Cyclocross - Crusher in the Tushar bike

I have been drooling over the Calfee bike RBA setup for the crushet race. The cost of this bike is insane. Any thoughts or ideas on a bike or build that would be similar but cheaper? I am looking at doing this race next year. I would also be using the bike as a commuter and for the local gravel and dirt roads.

DIY direct import from china of a no brand frame ?
Calfee has SF Cal overhead and employees to pay.

Any suggestions on a frame?

NOT a suggestion (because I don't have any personal knowledge on this, don't ask!), ONLY information:

http://www.hongfu-bikes.com/

The HF-FM089 Frame looks interesting...think it would hold up in the crusher race? I'm a little worried about carbon and wonder if aluminum or Ti would be better. Any thoughts? I do want to put SRAM Apex on the bike due to the 10,000 feet of climbing and disc brakes to deal with the steep gravel descents.

http://www.hongfu-bikes.com/pic/big/269_0.jpg

This Ti bike with disc brake option looks interesting...

http://www.habcycles.com/cross.html

Also looking at this dirty disco frame for $550...any thought on it?

http://shop.titusti.com/On-One-Dirty-Disco-Carbon-Cyclocross-Frameset-p/froocxd.htm

Looking at the On One Dirty Disco/iCan AC024. Looks like there's a bolt on the rear seat stays. Any idea if that could be unbolted and a belt drive thrown in there? Could make an interesting all-arounder with an IGH.

I ended up getting the dirty disco frame...waiting for it to ship. Not bad for $550.

A used Trek/ Lemond Poprad disc would be perfect. Great steel frame!

Frame is here...bought these wheels yesterday...http://www.jensonusa.com/Stans-No-Tubes-Alpha-Disc-Cross-Wheels Got them to price match for $514.

Well...it's all here! Now to build it up...
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/edward_matterfis/Parts.jpg

If I don't plan on using this for cross racing but long dirt and gravel road events what pedals would you use? Can I stick with my spd-sl?

I'd like to know a little more about your build, because I'm interested in building something similar to this. What headset are you using for it, and do you know the max width tire the frame will accept? Thanks.

I'd like to know a little more about your build, because I'm interested in building something similar to this. What headset are you using for it, and do you know the max width tire the frame will accept? Thanks.

Here is a link for the framset: http://shop.titusti.com/On-One-Dirty-Disco-Carbon-Cyclocross-Frameset-p/froocxd.htm

Here is the headset I am using - they sell it at the site specifically for the frame: http://shop.titusti.com/product-p/hsfsocf40-blk-9.htm

As for the tires I will be running 700x35 but I have seen others run 38mm and maybe 40mm.

Here are the full details on the build:

Dirty Disco Frame 54cm
Avid BB7 Road Disc Brakes
50/34 Shimano 105 Crankset
Shimano 105 FD
Shimano Deore 9 speed rear Mtn derailleur
Ultegra Bottom Bracket
Shimano 105 Shifters
SRAM Apex 11-32 Cassette 10 speed
Stan's Alpha 340 Road Disc Wheelset (1500g) 32 spokes front and rear
Ritchey Carbon Pro seatpost
3T Ergonova Handlebars
Deda Zero1 100mm stem
FSA Orbit CF-40 Tapered Headset
Schwalbe Sammy Slick 700x35 Folding Tires

Total Cost $2000 even including everything.

Read this: http://supwithnicoleduke.wordpress.com/ Unless you are semi-pro, your 34 front/ 32 rear won't be enough. Before you install the crank, go for a MTB triple (w/ granny gear) for the mountain climbs. After the race, swap the crank for the 50/34 for "normal" use.

Read this: http://supwithnicoleduke.wordpress.com/ Unless you are semi-pro, your 34 front/ 32 rear won't be enough. Before you install the crank, go for a MTB triple (w/ granny gear) for the mountain climbs. After the race, swap the crank for the 50/34 for "normal" use.

Thanks for the tip- The race isn't until next year and it will be my commuter bike until then. I will be doing a 90 mile dirt race next month with only 3,000 ft of climbing. I will be looking at gear ratios closely next year.

Bike build finished! The one day this whole summer it had to rain...

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa368/edward_matterfis/Completed.jpg

Very nice looking bike!