Cyclocross - Give Me a Clue Please

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slowonhills
12-22-03, 06:47 PM
I want to build up a cross bike for commuting and possibly eventually racing.

Here's what I want to do:
Get a Redline Conquest Pro frame
Build it up with an Ultegra triple road group that I have
Buy some Avid shorty 6 brakes
Buy some cyclocross tires for my old set of Shimano R535 wheels
Ride said creation until it breaks

My questions:
Is it ridiculous to build a cyclocross bike with a road triple group?
Is there any real advantage to spending the extra cash to get a double crank, the required deraileurs, and bottom bracket?

Thanks for your input!!

Mtn Mike
12-22-03, 06:57 PM
I don't race cyclocross, but have a Surly Crosscheck that I use as a commuter, touring bike, and road rider. I love the triples up front, I think they really add versitility to an already versitile bike. If I were doing road riding only, then doubles would be a consideration, but then again, why would I have bought a cross bike? I don't know how triples would work with the Conquest, but I would guess its just a matter of the right size BB.
Grampy™
12-22-03, 07:55 PM
I have a triple up front on my CX bike. It's my only bike so the triple comes in handy every once in a while.

jfmckenna
12-23-03, 11:17 AM
I have a triple on my cross bike which is a converted touring bike. The touring bike makes a great cross bike imo. It has fat tire spacing and cantilever brakes but so far in the races I've found the triple is worthless. In fact I am thinking of taking it off. It is a 50-42-32 and all I ever use is the 42 unless I accidently slip it down. I've got a 12-32 cassette so that gives me a good range w/ the 42. So I am thinking of leaving the front derailure on and locking it in place just to keep the chain on the 42 and taking everything else off. Then in the summer if I want to load the bike and tour I will just put it back on.
MichaelW
12-23-03, 11:32 AM
For commuting use, you really need the option for rack and fenders. Check that frame has these.
Triple rings are a sensible choice, as is a low-ratio double.
Use a tough touring tyre rather than a knobly cx one will be more efficient and reliable.
slowonhills
12-24-03, 12:35 PM
Thanks for all of the input. The guys at excelsports have assured me that the triple will work. Now I just gotta buy and build.

Happy Holidays to All!!!