds allow.

You know, I don't know yet. I'll probably go piece-wise as things come up cheap enough. Gonna take a while, regardless.

Too many projects. :rolleyes:

Lookit that: it's actually an '05 Axis frame and fork (http://www.bianchiusa.com/05_axis.html)! Woot!