Cyclocross - need a little help w/ my build

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : need a little help w/ my build

whiplashsmile
09-29-08, 07:30 PM
I picked up an '09 Kona Jake the snake frameset off eBay.

http://i23.ebayimg.com/03/i/001/0d/d2/080c_1.JPG

I have an extra Ultegra SL group just gathering dust so I might as well use that.

I have a set of Bontrager SSR take offs that I can use for a while.

I don't have brakes. What should I use? I don't want to spend a ton but want something decent too.

Also I need a seatpost. What diameter does Kona take? Also, I'm thinking about Conti GP 4 Season 700X28C tires. I really just want a good winter bike but also something I can take on hard pack trails and if the urge strikes I may try a race this fall.

Should I sell my Ultegra compact crank and brakes and pick up a different crank? My spare cassette is 105 12-25. I want to use as many spare parts as I have laying around but want something practical as well.

Thoughts?

knucklesandwich
09-29-08, 07:54 PM
Use everything you've got- the gearing is fine for a winter road/trail bike.
I think the seatpost is 31.8 but verify that on the Kona site- there is an owner's forum.
Get Tektro CR720's, can be found for about $22/wheel- great brakes for the price.
whiplashsmile
10-01-08, 09:09 AM
Any thoughts on which headset I should buy for this bike? I just realized that I don't have one.

Lithuania
10-01-08, 09:14 AM
get some white kore kross brakes for that bad boy
Psydotek
10-01-08, 09:42 AM
Any thoughts on which headset I should buy for this bike? I just realized that I don't have one.
One of those Cane Creek S3 headsets are more than adequate. :)
threeflys
10-01-08, 01:45 PM
I really like my Tektro C720s, just don't forget to buy the triangle cable hanger for your brakes as they don't come with them. I got my stuff from aebike.com for cheap...
whiplashsmile
10-01-08, 09:05 PM
Thanks all, I'll post a pic once I get it finished. I hope to have all the parts in hand by the end of the week then get it put together by the end of next week. I got a lot of stuff from Bikeman and the prices were the lowest I've been able to fine on the net. Everything else I was able to pick up on eBay for even better prices.

I'll probably put Conti GP 4 Season 700x28c on it for winter road riding but I'm looking for a good/decent set of CX tires for when I decide to hit the Sunday morning CX training ride or a race later in the year. Thoughts? A guy at my LBS recomended Ritchey SpeedMax Cross Pros. How do they perform?