NYCJohn170

+ 1

I've been commuting lately on my Tri-cross.

I only do one Cyclocross per year when it comes to my nabe. But I like it now for commuting cuz it's fast. Also, I need to carry it upstairs sometimes. I've got 2 wheelsets now so I can change it out fast. I may get three, since I need better tires for glass, though my Mud 2s keep the glass far way, riding on pavement with a Mud 2 on the rear makes the bike feel wiggly.

caintuck

I've been riding a 2004 Trek XO-1 set up for commuting with fenders, 35 Schwalbe tires, and a stem riser for a more comfortable position. It's been very good to me. It's reasonably fast, handles well in packed dirt and gravel, and works well for nice weekend joy ride.

J B Bell

Yet another Cross Check rider. I have redonkulous 40 mm tires on it, Marathon Supremes. Yes, it's the poo-brown colour they brought out last year. Not as cargo-worthy as my LHT, but I've got a rack on it. When I'm good, I use the Topeak rack-top bag and it goes like stink--compared to what I'm used to!

JeremyZ

You must not like it much, as it doesn't even get a spot in your siggy.

Sentinel04

2009 Fuji Comp Cross, Fredded out with fenders and a rack. I am very happy I chose cyclocross over a hybrid due to the drop bars. It was a bit of a gamble because I had never owned a cyclocross bike, though I had a hybrid years ago. That said, my wife is riding a hybrid (Diamondback Insight 1) and she absolutely loves it.

Loose Chain

I like that bike, is it a cyclecross? One thing, that seat should be level.

My Surly Cross Check as of late;

Magnificent777

thenomad

Looks good. I like that finish better than the flat darker finish on the CX frame I built up for my Bro.
Is that orange tape just to spice up the looks or does it serve some other utilitarian purpose?

You may want to relocate the front brake cable hanger to its lowest position as it will help regulate brake squeal the closer it is to the brake yoke.

akohekohe

In answer to the OP's question: Yes.

BCRider

I built up a Soma Double Cross about two years ago as a rack and bag bike. It's one of my favourite grocery getters and I've used it for a few cross town day off "tours" as well. It saw some duty as a commuter but with my retirement last year that job duty is off the list.

Magnificent777

Thanks! Yes the orange just for looks. About the hanger for front I will try as you suggested because it was squealing. Thanks.

GeneO 

Yes I do. 70% of my 30M RT commute is off road on hard pack or limestone/gravel paths. I have a Windsor cross with wheels replaced with Mavic Aksium and Ritchie 32x700 tires. The 32mm tires and carbon fork absorb the bumps nicely. Just a rack and panniers added for commuting.

1fluffhead

Using a 2005 Kona Jake the Snake for commuting when I don't feel like riding fixed.

iconicflux

My cross check looks a lot like yours. It has aluminum hammered fenders, extra bottle cage (one holds my ih85b bike speaker), silver rack, SRAM Rival throughout except for the cantilever brakes, a handlebar extension to mount extras too (darn fat handlebars wouldn't let me mount my airzound to it).

The few fun things I have that add a little weight are well worth it for the enjoyment they bring to long rides. It's amazing how often I'll get riders hanging with me just so they can listen to my tunes.

Cheers,
IF

thenomad

I couldn't bring myself to ride with the rear rack and trunk bag with mini panniers today. Took them off and rode with a backpack.
I like the way the bike feels as is, not weighed down. Make the commute a blast!

GeneO 

Hi, I am just trying to understand your statement as my hanger is kind of high too. How can lowering the hanger possibly help with squeal? It is still pulling the yolk up exactly the same.

These brake pads probably weren't toed in properly (mine weren't)

spooner

2010 Motobecane Fantom CX. Plant Bike fenders. Topeka Rack. Nashbar bags.

sci_femme

Why doesn't everyone use cyclocross as a commuter? - that's the right question.

In with my tricross comp.

SF

smurfy

Early ('90) Bianchi Axis which at 23lbs I'm turning into a "fast" commuter since my current commuter is a 32+lb 3-speed shopping bike.

I just got 35mm city tires for it the other day to replace the cross racing tires. I'm also getting rid of the 3TTT road bar and stem for a "moustache" (or similar) h/bar and riser stem so I can use my road brake levers and bar-end shifter. As I mentioned in the Hybrid sub forum I had to give up any kind of off-road riding due to bad knee problems and trouble with balance and coordination.

fietsbob

they work OK, IG hubs are so nice for hitting the red light and stopping, then changing to the low gear to start out .. that they are the perfect part .
you can fit one in any frame .

Trick fall

Love the orange tape, but then I really want an orange bike.

GipsyKing

Trick fall...you want an orange bike like I want a green one. Kona made a green Jake the Snake a few years ago but I guess they don't now. That would be the coup d' grace for me as I love that JTS rig. FWIW, I saw that Motobecane has an orange CX bike. From what I've read, you'd probably want to replace the wheels soon after buying, though. But for the price point, it seems like a good buy, easy to upgrade, etc. No I don't work for them or know anyone there, just been looking at their bikes the last few weeks...I need a CX bike bad.

Trick fall

Was looking at that motobecane a lot. Just started saving though so for now I am stuck with my boring silver and blue trek.

thenomad

Oh, so here's what happens from what i understand but could be a little off: Squeal "often" comes from the pads gripping and releasing from the rim due to vibration in the cables.
The higher the cable stop, the more of the brake line is exposed and unsupported all the way to the cantilever mount. If you lower the brake cable stop you essentially support/stiffen up the cables closer to the canti mounts which can get rid of that tiny bit of flex in the system. Of course, toe up the pads well, lower the cable hanger and you may get it a bit nicer.
Many people get the fork mounted cable hanger and swear it eliminates squeal.

pthreadunixman

Fantom Cross Outlaw. I use a small summit day backpack rather than panniers.