Cyclocross - Gearing for Cross/Mountain/Road

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View Full Version : Gearing for Cross/Mountain/Road


dmotoguy
09-02-09, 09:25 PM
I want to use my cross bike as my all around bike this fall/winter/spring... Race cross, Ride in the mountains, and throw slicks on it for the road..

I complicated it further by only having two crank options, campy 135bcd and campy compact w/ the messed up 110bcd. But will be willing to buy chainrings for either.

What combo would give me the best compromise for all three deciplines ?


c_m_shooter
09-02-09, 11:43 PM
A triple.

OnTheRivet
09-03-09, 12:37 AM
46-34 with a 12-25 cassette.


funurdiesel
09-03-09, 10:39 AM
The most versatile setup will be a triple up front with a mountain bike rear derailleur.
If you can only use the compact crankset go with 48-34 and swap cassettes as needed.

Barrettscv
09-03-09, 10:45 AM
A triple like this one: Campagnolo Centaur Square Triple 30/42/53 175 Crankset $89 including shipping

If you really want a double, just remove the outer chainring and use the 42t & 30t only. the 30t will get you up most hills with a road cassette.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180401042252&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

dmotoguy
09-03-09, 01:16 PM
One thing to keep in mind, I've been riding my singlespeed cross bike with 38/18 and only have to walk up really steep sections, and hate riding it on the road with that gearing..

I'll try swapping to a 48 on the compact first and see how that feels.

barturtle
09-03-09, 07:20 PM
I've been looking at getting a cross and using it as an all-arounder as well. After playing with Sheldon Browns Gearing calculator for a while, I think the best option, for myself, is a 46/34 with a 12-26.