Cyclocross Racing - Need bike suggestion

I've got a Bianchi Axis, 2007, triple crank, 105 components. It is a good bike but I'm thinking about upgrading my cross bike. I'm not digging the triple and I've had a hard time finding a better crank that will fit.

So I'm thinking I'd like to get a new cross bike for riding and basic racing. I would appreciate some suggestions. I'm willing to spend up to 3K but would prefer to stick closer to 2K.

Why are you having a hard time finding a new crank? that should be fairly straight forward.

Why are you having a hard time finding a new crank? that should be fairly straight forward.I agree.

So instead of getting a new bike, upgrade the crank, wheels, and tires. Wheels and tires is where you actually reap genuine benefit from upgrading.

The back chain stays, I think that is the right term, are wide. I tried 3 different cranks from performance and all hit or were really close to the chain stays. They were basic road compact cranks.

Any suggestions on a crank that would be good? That would be cheaper. Wheel suggestions are welcome to.

Thanks for the help.

A chainring being merely close to the chainstays isn't a problem AFAIK. And if interference is truly a problem, I'm pretty sure you just need a BB with a longer spindle. Check with your LBS or with the wrenching gurus, I'm almost certain it's easily solvable.

No need to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

What's your wheel budget? Tons of choices and a lot depends on your priorities. Mavic Open Pro laced 32x3 to Dura-Ace hubs with double-butted spokes and alloy nipples would give you a light, sturdy wheelset. There are hubs out there that are even lighter, like American Classic or DT Swiss. Then of course are all the pre-made road wheelsets, perhaps not as sturdy, but you'd get lighter weight and/or better aerodynamics. Have read a lot of good things about Williams wheels.

A chainring being merely close to the chainstays isn't a problem AFAIK.
true.


And if interference is truly a problem, I'm pretty sure you just need a BB with a longer spindle.
also true.

do us a favor and expand on basic riding and racing. in order of priority, would you like to go on a multi-day tour? ride with group road rides? commute on it through the winter? take it on mountain bike trails? how much of a priority is racing, and specifically weight?

there are a lot of nice bikes in that price range, but each one is best suited for certain types of riding.

also, what besides the triple don't you like about the axis?

I mainly use the bike for cross rides around town and with a group, The Ugly Mug... It will also be my wet weather commuter as it takes fenders really easy. I like the bike, I just don't like the cranks and I don't need the triple anymore. I'll check with another LBS re cranks, performance tried and failed.

I'm going to do some racing this fall but I'm new at racing. I have the ALX 320 wheel set that came stock on it. I do have a set of ok road wheels / tires for it already. I'll look at the Mavic Open Pro laced 32x3 to Dura-Ace hubs wheels. I do have a friend that will build wheels for me for beer or less.

Should I just change the crank and ride the cr@p out of it?

Should I just change the crank and ride the cr@p out of it?

well, that's what i'd probably do. just because the axis is considered a great race bike and you might find your priorities change as you get a few races under your belt. if you just want a new bike, that's ok too, i can relate.

i'd also talk to your friend about wheels. if you shop around for deals on nice stuff you can probably build up a set that's affordable and stupid light. you'll notice a difference.

Should I just change the crank and ride the cr@p out of it?Yes.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I've posted in the general forum looking for help to find a crank that will work. The LBS didn't have a suggestion. One of the techs had the same bike but shorter crank arms, so that was his suggestion. I'm looking at wheels but I may just play with what I have for a bit.

I appreciate the input. I think ya saved me from spending at least $1500.00...on a Trek XO-2

What's your wheel budget? Tons of choices and a lot depends on your priorities. Mavic Open Pro laced 32x3 to Dura-Ace hubs with double-butted spokes and alloy nipples would give you a light, sturdy wheelset. There are hubs out there that are even lighter, like American Classic or DT Swiss. Then of course are all the pre-made road wheelsets, perhaps not as sturdy, but you'd get lighter weight and/or better aerodynamics. Have read a lot of good things about Williams wheels.

My LBS is recomending some Ksyrium SL or Elites as cross wheels? Does that fly? Looks like Performance has a nice mavic open pro / ultegra for relatively cheap.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18425&subcategory_ID=5320

a lotta guys race on both those wheelsets and they seem to work well. i got those performance op/ultegra wheels last year and they've been great. i'd have your wheelbuilder friend give em a look over though, as they're machine built and mine needed a little attention after a month or so of use. now they're rock solid.