Cyclocross - winter project

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zp295
10-13-09, 02:33 PM
Gents would love your input,

I'm building a bike and would love to know what gruppo you think is best for cross. My price range is not that high it will be between Shimano 105/ultegra or sram rival or campy.I would love advice on bars and crank size and gearing to please The frame I have is a 06 specialized sworks tricross.This is my first cross bike I ride road and mountain but want to do cross to. Thanks in advance.

spinerguy
10-13-09, 09:55 PM
I'm in the same boat with a Tricross Sport frame. Pretty much I've everything except a drivetrain; Also because it will be ridden only a handful times a year I can't justify to spend a ton on it.

Few years ago I had a 05' Kona Jake the Snake which was full shimano 105 and it was ok. Originally wanted to do a full 105 but now I'm leaning towards Rival, which seems to be best bang for the buck (ultegra quality at 105 price).
I'm unsure about other cx specific drivetrains.

Yesterday I picked up an 09' Aksium wheelset at performance on sale ($200). Rear wheel was missing the skewer so sales dude went to back looking for a leftover and returned with a mavic top of line one and tossed it for free ($30 value) :love:. I know these wheels are a bit less than ideal but it should hold since I don't race and I'm pretty light.
Hope it helps.
Lycc825
10-14-09, 01:18 PM
Rival gives you the best performance with the price you are looking at. I have Rival/Force on both my compatible bikes (cross and road) and I love them.
Any stiff bar would work, go with one that has a 31.8mm (or something) clamp size (oversized) because it is stffer than the smaller. I would not go with anything narrower than 44cm wide bar for cross. Anything smaller than that does not provide enough leverage for hills and for control especially riding off-road.
Cranks are up to you. I have 172.5 mm. I am about 5'9" 175 lbs.