[meat_toothpaste]

Anyone here build up the Tsunami compact cross frame over at Chucks Bikes?

http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/fr038.jpg

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[Meek]

Anyone here build up the Tsunami compact cross frame over at Chucks Bikes?

http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/fr038.jpg

Interested as well. Is it really a compact?

[auk]

I've got one and have used it this season. Really like it. Fairly light and very stiff, the downtube at the BB is massive.

The geometry is more like a semi-compact. The Large is supposed to have an effective toptube of 57cm center to center. I don't find any length longer than 56 center to center, so that can be either a good thing or not. Although I mention the frame is very stiff, the ride is not punishing. Obviously the chinstay length helps. Mine came with the integrated headset, so something you won't have to buy to get it built. The paint is a bit thin, but not a big deal in my book.

Overall, I would buy it again, even at the higher price that it was listed. The lower price just makes it all the more of a deal.

[arshak]

Yep. Did it in 2003. Built up a complete bike for my brother. Turned out really well. And yes, it is a compact frame with a sloping top tube. IMO, sloping top tube does not really do any good for cross bikes. More of a style statement. (True for road bikes too!). Complete bike in neighborhood of 18-19 LBS with Ultegra 9 speed build.

[alreadyblue]

Compact frames are lighter. It may only be a 1/4 pound, but it's a 1/4 pound you don't have to lug up a hill. Giant makes a compact cross frame, and I think a couple others are starting to follow. The disadvantage is that you don't have as much room to shoulder the bike. But a compact frame does allow you more flexibility as far as sizing goes.

[same time]

...speaking of shouldering the bike, are the rear brake cable stops on the underside the top tube?

[auk]

...speaking of shouldering the bike, are the rear brake cable stops on the underside the top tube?

Yes, they are.