bdcheung

Had a relatively good first season of 'cross last year, never finishing lower than 20th.

So this season I swapped the Surly Cross Check to a SS setup for a change in pace and for some fun.

Right now my gearing is 38x17--any thoughts on this setup? I'll likely be racing Charm City, Winchester, and Reston for those in the MABRA area.

paste_me

I just bought a CS biek and it is set up as a single speed. I think the guy races CX with it as a SS.

What do you think are the advantages?

mzeffex 

I'll be racing with you

Geared, though.

bdcheung

Don't lap me!

mzeffex 

I actually probably won't be able to race Charm City, but will do some of the others. My CX frame should - should - be in late August. I think that reg. will be full by then for 4s.

bdcheung

There aren't many. Simpler drive train means less chance of something breaking, chain droppage, chainsuck.

bmw5nkj

On top of that, cheaper and fewer things to replace, slightly lighter. Best part is you won't have to be concerned about which gear you are in; just keep pedaling. When the going gets hard, you're getting off the bike and running anyway.

Show us a picture when you're done with it!

bdcheung

I can post a pic tonight

mzeffex 

Just signed up for charm city. I did the u19 race though since it's what I can afford now. I might sign up for cat 4 when I get paid next. One race at 9, one at 11. Hmmm.. I might be on my mountain bike, not sure of ETA of cross bike.

bdcheung

Sorry for keeping y'all waiting! Didn't want to post pics until it was done done. Just took it for a ride on the Cross Country Trail.

Verdict: Single speed is tough.

mzeffex 

Nice, what's the width of those tires and what's the weight of the bike if you know?

bdcheung

I think they're 700x32c, they're pretty ****ty tires.

The weight is around 22lbs I blame it on the chromoly steel frame and fork!

mzeffex 

That's not too bad weight wise. Those tires look huge.

flargle

If you're interested, the ebay full carbon cross fork would be pretty economical way of shedding over a pound. I would recommend the Specialized fork-crown-mountain cable hanger if you go that route.

I like that bike. Looks good. Do you really need that extra collar on the seatpost? Maybe try a different clamp? (Thomson makes a nice one.)

omesh

So I did my first set of CX intervals today at our team's cx-practice on my SSCX. It was a beat-down. Especially trying to keep up with the higher category cx-veteran-racers on their tricked out geared rigs. Now I'm contemplating a 1x9 setup! The 42x18 was brutal on the 'course' - rolling hills, mostly grass.

At the end of 3 intervals I found myself thinking "oh man, 42 x 27/12 sounds great right about now...."

bdcheung

Omesh,

42x18 is a huge gear. I'm running a 38x18 and am likely going to race on a 38x19.

lunacycle

38x18 is a nice gear. I ran that gear when I dabbled in SSCX (I run a 1x9, typically). I felt a bit undergeared on the flats, but the gearing was just right for all the snaky singletrack and rollers.

Your rig looks pretty solid, although I'd ditch the outer chain guard and the inner chain-keeper. They're just going to collect mud and weigh you down.

Crack Monkey

38x18 will leave you spun out on anything paved or downhill. Last year, I didn't have the legs for anything taller than 39x19 and you (bdcheung) were faster than me. Anyway, start with what you have, but I wouldn't be surprised if you want to go a tooth or two taller in short order - especially for "roadie" courses like Route 1/Hyattesville. Kelley Acres isn't on the calendar, and that had the worst hill in '09.

FWIW, my pit bike will be 40x18 this season. I had it out on the Fairfax Co. CCT on Sunday and it was fine in the sections where I could keep speed up. It sucked on slick/wet spots with roots - not enough tire to maintain speed (but that's not an issue in cross).

bdcheung

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing! I do find myself spinning out on the flats, even off road... May try a 39 up front.

wanders

bumping out of gratitude.

I have a Kona Major one coming in next week and it comes with a 42X18. I'm now leaning toward a 39X18 setup before I leave the shop based on bd's and crack monkey's posts.

myclem

running 40x18 on my nishiki conversion. seems just about right for me.
(pics posted in other thread)

mzeffex 

Bd, that bike is awesome.

I'll look out for it at Sander.

bdcheung

You'll get a good view of it every time you lap me!

Britishbane

BD, nice bike. You and I must live relatively near each other. I'm out on the cross county trail and the laurel hill trails all the time on my super large blue cx. Hope to see you out there.