Cyclocross - Performance Bike Access XCL 9r frame

Are these any good?

Access Frame (http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&productId=1062473&summaryOnly=true)

I have decided to build a bike from a frame to learn more about them and how to work on them and to get a bike with the components I want. I am not petite, 6'-1" and 280 #, so I need a strong frame (and wheels, and cranks, and so on, but I digress). I've already got a set of 36 spoke hubs front/rear, Shimano cassette, derailleurs (front and rear) and crankset, so I have a good start.

If you think this frame is crap, what frame would you suggest? I'd like to keep it under $200 if possible because the other reason for building one is that I don't have much spare cash, so have been buying the parts I wanted on the bike as I could afford them. Anyway, thanks in advance for any and all responses. (oh, I am cross posting this in the Clydes forum as well).

:thumb:

While it may be a way to get started it will be completely worthless for resale at a future date. The most important design criteria was likely the quantity that could be stuffed in a shipping container for sale to well-intentioned consumers like yourself. If you take pride in what you produce for your daily efforts, let it show in your purchasing decisions.

Thank you for that response, but does that mean you think it's crap or that you know nothing about it except the pictures and based upon your knowledge of design and the like, think it is no good? If so, and since, in your words I am a "well-intentioned consumer", what would be your recommendation?

I had an Access frame, and I'd say it was inexpensive, not cheap. It built up fine and rode very well. However, it is a mountain bike, not a CX bike, so it'll have a taller bottom bracket and longer top tube than a typical 'cross bike. It's disc only, so make sure your wheels can take discs.

Here's a not very good pic of mine set up with drop bars:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cSQ2ufLIkac/SjOCN23aCTI/AAAAAAAABXo/BFofeeyxrhY/s800/Access%20midge.jpg

I actually have some seller's remorse about selling mine; I may pick up another when they go on sale again.

These frames have a lot of fans over on the 29er board of mtbr.com.

While it may be a way to get started it will be completely worthless for resale at a future date. The most important design criteria was likely the quantity that could be stuffed in a shipping container for sale to well-intentioned consumers like yourself. If you take pride in what you produce for your daily efforts, let it show in your purchasing decisions.

Do you need a ladder to get on that high horse of yours?

Here's the simple answer. It's plenty good. Build it and ride it. There will be some advantages to a 'cross specific frame, but your legs are a hell of a lot more important than your bike.

I forgot to add, I got $75 when I sold mine to a club buddy. It doesn't sound like much, but since I only paid a little over a $100 to start with, it's not a big loss.

I've worked at Performance for a few years and over the years. The quality and value of our store branded bikes, Access and Scattante, have definitely increased. I even own their Scattante XRL Cross frame. I'm glad to say and if you do decide to build up one of their bikes, you won't be disappointed.

May I ask why you choose the 29er Access MTB frame over the cross specific Scattante XRL frame? Like seat_boy mentioned earlier, with a MTB frame, it will have a higher BB, longer top tube, and only disc brakes. Having the option for only disc brakes surprises be with your choice since it seems like you are doing more of a budget build. Disc specific wheelsets generally cost a little more. Why not just get a cross specific frame with cantilever brakes? I have nothing against disc brakes, I was just wondering what your reasoning is. Also, some CX races do not allow disc brakes.

Lycc825, before I answer your questions, I must add that I am a packrat and am always looking for good deals. I have many of the parts already needed, so to answer your questions:
1. Why I chose it? Well, it was available in my size and the price was a major factor, and most things I read it about were pretty positive. Got a Performance store in town, so can get it shipped free to the store.
2. Disc only? I like disc brakes and happen to have purchased a set of Avid BB's at a good price a while back.
3. Most money I will spend is on the wheelsets....still debating on what hubs to use. I am thinking of using Velocity Deep V's.
4. Cross specific frame with cantilevers? Well, am a relatively newbie and would appreciate suggestions for what you would recommend.
5. Not worried about the races that don't allow disc brakes because this is a training bike, both for riding and learning how to mechanic one. Never liked it when I couldn't fix something. I bought a busted motorcycle engine (thrown rod) once so I could take it apart and put it back together to learn how to do that.

Lastly, thank you for your kind response and again, any suggestion you have for frame is appreciated.

Lycc825, before I answer your questions, I must add that I am a packrat and am always looking for good deals. I have many of the parts already needed, so to answer your questions:
1. Why I chose it? Well, it was available in my size and the price was a major factor, and most things I read it about were pretty positive. Got a Performance store in town, so can get it shipped free to the store.
2. Disc only? I like disc brakes and happen to have purchased a set of Avid BB's at a good price a while back.
3. Most money I will spend is on the wheelsets....still debating on what hubs to use. I am thinking of using Velocity Deep V's.
4. Cross specific frame with cantilevers? Well, am a relatively newbie and would appreciate suggestions for what you would recommend.
5. Not worried about the races that don't allow disc brakes because this is a training bike, both for riding and learning how to mechanic one. Never liked it when I couldn't fix something. I bought a busted motorcycle engine (thrown rod) once so I could take it apart and put it back together to learn how to do that.

Lastly, thank you for your kind response and again, any suggestion you have for frame is appreciated.

Races allow discs now. Regular races always did, now they are UCI legal.

3. Thought you said that you already had a set of hubs to use.

Anyways, you can't really go wrong with an Access MTB frame or the Scattante cross frame.

Thanks for the comment. I do have a set of hubs to use, but was looking for suggestions if anyone had one.....always interested in receiving input. Hubs I've got are Shimanos.