emayex

A new road bike this spring drained my bike fund pretty low, so before I scrounge to add a another bike to the stable, I'm looking to get a taste using what I already have...

Plenty of info out there on SSCX -- but how about some thoughts on using my Steamroller?

I suppose down the road I could swap out the fork, for a cross spec version... but for now.. I think I'll stick with the caliper brakes. I plan to switch to cross tires, use the eggbeaters from mtb, and swap the saddle for something more competitive. I'll scoot the brake cable to above the top tube.

Would I be better off just using my mountain bike? It weighs 30+ lbs, which I dont think would be much fun to shoulder.

flargle

I raced a Steamroller my first season of cross. Very similar-looking, gray frame with black fork, same Nashbar long-reach calipers.

Just be careful choosing tires. I was able to fit 32mm file-treads under the bike, but it was a close fit. This is an issue with gearing and chain length, too...look at how close your current rear tire is to the seattube.

emayex

Thanks Flargle -- good to know. Which tires were you using? I have Continental Touring tires on there now, 28mm. I was shocked how tight a fit it was (barely a sheet of paper fits between) -- but if you look even closer -- ive got about 3/4 of inch left in the drop out, to slide the wheel back -- I have extra links for the chain, and new chain just in case. OR -- I'll probably put a smaller chainring on there (gearing is 49X20 as pictured -- I have a 42t ring to drop it to.

What tires were you using?... i know its going to be tight.

As far as the brakes go.... the front is nashbar -- the back is shimano generic long reach. This model steamroller requires a front brake for the rear bridge -- just a quirk... so i had to to buy another front caliper... the clearance isnt as good.... but i think it will make do with a larger tire.

Is clearance the biggest reason for canti brakes on CX bikes? Is there another reason why the Calipers are not as good?

Thanks!

flargle

You definitely want lower gearing than 49/20. I think 42/20 for singlespeed is pretty good.

Yes, clearance is the reason for cantilevers. It's not just about clearing the tires, but clearing mud and other debris.

I can't remember the exact tires I used. My local shop let me try them on to make sure I had clearance.

Andy_K 

Michelin Mud2's are pretty small -- 700x30 with small knobs -- and they're a nice tire.

SaddleBags

Race it. You'll only have issues on muddy courses but I raced my steamroller on dryer courses last year. It was a blast. I left my geared bike in the pit if needed. I was able to fit Ritchey Crossmax (32) using Tektro long reach brakes. I ran 39x16.

FKMTB07

FYI, the Steamroller handles VERY nicely with a Cross-Check fork. Raises the bb by a few mm, slackens the head tube able by about 3/4 of a degree, and trail remains in an acceptable range. Will allow you to run a fatter tire up front and/or a canti brake. Then just use a long-reach caliper out back (or run it fixed!) and you're good to go! I ran mine like that for a little while with 700x37c tires for a fun go-anywhere fixed gear setup.

emayex

I've got my eye out for a CX fork. Crosscheck, or something CF. I didnt realize it'd raise the BB.

thanks!

emayex

UPDATE:

First race tomorrow (following a century today -- great).

I'll be using the Steamroller. Nashbar long reach brake in back, Shimano long reach in front (more clearance on the Nashbar, to accommodate lower brake bridge).

I ended up getting a set of Michelin Mud2s. A bit on the pricey side, but I chose them because they are only supposed to be 30mm (maybe more in reality). They just barely fit.

It's supposed to be a bit rainy tomorrow -- but its been dry here all week, so I don't expect it to be super muddy (which might clog the brakes, etc). I'll be bringing my MTB as backup just in case.

My gear is 49x20 ~~ 65 inches I think... a bit steep, but I've been using it in practice, and been okay so far. We'll see.
















Obviously I wont be winning on this bike. I wouldn't be winning on ANY bike at my first race. If I survive, and still love it -- I'll be ordering myself a real cross bike tomorrow afternoon -- and this bike will be returned to normal commuting duty.

emayex

It was awesome! Placed somewhere in the middle of a field of 30 or so. Course was muddy, grassy, technical, and a lot of fun. I naturally fumbled the barriers each time -- but nailed the short chunk of almost single track. Bike performed flawlessly. No brake problems -- stopping power was obviously diminished by the wet, but never had a clogging problem. Tires were excellent. Never could have finished the race on my old tires.



Now I'm torn between what real bike to get:

Basically down to:
Moto Fantom Cross Pro: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_rival.htm, or
Neuvation FCX100: https://www.neuvationcycling.com/FCX100.html, which has gotten zero attention around here.

Next race in two weeks (with half marathon in between).

Gotta get ready!

flargle

If you can stand waiting, you can get some bargains come December or January, as cross season winds down and bills pile up.

PHR3AK

the shown bikes are multiple speed - don't want to stick with singlespeed?

emayex

No sir. If I want to do SS, I can always pull this baby back out.. I'm going to keep it in cross mode throughout the fall, to leave in the pit, if I need it.